Using Technology to Promote Literacy in Students with Disabilities

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Introduction

Data provided by the National Center for Educational Statistics

Students with disabilities may have physical and/or mental impairments which can make it more difficult for them to learn to read and write. Most often these students require accommodations or modifications to the learning curriculum in order to be successful. Today, general education teachers are seeing more and more students with IEP's in their classrooms than ever before. General education teachers are lacking the training needed to successfully teach these students, making it frustrating for both the teacher and the student. Struggles with literacy is something that almost all students with disabilities are faced with. Technology can greatly improve the literacy outcomes of these students, if used properly. This course is designed to make teachers aware of technology available to them, that can help their students develop a command of literacy.

The image to the right (click the image to make it larger) shows the percentage distribution of children and youth ages 3-21 served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), by disability type for the 2009-2010 school year.

Note: Three disability categories (deaf-blindness, traumatic brain injury, and visual impairments) are not represented in this chart. This is because they account for less than 1 percent of children served under IDEA.

Lesson 1: Balanced Literacy

OBJECTIVES:

• Teacher students will be able to describe a balanced literacy approach to teaching
• Teacher students will be able to explain the importance of a balanced literacy program
• Teacher students will develop an appreciation for balanced literacy

Lesson 2: Students with Disabilities and the Struggles with Literacy

OBJECTIVES:

• Teacher students will be able to describe problems that students with disabilities have with literacy
• Teacher students will acquire a better understanding of disabilities and the challenges they present in the classroom
• Teacher students will develop a heightened awareness for students with disabilities

Lesson 3: Available Technology for Literacy Instruction

OBJECTIVES:

• Teacher students will be able to list various technologies to aide in literacy instruction for students with disabilities
• Teacher students will be able to explain the benefits of using various technologies in literacy instruction

Lesson 4: Effective Uses for Technology to Promote Literacy in Students with Disabilities

OBJECTIVES:

• Teacher students will be able to demonstrate effective uses of technology in literacy instruction
• Teacher students will be able to create classroom activities and/or lessons that incorporate technology strategies for literacy instruction
• Teacher students will become more comfortable incorporating technology in the daily lessons plans