Download - Assistive Technology in the Classroom. Session 3 Effective Implementation of Assistive Technology
Assistive Technologyin the Classroom
Session 3Effective Implementation of
Assistive Technology
Presentation Agenda
Introduction to AT implementation
Implementation Scenerios
Steps for Effective Implementation
Conditions that Foster Implementation
Barriers to Effective Implementation
Team Roles
AT Implementation Resources
IntroductionEffective AT implementation can be a complex and lengthy process
Requires careful planning
Effective AT implementation is…based on student need and curricular goals
collaborative
systematic
recursive
flexible
AT AbandonmentCurrently a high rate of AT abandonment
Reported at 15 – 85%
Causes include…Inappopriate match of technology features to student and program need
Ineffective introduction of AT into student’s program
Poor or ineffective staff training
Missing or poorly established AT outcomes
AT abandonment can be avoided by taking time to develop and follow an AT Implementation Plan
Think about this…Have you seen cases of AT abandonment in your classroom or school?
What do you think caused the technology to fail?
What could have been done by the school team to achieve a better outcome?
Implementation Scenario I Keith – 12 year old with ASD
Difficulties with written output
Teacher selected laptop and Intellitalk II
Laptop was incompatible with school and took months to connect
No IEP goals identified and team did not receive any training prior to introducing AT to Keith
Team not able to reintroduce it – laptop was given to another student
Implementation Scenario II Caitlyn – 10 year old with CP
After thorough assessment, team determines need for support for written output
Based on OT recommendations, team conducts trials with computer and keyboards
AT selected based on results
Team trained on technology
AT introduced slowly and data gathered
Time was built into SEA schedule for planning, preparation, assessing and transitioning AT
Think about this…What was different?Brainstorm the differences between the two scenerios. Jot down all your ideas first and then group them – which of the differences related to the student, which to the technology, which to the environment and which to the team?
Effective AT Implementation Process
1. Gather relevant information
2. Establish IEP goals
3. Conduct AT trials
4. Identify AT solution
5. Develop Implementation Plan
6. Adapt lessons for AT integration
7. Follow up and plan transition
From: Making It Work (Introduction)
Break Time!
Session Activity
Watch the video showcasing Matt using Dragon Naturally Speaking (speech-to-text software)Matt and his TeamWhile watching – think about what his EA, Lori, needed to do to ensure Matt was successful
Conditions that Foster Effective Implementation
StudentMotivated and interested in the processFamily interested and supportive
TeamMotivated and collaborativeAble to articulate specific IEP goalsUnderstands the steps in an effective implementation planHas access to necessary training and resources
Conditions that Foster Effective Implementation
EnvironmentSchool administration is supportiveSchool or district IT department is supportiveSchool has appropriate physical spaceNecessary auxiliary or peripheral technology is in place
TechnologyFeatures match student needs and curricular goalsReadily available to studentMaintained in good working order
Barriers to ImplementationStudent
Not motivated or interested in the technology
Has not participated in the selection process
Has not been adequately prepared or trained to use technology
TeamDoes not have time to plan, prepare, or train for technology
Is not technically ready to implement technology
Not all team members involved in process
Does not have a comprehensive implementation plan in place
Is not aware or does not make use of available AT resources
Barriers to Implementation
EnvironmentNecessary auxiliary or peripheral technology not available
School administration not informed or supportive
Classroom setting inadequate
School or district IT department not involved
Necessary AT resources not available
TechnologyFeatures do not match student need or curricular goals
Does not function well in school environment
Too complex to be implemented in reasonable time
Watch this…You may be feeling a bit discouraged – it seems AT implementation is very challenging!
It can be challenging but the results can be life changing
Not convinced? Watch this video and see how some of the successful technology solutions took time and effort but how the patience and persistence of the individuals and the teams changed lives.
Assistive Technology: Enabling Dreams
Break Time!
Team RolesEffective implementation requires involvement of the entire school based team
Key members of the teamStudent and parents
Teachers – classroom, learning support, district support
Special Education Assistant
District Support Staff – OT, PT, SLP
School and District administration
Team should work collaboratively
Team requires a team leader to coordinate the implementation plan
Effective AT Implementation Resources
Wide variety of resources available on internetEmphasis has changed from AT selection to AT implementationChallenge is to find tools that work for the student and the teamCheck to see what AT implementation resources are being used at school or in the district
WATI TATN Minnesota NATRI Zabala SET-BC
Session ActivityWhat role will you play in AT implementation?Think about your current role – as an educational assistant – and consider what you can do in this role to actively support AT implementation in your classroom or school.
Look at each of the seven AT implementation steps and discuss how you will contribute to each step.
You can use the Seven Steps to Success Form! to write down your ideas
Discussion ForumIn your small group, you will be looking at your student’s profile and their daily activities so you can choose appropriate goals
Your discussion task is to decide on three IEP goals which can be met by using assistive technology
To think about…
The successful assessment and implementation of AT requires more than organizing a group of professionals with an interest in assistive technology and providing them with information on a variety of hardware and software. A cohesive AT team is one that is highly functional and effective in assessing needs, matching the appropriate solution and strategies to the student, providing support for the implementation and measuring outcomes of the implementation.
John Laskarzewski, Spotlight on Learning
Session Summary ActivityLink to Session 3 Summary Activity
Session 3 Summary Activity
Will be emailed to you after this session!
Any Questions?Ready to move on?