Blog Post #2

(1) assistive technology versus instructional technology

(3) augmented and virtual reality

Technology is something that is vital to their learning. Our students have grown up on
technology and learn better with it. Through classroom discussions, assigned readings,
PowerPoints, and classroom. experience I have learned a wealth of information on the
topics of Assistive Technology (AT), Instructional Technology, Augmented Reality (AR), and
Virtual Reality (VR). All of the technology tools are very different in usage but help individuals
with and without disabilities.

Technology in the classroom is beneficial in a multitude of ways and will continue to

evolve over time. Instructional Technology is something that helps educators teach content
or new skills. It comes in many forms to help present instruction. Instructional Technology
can be used with any student. Some examples are; interactive websites, smartboards,
promethean boards, microphones, and iPads to name a few. It is very different from
Assistive Technology in the classroom. Assistive Technology focuses on increasing functional
capabilities in the classroom. AT comes in many forms to help individuals with cognitive and
physical disabilities. Assistive Technology comes in Low (LT), Mid (MT), and High Tech (HT).
The different levels are used for classifying what tools the individual needs to be successful
in the classroom. AT can vary anywhere from a pencil gripper to an eye gaze. The
purpose of AT is to help students meet their educational goals and access curriculum. In my
opinion, AT will continue to progress over time.

Prior to this week’s module, I had no clue that Virtual Reality could be used in the
classroom or what Augmented Reality was. Both realities are very different but have great
usage for the classroom. Augmented Reality is computer generated content as a 3D
software that enhances the real world. Not being the most tech savvy person I furthered
investigated AR. Our students are using AR in their everyday lives. Apps or games like
Snapchat or Pokémon-Go are examples of Augmented Reality. They use a camera or
phone with digital elements features. This could enhance learning in so many ways by
altering what students see. For example, AR could be used to show students the human
body or outer space and take learning into another level. Another tool that uses software to
enhance learning is Virtual Reality (VR). Virtual Reality is quite different from AR. Unlike AR
which alters the environment VR is complete immersion in the app and shuts out the
physical world. Some examples of Virtual Reality are GoogleCardboard and HTC Vive. In my
opinion, VR is the future of education. Working with students at the high school level with
severe and profound disabilities community instruction is a vital piece of our classroom.
However, due to outstanding circumstances we cannot always get out in the community. By
using apps like GoogleCardboard I could bring the community to my classroom. Community
instruction would not be limited by any means through VR. Another way I think VR can be
influential in the classroom is to enhance lessons. Through these apps you could take your
class around the world and even into space. I really do think that this is the future of
learning and that our students can benefit greatly from it.

These topics are all important and beneficial for students in a multitude of ways.
Instructional technology goes hand and hand with Augmented and Virtual Reality. It can be
used with everyone in the classroom to teach new skills and content. If used in the
classroom we can really enhance the way, we teach and learn. There are so many apps
out there and our students usually enjoy the computer screen over us most days. Students
with ASD could really benefit from these tools. It may even motivate students to learn even
more by being immersed into another world through these tools. Every time I bring a new
piece of technology into my classroom my students love it. I can’t wait to see how excited
they would be with AR or VR in a lesson. If I was asked to mentor a new teacher on the
subjects above, I would set everything up on a website to share information. Once we had
the time to go over the website, I would teach the mentee about the tools. I would set
them up in the classroom and let them explore each tool. For example, with Virtual Reality
I’d use GoogleCardboard with them. When I work with anyone new, I am a big advocate of
hands on learning. In my opinion, the best way to learn is by doing. While exploring the
resources I would share how to use tools with students with ASD and other disabilities.
Through our grad classes I have kept an electronic folder and notebook of resources for
individuals with ASD I would share that with the teacher as well. Overall, I think technology
is the future of education and we need to part of that change for our students.