Learning The Features of Technology

This post will assist everyone like myself, who may not be up-to-date on the different types of computer technology. Nowadays, computers are all around us.  They are at gas stations, banks, supermarkets, schools, and in the workplace.  However, not everyone is aware of what is available in technology or how to properly use it.  With more and more special needs students being included in regular education classrooms, teachers should be trained in the use of various computer technologies. This training would help teachers facilitate a broader range of educational activities to meet the needs of their students with mild or severe disabilities.  This technology can help students become active learners in the classroom with their peers and it allows them to be fully engaged in the lessons. 

The Windows and Mac computer operating systems offer a variety of built in features that make computer use more flexible for the various users.  The following chart describes each feature and who benefits from the implementation:

Universal Design Features	Student Characteristics
Mouse/Keyboard-(Windows and Mac OS). This feature allows a person to either use a mouse or the keyboard.	Fine motor control difficulties Limited range of motion Visual impairments
Speech Recognition (Windows) or Speakable Items (Mac) This feature allows a person to access menus by speaking the proper command.	Motor control issues Muscle weakness or fatigue Vision impairments
One-button mouse (Mac) or two-button mouse (Windows) This feature allows a person to position the mouse on the side of the keyboard that is most convenient.	Accommodates left and right hand users
Enlarged icons and mouse speed (Mac and Windows) This feature allows users to adjust the speed of the mouse and the enlarged icons are easier to see and also, it creates a larger surface to select with the mouse.	Hand-eye coordination problems Visual impairments Hand tremors Mild motor control issues Cognitive disabilities
Adaptability to the user’s pace (Mac and Windows) This allows users to adjust the speed the mouse pointer moves	Difficulty with visual tracking Poor fine motor Difficulty raising head to monitor movement of mouse

Resource:
 Dell, A., Newton, D., & Petroff, J. (2012). Assistive Technology in the Classroom. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, Inc.. (Original work published 2008)