Week 2

            One thing that I would like to add about this week is my beliefs about assistive technology in schools and the availability that is present.  I think that assistive technology is very positive and important in special education classrooms; however, I believe that, regardless of whether one is a teacher in a special education classroom or a general education classroom, every teacher should receive training and information about the various types of assistive technology out there.  ALL teachers should be aware and familiar with what assistive technology means and is because there could be a possibility of having a student in your classroom that requires such assistance and resources.  It is especially important to recognize the low-tech resources because they don't necessarily require technology per se.  They can be used in the general environment to accommodate students in ALL situations (both general ed and special ed).  By being aware of all types of assistive technology opportunities, teachers of all kinds can better meet the needs of their students.  I think that in schools today, there is a limited knowledge about assistive technology and money becomes a major issue in making those resources available for students that need them.  Teachers needs to be more aware of AT influences on student learning and growth.  I think that unless a teacher has a student who requires assistive technology, he or she is unaware of the various influences and resources available.  There may be a low-tech item that may just be the key to helping a student that much more; however, without knowing about such resources teachers can not do much.  A teacher can have all the resources in the world right at his or her fingertip; however, if they don't know how to use them they do no good.