Assignment 2

            Technology in education has become increasingly more important because the world continues to advance in research and science.  In the field of special education, technology is especially important because students use devices in order to learn in a more efficient manner.  This type of technology is called assistive technology.  Assistive technology is any device, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the function capabilities of a student with disabilities (Council for Exceptional Children, 2012).

            To begin, as a student at The University of Alabama, I have used many assistive technology devices in the field of special education.  While visiting Sprayberry Education Center, I was able to see many students with hearing aids, augmentative communication devices, computer based instruction (software or games), and mobility devices.  The augmentative communication devices were the most interesting because it actually has a keyboard that allows the student to input words and sentences, and then it speaks for the student.  It is mainly used for students who suffer from (SLD) Speech and Language Disorders.  Students were able to use all of these devices to learn in some capacity, which greatly enhanced each student’s opportunity to receive a (FAPE) Free Appropriate Public Education as required by (IDEA) Individuals with Disability Act of 2004.

            Next, educational technology in my opinion would be a device that can be used to facilitate learning. My definition closely compares with the actual definition of educational technology because educational technology does in fact facilitate learning.  Furthermore, I believe that educational technology plays an important role in the teaching and learning process because it allows students to gain experiences that they otherwise would not have had without the use of educational technology.  For example, a student who is unable to speak would be able to use an augmentative communication device to speak or a nondisabled student may not be able to grasp the concept of long division, but a computer game such as Math Blaster could assist the student in learning the new math skill.  The computer and the computer software would present math in a way that is not intimidating, and the student would see it as a challenge.  I believe that students are often intimidated by math, but math can actually be fun to learn; it can benefit a student in so many ways and increase their level of confidence.  Technology is also important in the classroom because students need to gain experience with using it for their academic and professional lives.  Persons that are not competent in using technology, especially computers, will definitely be disadvantaged in some way.  This disadvantage could be in securing employment, completing academic assignments, etc.

            Finally, there are several factors that encourage and both discourage the use of technology in the classroom.  The most important factor is obviously the cost factor.  As many states face severe cuts in educational funding, technological resources grow more scarcely available.  Special education students are at an advantage because the United States Department of Education sets a large amount of funds aside for assistive technology.  Also, many educators are simply not aware of the vast amount of resources available, or they are not aware how to use educational technology in the classroom

            In conclusion, educational technology ranges from general equipment such as televisions, computers, special education equipment, cellular devices, etc.  The device may change, but the definition of educational technology will never change because facilitates learning and the educational process in some way.   It plays such an important role in education because it helps students gain technological skills, and it provides students with opportunities that they otherwise would not have had access to.