Download - Assistive Technology in the Preschool Classroom Jill Jump, MA/ CCC-SLP UCP Aaron W. Perlman Center
Assistive Technology in the Preschool Classroom
Jill Jump, MA/ CCC-SLPUCP Aaron W. Perlman Center
Effective Use of the Computer with Young
Children
Myths About Computers and Young Children
1. Computers will make children smarter.2. Sitting close to the computer will damage a
child’s eyes.3. Computers give off harmful radiation.4. Children will become less social by using the
computer,5. Children should understand how computers
work.6. Making the child “computer literate” now will
better prepare him for the future.
Cognitive Skills that Can Be Enhanced with the Computer
• Cause and effect• Picture to picture identification• Memory (visual and auditory)• Generalization of concepts from concrete to
abstract• Making independent choices• Pre-readiness (shapes, colors, size)• Readiness (letters, numbers, beginning
literacy)• Classification/categorization• Sequencing
Social Emotional Skillsthat can be Enhanced by the
Computer
• Turn-taking• Peer interaction• Attending• Motivation• Raised self esteem through peer
tutoring of another child• As a means to encourage friendship
through common interest
Babies and Toddlers (0-3 years)
• Exploratory Stage• Short Attention Span• Cause and Effect• Can’t use mouse to point and click• Simple mouse skills begin at 30
months
Babies and Toddlers
• Software: Reader Rabbit Toddler Fisher Price
Toddler Jump Start
Toddler
• Adaptations: Expanded Keyboards Switches Touch Window Use of Real
objects as props
Preschool (3-5 year olds)
• Can begin to work on click and drag skills and pull down menus
• Open ended software that encourages exploration and creativity
• Want to be “in control”• Ease of use is critical• Start of some text based input• Shared social activity
Preschool-Software
• Disney’s Ready for Math with Pooh
• Fisher Price Learning in Toyland• Jump Start Preschool Deluxe• Millie and Bailey Preschool• More Bugs in a Box
Criteria for Selecting Softwarefor the
Preschool Classroom
Easy to Use
• Limited keys for input• Easy in/out• Picture icons instead of written
instructions
Levels of Difficulty
• Ability to grow with the child or use with variety of levels of children.
• Branching options available.• Good range of content.
High Interest Subject Matter
• Graphics and sound are high quality and don’t distract or compete.
• Reinforces real world experiences.• Do not compete with but rather
enhance program content.• Reaction to a key press should be
immediately seen.• Opportunities for trial and error.
Adaptations to Level the Playing Field for ALL
Children
Low Tech
• Stick on keyboard letters• Color-coded special input keys• Keyboard masks• Keyguards• Cardboard tube for wrist rest• Trackballs• Pair of hands to facilitate waiting• Pointers• Change position of child and/or equipment• Place a piece of foam under trackball to slow down
speed
High Tech
• Voice output• Touch Windows• Big Keys• Expanded Keyboards• Child specific devices:
– Switches– AAC devices– Alternate keyboards
Integrating Computer Activity within the Early Childhood Curriculum
• Determine the child’s specific goals.• Preview and select software to meet
goals.• Select appropriate peripherals for
computer input and possible speech or print output.
• Experiment with software to discover the variety of ways it can be used.
• Define prerequisite skills for operating software and hardware.
• Plan both “pre” and “post” off computer classroom activities to : – Prepare for computer activity.– Reinforce skills gained through
computer activity.
• Evaluate effectiveness of computer activity on an ongoing basis and modify as necessary.
Augmentative Communication
Definition of Augmentative and Alternative Communication
• Augmentative and alternative communication(AAC) refers to any approach designed to support, enhance, or augment the communication of individuals who are not independent communicators in all situations
Who is Augmentative Communication For?
• Non-speaking individuals who are– Physically challenged– Multiply involved with unknown cognitive
abilities– Physically able: dyspraxic, language
delayed– Pre-verbal or emergent verbal– Autistic– Developmentally delayed– Behavior disorders related to inability to
communicate effectively
Who is Assistive Technology for?
• Individuals who are: – Physically involved but cognitively able – Physically involved with unknown
cognitive abilities – Multiply involved with unknown cognitive
abilities – Fine Motor difficulties – Developmentally delayed
General Philosophical Basis
1) Technology and Augmentative Communication Systems can be very powerful, but they are useless in enabling children to realize their potential without appropriate training and a supportive environment.
2) Augmentative language or assistive technology system means: multiple systems. * The use of multiple systems is vastly more effective than use of a single system. System choice depends on the individual's situation, environment, needs, fatigue, and the communication partners,
3) Assessment and evaluation are on-going TEAM processes.
4) Vocabulary and Symbol selection are ongoing processes.
5) Experiencing receptive use of augmentative systems is important for those children developing language for the first time. Augmentative communication is effectively taught in an environment comparable to foreign language immersion.
6) Augmentative Communication and Assistive Technology is most effective if taught in an interactive and pragmatic format. * learning in functional situations
facilitates generalization * anything that has some intrinsic
motivation for the child is more likely to be practiced in different settings and used by the child. * motivation is governed by the amount of control and connection the child feels in the communicative interaction.
7) Partner training can play an important role in the success of communication and adaptations.
8) Classroom and home integration are crucial to success.
* Children learn to use augmentative communication and assistive
technology more effectively if it is integrated into all aspects of their day. * Communication needs and access needs will vary in different situations and need to be planned for ahead of time.
9) The art and science of augmentative communication and Assistive Technology is still a developing field. * we are still learning new strategies * equipment/technology is rapidly
changing * we don't have all the answers, research in this field is just beginning * we learn from the children and their reactions and preferences
10) Implementing augmentative communication and assistive technology consumes an enormous amount of time and energy from therapists, teachers, parents and the child. * This is especially true if it is an
addition to the curriculum instead of an integral part of it.
But it’s worth it!
• improves self-concept and self esteem • provides motivation • reduce frustration and behavior
problems • increase participation in daily life • facilitates learning by making learning
interactive instead of passive • changes expectations of others for
child's potential
Augmentative Communication Systems
• Low Tech– Picture,Letter and Word Boards– Eye gaze board– Manual signing
• High Tech– Dedicated Communication Devices– Computer Based Communication
Devices– Voice Synthesizers
Real objects and Pictures
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Braille and Object Board
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Photo Choice Board
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Barbara Bloomfieldwww.icontalk.com
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Home Schedule
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Adapted Picture Book
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From Pati King DeBaunwww.creativecommunicating.com
Mayer Johnson Companyhttp://www.mayer-johnson.com/
Boardmaker
I want
art
all done
Writing with Symbols
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Software for Picture Support
• BoardMaker (Mayer-Johnson)www.mayer-johson.com
• Writing with Symbolswww.mayer-johson.com
• Picture It (Slater Software)• Pix Writer (Slater Software)
www.slatersoftware.com • IntelliTools
www.intellitools.com
Resources
National Center for Improved Practice in Special Education
http://www2.edc.org/NCIP/library/ec/toc.htm