In addition to ESL509, I am enrolled in a course centered on Assistive Technology (AT). This has been an eye-opening course for a teacher who has had little experience with students who utilize AT. What I did learn, is that AT can be something as simple as a pencil grip which helps a student to write. However, Assistive Technology can be at the cutting edge of research to give students the opportunities to use their abilities to overcome their disabilities. For example, a nonverbal student who also cannot use their hands, can use a "Sip and Puff" system to control an Augmented Communication Device to create sentences and express themselves.
Check out this article on Assistive Robots, where robots are being used for patients in rehabilitation settings. Patients with a wide array of injuries are able to be treated using robotics to help regain their strength and mobility. This robotic device picture below is called Lokomat. It gives hope to people with paralysis by retraining them to walk.
In the last 3 weeks, my Google alerts have been full of articles discussing the huge potential of Assistive Technology. A few buzz words that emerged, Assistive Robot, Artificial Intelligence, and Cloud Technology. A massive amount of money is being invested in developing AT for people with communication disorders, autism, mobility, and cognitive disabilities. Cutting edge technology is being researched, and investors are funding the development of new AT.
Artificial Intelligence is also now "capable of seeing, hearing, and reasoning with increasing accuracy." This can give equal opportunities to all students, including L2s. With all of the focus on the newest technologies, I believe that robots will have an increasing presence in our classrooms, and Artificial Intelligence will be among common language in education.
Hey Heather,
ReplyDeleteAwesome blog. Very interesting. I've seen videos similar to the picture you shared in the blog but never really looked into it. It really is fascinating what we can do with technology these days. It's crazy to think how much technology has changed in the past 10 years and I can't imagine where it will be in the next ten. I really liked when you said "Assistive Technology can be at the cutting edge of research to give students the opportunities to use their abilities to overcome their disabilities." That is such an empowering statement and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more articles like this.
-Robbie