Critique - Class 2 - April 25th, 2020

"Take the Pencil out of the Process"

I did not know that there was an actual connection with ASD and handwriting. Broun (2009) states: "When considering a student’s use of a keyboard versus using handwriting, teachers must consider that there are neurological abnormalities that may cause a student with ASD to experience difficulty with motor function, including the physical act of handwriting" (p. 15). This is really interesting to know that it is proven why they have these difficulties. I often see students have more success typing than handwriting. They are able to process more about what they are writing instead of focusing on how their letters are formed.

Paper and Pencil vs a Keyboard

 

I loved when Broun (2009) wrote: "Fair is not giving everyone the same thing, fair is giving people what they need" (p. 16). This comes up time and time again in the education system. It reminded me of the two images that I have seen so many times pictured below. If you give everyone the same outcome, they will not have the same experience. You have to tailor things to each person's needs in order for them to be successful. This has nothing to do with being fair in regards to everyone receiving the same thing, it is all about being fair in what experience they receive.  

Equality vs Equity Image

Fair Selection Image

• It shouldn't matter what the cost of accessible technology is. If a student needs it, they should receive it. You wouldn't hesitate to give a student who couldn't walk a wheelchair, so why hesitate in giving a student who can't write a writing aid? In regards to training a student on the device, that is part of our job. They can practice at home as well if they have access to it. There are so many different apps out there that they can avail of to help them learn how to type and use certain programs. 

Types of Accessible Technology