The first article I read was about how technology can enhance the lives of people on the Autism Spectrum. It discusses how people with Autism struggle with communication, reading complex cues, and social interactions with other people. The article then specifically addresses the areas people with Autism struggle with and how specific tools can help with those difficulties. In the area of communication, people with Autism can benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication. The article references BoardMaker and other communication aides that we talked about in class, such as the low tech visual schedule. I appreciated how the article talked about low-tech and high tech- options. Communication is referenced as the “core deficit” for people with ASD. Technology opens up doors for people in the area of communication because it makes communication possible for people who can barely speak. Success stories are also incorporated into the article to show how AT benefits real people. In addition, the author discusses how tangible objects can help with difficulty with complex cues. The Internet and social media, virtual reality, and virtual communities were cited as ways to work on social skills and interacting for people with ASD.
Reference:
Casfeiro, J., (2012) Technology supports for people with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Special Education Technology 27, 65-76.
The second article I read was about the use of vocabulary in direct vocabulary instruction. The article starts by talking about we are living in a technology age, where the use of technology is very prevalent and important. It also stresses the importance of vocabulary development in the development of literacy skills. A research study was conducted to figure out the effectiveness of vocabulary instruction on 30 3-4 year old, at-risk preschool children. This study was looked at in two instructional settings. The first setting was with normal vocabulary direct instruction,and the second setting was using vocabulary instruction with animation and digital articles. According to the results, these children made equal progress in both instructional settings.
Reference:
Beck, A. , Stoner, J., Dennis, M. & Parette, H. ( 2011) The use of instructional technology in direct vocabulary instruction. Journal of Special Education Technology 26, 35-44.
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