Deron Perkins

Professor Ballentine
EDU 2800.02
24 October 2015

Assistive Technologies- http://www.wordtalk.org.uk/Home/

1.

What is assistive technology (AT)? Assistive technology is an umbrella term

that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities and
also includes the process used in selecting, locating, and using them.
2.
Identify a piece of assistive technology used in an educational setting:
WordTalk is an example of an extremely beneficial form of AT.
3.
When and how would these technologies be used? WordTalk could be used
whenever students are assigned to complete a task on their own. WordTalk is a program
that can read aloud any document written in Word and create audio files that can be
saved. In addition, WordTalk functions can be accessed by customizable keyboard
shortcutsfor individuals with vision challenges, or those who cannot use a mouse
effectively. In addition, students with reading disabilities can also use screen readers to
help them understand course materials.
4.
What kind of teacher training is involved? There is no formal training but it is
highly recommended to take the tutorial. Its easy to add-in on word so accessibility
shouldnt be an issue.
5.

What are the costs associated with the use of the technology? Nothing. WordTalk is a

free add-in for Microsoft word users.

6.

What experience do you have or anticipate with the use of the technology? I do not

have any experience with said AT, but now that I am aware I will master it to broaden the range
of students I can help.

Wireless Technologieshttps://xyofeinstein.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/33_interesting_ways_to_use_mobile_phones_i
n_th.pdf
1. What is wireless technology? Wireless technology is the process of sending
information through invisible waves in the air. Information such as data, voice, and
video are carried through the radio frequency of the electromagnetic spectrum.
2. Identify a piece of wireless technology used in an educational setting: Today there
is no more effective and relevant tool of wireless technology than a cell phone.
3. When and how would these technologies be used? This could be used throughout a
lecture as a polling device to gauge competence. It also could be used to encourage
students to review outside the classroom if the tools on it are interesting enough.
4. What kind of teacher training is involved? None at all. The only issue a teacher
may have is ensuring the students are actually doing the work and not aimlessly
browsing the web. This can be monitored by having an administrative position within
whatever app/website is being used so you can view the screens of students.
5. What are the costs associated with the use of the technology? The costs are
meager for such devices. The problems come in when students want the newest ones
available, which can be costly.
6. What experience do you have or anticipate with the use of the technology? I have
over a decade of experience dealing with cell phones. I anticipate using them to
measure where my students are, as well as develop assignments based upon those
various competency levels.

Digital Equity- http://epaa.asu.edu/ojs/article/view/51

1. What does digital equity mean to you? Digital equity means equal access for all in
terms of Wi-Fi speed and availability. This also means technology that is evenly
dispersed no matter the income of the recipients.
2. How do you see these practices in your work or environment? I have seen it from
both sides of the spectrum, being deprived and having true equity. Growing up I lived
in the impoverished portion of my city. With that being said the technology provided
by my schools were not on par with those of schools in more affluent portions. In
college everyone uses the same Wi-Fi and computers (unless they bring their own)
which levels the playing field substantially for everyone.

3.

What key issues are raised that teachers must consider to appropriately provide
equitable technology access and learning opportunities for all students? The
most pertinent issue regarding equitable technology access is funding. Schools are
often a reflection of the neighborhoods theyre in (financially speaking) and with the
economic gap between the haves and have-nots at historical levels, escalates the issue
substantially as years go by.