The Enabling Dreams video presents how technology is improving the lives of students with disabilities. Technology has become even more important as many people with all sorts of disabilities are given the opportunity to learn, play, and communicate better. With the ever changing world of technology, imagine the inventions today that can be tailored to just about anyone. The video displays assistive technology usages by students with disabilities. A seemingly happy, Susanna Martini, for her, technology is like a lifeline, without it she could not exist (Curtis D., 2005). Studies show that the earlier you introduce assistive devices the quicker they master them (Curtis D., 2005). With the appropriate technology anyone has the opportunity to enhance their way of learning.
Creating a lesson plan should be a well thought process for every teacher. Every detail is just as important as when the lesson plan is executed. As an aspiring teacher, I would create my lesson plan accordingly. I want to ensure that each learner has a place in my lesson plan and that each student will able to participate in my activities. I would keep in mind the steps to take when creating a newly revised lesson plan when adding a disability student. What is the disability of the student? What are the issues surrounding their learning disability? More importantly, I would try to find the strengths of the student. Their strengths determine what they can engage in or what materials they can use.
The previous designs of my lesson plans were simple. For example, the students are to create short essays surrounding the topics movie, music, and food. Revising it so that it would include a disability student would make it completely different. Since the Internet has given so much, I would like to make more use of appropriate websites that give students the opportunity to search as they wish, but of course under my supervision. Students can watch trailers of movies, listen to music through their headphones, all of which they can do together as a class. I would like to have all my students as successful participants.
Being technology proficient, I would consider the facts first and then create a revised lesson plan for all types of learners. No one should feel isolated because they think they are incapable. All types of learners should be included in the lesson plan. For those with disabilities the newly revised lesson plan should also be appropriate. Having their parents or guardians aware of any changes within the classroom. Having them participate in class could be beneficial to their learning as well as help boost their overall confidence in themselves.
Reference
Curtis, D. (2005). Assistive technology: Enabling Dreams.
Edutopia. Retrieved April 13, 2012. From
