Katie Farrell
3/26/12
ISTC 301
Assistive Technology in the Classroom
Reference:
Netherton, D.L., & Deal, W.F. (2006). Assistive technology in the classroom. Technology
Teacher. 66(1), 10-15.
Summary:
The article, Assistive Technology in the Classroom, written by David Netherton and
Walter Deal is about assistive technology in K-12 classrooms. The article talks a lot about what
assistive technology is. The definition in the article for assistive technology is: “any piece of
equipment or device that may be used by a person with a disability to perform specific tasks,
improve functional capabilities, and become more independent” (Netherton & Deal, 2006, p. 11).
In this article, the authors essentially wanted the readers to know that there is a constant
need for information to be provided to people, especially teachers/administrators about assistive
technology. There are always advances in technology that can really help students with
disabilities learn better and achieve/accomplish more in school than they would without the
technology. The authors also wanted the readers to know that it’s important to keep trying to
make improvements to assistive technology to make the functionality of it even better. In the
article, a student named Henry was using high-tech assistive technology, but made advances to it
to make him even more independent. Lastly, in this article the authors really stressed that the
purpose of assistive technology is to maximize independence. Students should be as independent
as they can and with assistive technology, self-sufficiency is possible.
In this article, the authors stated that assistive technology should be used for as many
students as possible. Schools should think about assistive technology for all students with
Individualized Education Plans (IEP’s). Some students will not require the technology, but all
students can benefit from it. Assistive technology has helped so many students make great
achievements. It has helped students be able to go to college after high school and even go on to
get full time careers after college. Assistive technology is a great advancement in schools and
according to Netherton and Deal, should be used in all grade levels for all types of students.