The Use of Technology in Special Education in the Classroom

Today, Special Education is surrounded by technology to suit the variety of learning and physical disabilities. We have many software that makes language arts & math easy . Tools that teach lifelong skills, and most importantly, we have technology that helps improve COMMUNICATION.

What are some learning disabilities makes communication difficult?

Classic Autism Down Syndrome Cerebral Palsy

Mental Retardation Deaf & Hard of Hearing

And these students educatorsWhat is one communication tool

to teach?

American Sign Language!!!preferably American Sign

Language

What is American Sign Language?

American Sign Language (or ASL, Ameslan) is the dominant sign language of the Deaf Americans (which include the Deaf communities in the United States, in the English-speaking parts of Canada, and in some regions of Mexico. Although the United Kingdom and the United States share English as a spoken and written language, British Sign Language (BSL) is quite different from ASL, and the two sign languages are not mutually intelligible.

What tools are used to teach Sign Language?

BOOKS WITH ILLUSTRATIONS WEBSITES

Sign language books…

BOOK LESSON SAMPLE

Although books are good source of learning, it is not a really good source when it comes to practice.

The illustrations are hard to follow

The expressions that are important for the students to follow are not really shown in the black & white print

Example: “A Basic Course in Sign Language”Can you sign these?

Sign language websites…

http://www.aslpro.com

This is one great ASL website for everyone.

Compared to illustrations, each signed words live.

There is the option of taking a quiz: vocabulary, spelling, and conversation.

Facial expressions and body languages are exercised.

Which do you Prefer?

Wikipedia contributors. "American Sign Language." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 2 Apr. 2010. Web. 5 Apr. 2010.

http://www.aslpro.com Humphries, T. Padden, C., & O’Rourke, T. “A Basic Course in

Sign Language”. T.J. Publishers Inc. 2nd ed. September 1994