How can ICT support the learning of children with special educational :: ICT Essays

How can ICT support the scholarship of children with special educational postulate?ICT can support the learning of children with special educationalneeds SEN. It enables children with SEN to overcome barriers tolearning by providing alternative or redundant methods ofcommunicating within the learning process. Moreover, it also helpsteachers to create a supportive framework, which can enable autonomouslearning. When used creatively, ICT can enrich and enhance teaching,motivating pupils and engaging them in dynamical learning. But how isthis achieved? The range of special needs covers a very wide spectrum.It will be necessary thence to examine how ICT can support the various(a) needs.Standard equipment is often suitable for children with SEN. thesettings of the computer can be changes to make it more computerfriendly. The mouse motion can be slowed down for best control. Thetoolbar can be created to suit the childrens needs. However if thisis not suitable there ar many peripheral s and devices, which cansupport children with SEN, but not all are appropriate for everyone.For those children with a physical disability a variety of switches,optical pointers, voice controlled devices and word predictionsoftware has been designed to overcome the problems these childrenhave victimisation traditional input devices such as the mouse and keyboard.However according to Semerc 2000 these alternative methods of accessare more complex than direct input and therefore place an additionalcognitive burden on the child. The system therefore needs to be set upso that it does not become an additional barrier. Children need to becompetent with input devices such as switches. The technique whitethorn taketime to develop and opportunities need to be provided to practisethese to subdue frustration.There are a variety of switches available. Some involve hand movementwhile others can be operated by other parts of the physical structure even a strongpuff of breath can operate a switc h. The assessment of the type ofswitch required is usually carried out by specialists Hopkins, 1998.This assessment needs to be continuous. Bowser and Reed 1995 ascited by Bryant et al 1998 argue that as a child progresses throughthe raising System, their requirements change and this maynecessitate a need for different devices. This is not limited to thosechildren with a physical disability but is relevant to all childrenwith SEN as they progress and the Education System places additionalburdens upon them.For children with a visual impairment ICT can provide support invarious ways tools to support communication, to improve access to info and as a means of producing learning materials inalternative. There is a wide range of devices and software, which can