EDU 103: Assistive Technology in the Classroom

Course Description

This course provides students with current information on Autism and on how to embed assistive technology in student learning plans. Strategies to work with students with autism and to use assistive technology for all students will be discussed. Learning outcomes are based on the National Paraprofessional standards, Levels 1-3. Students are provided with numerous modes of learning, including lecture, group discussion, activities and classroom observations to assist them in learning and demonstrating the content of working with students with behavioral difficulties. (3 credits)

Prerequisite

  • ENG 101: English Composition 1

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  1. Summarize what assistive technology is and why it is beneficial for students with disabilities.
  2. Describe the assistive technology continuum and give examples of assistive technology tools at each point on the continuum.
  3. Explain how paraeducators can work as a member of a team when working with students with disabilities and assistive technology.
  4. Identify problems that students with disabilities have with reading, writing, math, communication, executive functioning and social skills and align appropriate assistive technology to support them in each of the areas.
  5. Identify practices that a paraeducator can use to increase access to computers and mobile devises using assistive technology.
  6. Identify design and accessibility features of computers and mobile devices and align appropriate features with the needs of students with disabilities.
  7. Describe assistive technology approaches in Transition Planning.
  8. Explain critical issues in assistive technology implementation in the classroom.

General Education Outcomes (GEOs)

Please check the applicable GEOs for this course, if any, by outcomes at GEO Discipline Search.

Course Activities and Grading

Assignments

Weight

Discussions (Weeks 1-8)

32%

Quizzes (Weeks 1, 2, 3, 5 & 7)

20%

Classroom Observation, Verification & Reflection Form (Week 4)

20%

Assistive Technology Tools Paper (Week 6)

10%

Final Case Study Paper (Week 8)

18%

Total

100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak's online bookstore

  • Dell, Newton, Petroff, (2017). Assistive Technology in the Classroom: Enhancing the School Experiences of Students with Disabilities, Third Edition. Pearson Publishing. ISBN-13: 9780134170411

Additional Requirement

Students are required to complete one observation of a paraeducator working in an educational setting, where they will submit a signed verification form and reflection form in Week 4 of this course. Because it does take time to make arrangements to observe in a school setting, students are required to begin planning for these visits in Week 1. Students may contact the school of your choice. The College has provided a letter of introduction to assist students in arranging for the visit.

 

Course Schedule

Week

SLOs

Readings and Exercises

Assignments

1

1-3

Topic: Overview of Assistive Technology

View PowerPoint:

  • COMPASS: AT Overview

Readings:

  • Assistive Technology in the Classroom - Chapter 1
  • Review course syllabus
  • Review course policies
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review lecture and reading materials
  • Participate in Discussion Board
  • Schedule Observation
  • Complete Quiz

2

3,4

Topic: AT to Support Writing and Reading

View PowerPoint:

  • COMPASS: AT for Reading and Writing

Readings:

  • Assistive Technology in the Classroom – Chapters 2 and 3
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review lecture and reading materials
  • Participate in Discussion Board
  • Complete Quiz

3

3,4

Topics: AT to Support UDL, DI, and Math

View PowerPoint:

  • COMPASS: AT for UDL, DI and Math

Readings:

  • Assistive Technology in the Classroom – Chapters 4 and 5
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review lecture and reading materials
  • Participate in Discussion Board
  • Complete Quiz

4

3,4

Topics: AT for Communication and Visual Supports

View PowerPoint:

  • COMPASS: AT for Communication and Visual Supports

Readings:

  • Assistive Technology in the Classroom -  Chapters 6 and 7
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review lecture and reading materials
  • Participate in Discussion Board
  • Submit Observation of a Paraeducator documents

5

3-6

Topics: Access to Computers and Mobile Devices and AT that Supports Executive Function

View PowerPoint:

  • COMPASS: Access to Computers-Mobile Devices and AT for Executive Function

Readings:

  • Assistive Technology in the Classroom – Chapters 8 and 9
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review lecture and reading materials
  • Participate in Discussion Board
  • Complete Quiz
  • Begin Assistive Technology Tools Paper
  • Begin Final Case Study Paper

6

2-4

Topic: Augmentative Communication

View PowerPoint:

  • COMPASS: Augmentative Communication

Readings:

  • Assistive Technology in the Classroom - Chapters 10, 11, 12
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review lecture and reading materials
  • Participate in Discussion Board
  • Continue working on Final Case Study Paper
  • Submit Assistive Technology Tools Paper

7

3,4,8

Topic: AT Implementation

View PowerPoint:

  • COMPASS: AT Implementation

Readings:

  • Assistive Technology in the Classroom - Chapters 13 and 14
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review lecture and reading materials
  • Participate in Discussion Board
  • Complete Quiz
  • Submit first draft of Final Case Study Paper to discussion board for peer review

8

1-8

Topic: AT for Transition

View PowerPoint:

  • COMPASS: AT for Transition

Readings:

  • Assistive Technology in the Classroom – Chapter 15
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review lecture and reading materials
  • Participate in Discussion Board
  • Submit Peer Review
  • Submit Final Research Paper
  • Complete Course Evaluation

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.