Overview
This course introduces teachers and other educational professionals to assistive technology tools, strategies, and support services. Assistive technology (AT) refers to equipment that improves the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. It includes hardware such as augmentative communication devices, adaptive tools, and software designed to support the participation of individuals with disabilities in a school or larger community setting. With the support of assistive technology, individuals with disabilities discover that they can have control over their environment, enabling them to develop a sense of competence and independence. In this course, you will also develop the necessary skills and knowledge to implement assistive technology, and gain an understanding of how this technology can act as a potential equalizer for all participants in a learning environment.
Outline
Part 1: Benefits of Technology Use
- Unit 1 – Introduction to Assistive Technology
- Unit 2 – Technology to Support Writing
- Unit 3 – Technology to Support Reading
- Unit 4 – Technology to Support Universal Design for Learning
- Unit 5 – Technology for Math
- Unit 6 – Communication
- Unit 7 – Supporting Positive Behaviour
Part 2: Access to Computer and Mobile Devices
- Unit 8: Accessing Computers and Mobile Devices
Part 3: Augmentative Communication
- Unit 9 – Selecting and Designing a System
- Unit 10 – Early Communication
- Unit 11 – Integrating Augmentative Communication in the Environment
Part 4: Putting It All Together
- Unit 12 – Decision Making
- Unit 13 – Implementation in Schools
- Unit 14 – Transition Planning
Learning outcomes
When you have completed PSYC 476, you will be able to do the following:
- Participate in identifying assistive technology needs of students with special needs.
- Access appropriate assistive technology resources.
- Participate in a multi-disciplinary team assessment.
- Implement assistive technology in the classroom or other educational settings.
- Participate in an evaluation of the effectiveness of assistive technology.
Evaluation
To receive credit for PSYC 476, you must complete a Planning Activity, contribute to eight Discussion Forum topics, keep a journal, and write a Case Study. To receive credit for this course, you must achieve a grade of at least 50 percent on each assignment and an overall course grade of at least D (50 percent).
| Activity | Weight |
| Planning Activity | 15% |
| Case Study | 30% |
| Discussion Forum | 10% |
| Journals (3) | 45% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Dell, A., Newton, D., & Petroff, J. (2017). Assistive technology in the classroom: Enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities (3rd ed). Pearson Education.
Other Resources
All other learning resources will be available online.