PSYC 476 is a cross-listed course—a course available in two different disciplines—with EDPY 476. PSYC 476 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for EDPY 476 or PSYC 576.
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.
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
Dell, A., Newton, D., & Petroff, J. (2017). Assistive technology in the classroom: Enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities (3rd ed). Pearson Education. (eText)
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.