Another Tool For Those With Exceptional Needs

I get so excited when I find something I can use that relates to students with exceptional needs and technology. In the first class test we did, our group talked about using hand held devices for the students. I was having such a difficult time finding articles that I really liked that showed how these devices were being used in the class room. Today I found a great article and not only are these students using the hand held's but they are high school students with autism and Asperger's Syndrome. A school in Texas was trying to see how these devices would work for their student's.
They found that the main thing these devices help with were the student's social skills. They were talking with other students they may not have talked with because they had to do projects with their hand held's that required taking a classmates picture to learn their names. They would also use them to take notes in class and the other students in the class who did not have one would be very interested. It also proved to be another way to help keep the students organized and planning their schedules so they would not be as frustrated if something changed. Some students were even able to take their frustration out but writing journals on their hand held's instead of lashing out in other ways. These hand held's proved to be beneficial for those students with autism and Asperger's Syndrome.
Again another great article that shows how technology is working for those with exceptional needs. They are able to comprehend their work more and feel more like a part of their class. The hand held's are a great idea for any student when it comes to organization but I think the socialization was great for those with exceptional needs. Most people with exceptional needs tend to keep to themselves or occasionaly talk with others like them but usually they don't talk with other student's especially in school. I think the hand held's make it a more comfortable experience for these students. If you would like to learn more about this article click here.