Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Week 5 Language Impairment DIscussion

ED 7724 WEEK 5 - AT TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION


Choose one resource, device or service that is designed to benefit language impaired students.  Describe your choice, how it will benefit the student, as well as any limitations and how teachers may sidestep any restrictions. How can it be integrated in the classroom environment?
maestro.jpgLanguage impairments are hard to overcome in  an inclusion class.  There are many devices that can make learning in the classroom easier for those with a language barrier due to a second language or a disability.  One device in particular that can help students with a language impairment is the DynaVox.  
The DynaVox is an electronic AAC devices use a keyboard and synthesized speech to communicate with people around the individual.   The DynaVox is a device intended to help individuals with disabilities.  The device requires one to download or scan pictures onto the device.  The device is then able to showcase those pictures for individuals so they are able to more clearly communicate their ideas.  Another type of DynaVox device allows the individual to type the words to verbally communicate with those around them.  This type of DynaVox is more expensive and requires an independent ability to communicate with those around them.  
Like most devices, the DynaVox has its advantages and disadvantages. As seen in this video, DynaVox has helped many students freely communicate their ideas to others.  Some of the advantages include the following:
  1. Allows individuals the ability to freely communicate with others arounds them
  2. Gives individuals independence
  3. Helps individuals elaborate their vocabulary
  4. Uses speech so the individual can hear the words and associate them with the picture
  5. Helps a variety of students with language impairment
Although the device can help individuals learn to communicate, it can also have many disadvantages.  The following are disadvantages:
  1. Expensive
  2. Not very durable
  3. Hard to update
The DynaVox is designed to help individuals learn and communicate both by recognition and verbally.  The device can be integrated into a regular education classroom.  Some things the teacher would need to be able to do is be familiar with the device and how to use it.  Technology is always changing and therefore devices are constantly being updated with information. The benefit of the DynaVox allows for students to freely communicate with their peers and therefore can enhance their feeling of independence.  


Resources:
  1. Find Help in Your Area. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2015, from Dyna Vox
  2. Ogden, M. (n.d.). DynaVox. Retrieved May 2, 2015, from http://blueyedbabe07.blogspot.com/
  3. The Benefits of DynaVox. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2015, from Benefits

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