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?

Language 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

Analysis of Adaptive Technological Products and Services

Analysis of Adaptive Technological Products & Services

     Assistive Technology products are growing in the classroom setting.  More and more schools are finding a need for asistive technology in the classroom to help students with disabilities excel.  This week, I focused my attention on a specific assistive technological tool designed for students with either a intellectual disability or is blind/visually impaired.  The product is also a great tool for those learning a new language.

Image CC from www.zygo-usa.com

      The product I would like to review is a vocal pen called VOCA-pen.  The VOCA-pen is a communication tool used in various settings.  How the product is used is through a sticker recognition system.  The pen comes equipped with three different size stickers.  The participant can either record their voice, someone else's, sounds, music as well as a variety of other items in the pen.  The pen has a storage of about 10 hours; however, each item can only be recorded up to 5 minutes of time.  The overall idea of the pen is to help learners freely live their life with little to no interruption when it comes to communication skills.  Below is the VOCA-pen how to's:

How to use the VOCA-pen:

• Determine a sticker size
• Place the sticker on an object (reading, medicine, print..ect.) 
• Record a verbal command (the teacher can help assist with this)
• Commands can be music, sound, phrases, messages, words ect.
• Items can be recorded over in a new command needs to be used'

     Some challenges the VOCA-pen demonstrates is the cost of the pen.  Most of the pens are around $400 for one pen.  Another challenge of the pen is the set of the stickers.  For a visually impaired student, the stickers would need to be set up by a teacher prior to the student performing the task or activity. Another shot coming of the device is it is computer based and needs to be charged.  If the device loses its charge, the device is inactive and will take about two hours to recharge.  Below are some videos on how the VOCA-pen is used  and the efficiency of it is.

Resources:

1. http://www.rehabtool.com/links.html
2. http://www.medica-tradefair.com/cipp/show,lang,2/oid,28145/exh_id,3022/~/Web-ProdDatasheet/prod_datasheet
3. http://www.zygo-usa.com/usa/index.phpge=shop.browse&category_id=157&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=11&vmcchk=1&Itmid=11
4. https://www.zygo-usa.com/usa/literature/Voca%20Pen.pdf
5. http://www.teachingvisuallyimpaired.com/overview-of-assistive-technology.html
6. Image CC by www.zygo-usa.com
7. voca pen- https://www.zygo-usa.com/usa/literature/Voca%20Pen.pdf
8. http://www.shashin-kagaku.co.jp/en/products/pdf/voca.pdf