Authorities from the fields of education and computers explore the vital issues and concerns related to effectively using available computer technologies in the special education classroom. They thoroughly examine the potential benefits of technology in addressing the needs of the disabled, the limits in the application of technology to the lives of the disabled, and the risks of a person with disabilities becoming too dependent on technology. Timely and practical information is offered for effectively applying available technologies, advocating new technologies, and conducting needed research.

Demonstrates how the fields of special education and inclusive education have evolved philosophically and technically over the past 30 years.

Using Technology to Enhance Special Education, Volume 37 of Advances in Special Education, focuses on how general and special educators can use technology to work with children and youth with disabilities.

The 11 papers in this collection address various aspects of the adoption and implementation of technology in the education of students with disabilities. An introduction by David B. Malouf of the Office of Special Education Programs introduces the collection. The following papers are included: (1) "No Easy Answer: The Instructional Effectiveness of Technology for Students with Disabilities" (John Woodward, Deborah Gallagher, and Herbert Rieth); (2) "It Can't Hurt: Implementing AAC Technology in the Classroom for Students with Severe and Multiple Disabilities" (Bonnie Todis); (3) "Preparing Future Citizens: Technology-Supported, Project-Based Learning in the Social Studies" (Cynthia M. Okolo and Ralph P. Ferretti); (4) "ClassWide Peer Tutoring Program: A Learning Management System" (Charles R. Greenwood, Liang-Shye Hou, Joseph Delquadri, Barbara J. Terry, and Carmen Arreaga-Mayer); (5) "Sustaining a Curriculum Innovation: Cases of Make It Happen!" (Judith M. Zorfass); (6) "Technology Implementation in Special Education: Understanding Teachers' Beliefs, Plans, and Decisions" (Charles A. MacArthur); (7) "Why Are Most Teachers Infrequent and Restrained Users of Computers in Their Classroom?" (Larry Cuban); (8) "Designing Technology Professional Development Programs" (A. Edward Blackhurst); (9) "The Construction of Knowledge in a Collaborative Community: Reflections on Three Projects" (Carol Sue Englert and Yong Zhao); (10) "The Rise and Fall of the Community Transition Team Model" (Andrew S. Halpern and Michael R. Benz); and (11) "How Does Technology Support a Special Education Agenda? Using What We Have Learned To Inform the Future" (Marleen C. Pugach and Cynthia L. Warger). (Individual papers contain references.) (DB)

Develop new strategies for using computers in the classroom Educators have talked about using information technology to improve teaching since the beginning of the modern computer movement but true integration remains an elusive goal—for most. Classroom Integration of Type II Uses of Technology in Education finds teachers who have managed to take advantage of the sophistication, power, and affordability of today’s technology to develop new and better strategies for learning, despite the absence of an effective institutional infrastructure. This unique book reviews effective Type II teaching applications and software used at all educational levels, including Lego/Logo technologies, idea technologies, graphics software, laptop computers, and handheld computers. Information technology in schools has failed to fulfill its considerable potential because without a widespread instructional support system, computers are generally poorly used and not integrated meaningfully into classroom activities. But some educators have still been able to implement Type II applications of information technology in their educational settings. Classroom Integration of Type II Uses of Technology in Education looks at their innovative methods of using computers to bring about more effective teaching—and learning. Classroom Integration of Type II Uses of Technology in Education examines: computer activities of grade 1-5 students using Lego/Logo technologies using Kid-Pix graphics software for creative activities the Technology Integration Assessment Instrument (TIAI) gender disparity in computer-oriented problem solving a three-tiered, idea-technology classification system pre-service teacher preparation assistive technology definitions, legislation, and implementation issues lesson plans and document techniques for laptop computers an action/instructional model for using handheld wireless computers in the classroom Classroom Integration of Type II Uses of Technology in Education is an invaluable resource for academics working in information technology and education, and for K-12 teachers and administrators at all levels.

Exploring Digital Technologies for Art-Based Special Education details the use of digital technologies for inclusive art education, and showcases strategies for implementing arts-oriented technologies in primary- and secondary-level special education classrooms. Readers of the book will be presented with up-to-date research on this emerging topic, including chapters on the relation between pedagogical strategies and technological tools, digital animation and inclusivity, and accessibility in the ‘flipped’ art classroom. With contributions from a range of disciplinary angles—including art education, special education, educational philosophy, and educational technology—this book will cover a variety of digital tools for teaching art to students with disabilities, as well as the theoretical underpinnings specific to this interdisciplinary area of education research.

Innovative Techniques in Instruction Technology, E-Learning, E-Assessment and Education is a collection of world-class paper articles addressing the following topics: (1) E-Learning including development of courses and systems for technical and liberal studies programs; online laboratories; intelligent testing using fuzzy logic; evaluation of on line courses in comparison to traditional courses; mediation in virtual environments; and methods for speaker verification. (2) Instruction Technology including internet textbooks; pedagogy-oriented markup languages; graphic design possibilities; open source classroom management software; automatic email response systems; tablet-pcs; personalization using web mining technology; intelligent digital chalkboards; virtual room concepts for cooperative scientific work; and network technologies, management, and architecture. (3) Science and Engineering Research Assessment Methods including assessment of K-12 and university level programs; adaptive assessments; auto assessments; assessment of virtual environments and e-learning. (4) Engineering and Technical Education including cap stone and case study course design; virtual laboratories; bioinformatics; robotics; metallurgy; building information modeling; statistical mechanics; thermodynamics; information technology; occupational stress and stress prevention; web enhanced courses; and promoting engineering careers. (5) Pedagogy including benchmarking; group-learning; active learning; teaching of multiple subjects together; ontology; and knowledge representation. (6) Issues in K-12 Education including 3D virtual learning environment for children; e-learning tools for children; game playing and systems thinking; and tools to learn how to write foreign languages.

What kinds of technology will support particular learning tasks and objectives? And how does a teacher ensure that technology use will enhance instruction and not be a distraction or a disconnected add-on? You'll find the answers here. This book builds on the landmark "Classroom instruction that works" by linking each of the nine categories of effective instructional strategies with educational technology applications and resources ... Each strategy-focused chapter features cross-curricular examples, many drawn from actual lesson plans, projects, and products. In addition to stories of students learning through inquiry, collaborative projects, games, and other activities that make school exciting and meaningful, you'll find dozens of recommended resources along with expert guidance on planning technology-enhanced lessons aligned with national standards.

Your blueprint for building structure, consistency, and accountability year-round! Often teachers of all experience levels struggle to effectively manage special education classrooms. In this must-have guide, Rohrer and Sampson provide a solid, workable action plan to ensure measurable success for even your most challenging student. Discover a variety of research-based instructional strategies to: Support all students, including those with autism and severe learning disabilities Organize your classroom, materials, and staff and student schedules for optimal teaching and learning Execute well-planned standards-based lessons, annual IEP’s, PLAALP’s, behavioral interventions, and visual supports Develop communication and social skills within a language-rich environment Foster parent communication and staff collaboration Packed with real-world examples, free tools to use and share, a list of resources and a helpful glossary, this dynamic resource will inspire you, develop your teacher toolbox, and ensure your students are on the path to achievement! "10 Critical Components for Success in the Special Education Classroom offers practical and easy-to-use ideas for organizing your physical classroom space, materials, student and staff schedules. Readers will also receive well thought out strategies that will definitely aid in the ultimate end result—student success!" —Avis Canty, Special Education Teacher Tanglewood Middle School, Greenville, SC "The path to success for students with autism and intellectual disabilities starts here, when their teachers implement the essential critical components outlined in this book." —Renee Bernhardt, Learning Support for Special Education and RTI Cherokee County School District, Canton, GA