A check in from your student contributor: School Daze with Talya Lippman

Every child has the right to the same learning opportunities as others.”

Talya Lippman

Today’s classrooms utilize technology just as frequently as in work, personal finances, and various other areas of life. What is found in a backpack today is completely unlike what was found only 20 years ago. If you were to stop a middle school student in the hallways today, you would likely find one of the following devices: an iPad, a laptop, or Chromeboo — the list goes on.

As a high school sudent myself, I would rather carry one iPad in the place of three or more textbooks. Let me tell you, the back pain is real! However, technology offers advantages that go beyond merely lightening the load of a book bag.

The method of educating students in a way that takes into account their unique differences, impairments, and special needs is known as special education. The necessity for technology support in the classroom is even greater for students who have developmental and learning difficulties. Every child has the right to the same learning opportunities as others. Children with learning difficulties benefit greatly from special education because it allows them to receive a high-quality education that is tailored to their particular needs.

Each and every student can achieve their full potential and obtain a high level of independence through special education. There is a wide range of disabilities, such as autism, Down syndrome, motor impairments, blindness, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, that are common in schools in America. According to recent estimates, more than 7 million students with disabilities attend public schools in the United States, and the majority of these students have specific learning impairments. Technology in special education can assist students in need, as well as keeping them at a similar level with their peers.

For students with special needs, there are multiple ways technology can be implemented.

Firstly, students with autism may benefit from virtual reality surroundings when dealing with crowds in crowded places. Part of the school experience goes beyond the walls of the classroom and into the hallways and lunchrooms. Crowded areas such as cafeterias, school assemblies, and the hallways can be a stressful environment. These students can progressively become accustomed to circumstances such as this by experiencing them in a safe virtual environment, which will better equip them to react calmly and correctly in future situations. Students with motor difficulties can likewise operate objects in virtual reality that they are unable to in the real world.

Secondly, tablets or handheld touch screens can be used for reading, writing, drawing, and watching videos. With text-to-speech apps, students with reading challenges can be better provided for and have a better understanding of written material. Additionally, students with motor impairments improve their coordination through the use of iPads or tablets.

Technological advances have improved classrooms for students with impairments or special needs in an effort to encourage equal participation from all students and a well-rounded learning environment overall. I believe that as technology continues to be instituted, it can help all students, whether it be introduced into mainstream classrooms or classrooms specifically catering towards special needs students.

Talya Lippman is a student contributor for the Bellmore & Merrick Heralds.