Monday 14th September 2009, 09.30 - 16.30
Presenters: Ann Jackson & Ciara Fitzsimons

(Register here to attend the Course, fee: €120)

Course description

Within mainstream education, many students present with difficulties handwriting. Typically these children have been diagnosed with conditions such as dyspraxia, hemiplegia, fatigue issues, students presenting with Muscular Dystrophy or Freidrich’s Ataxia.

Assistive Technology is frequently sought as a solution for these issues. These can include developing typing skills as an alternative means to produce work, using alternative keyboards and mice, and also the use of software packages to increase the student’s speed of production.

Technology within this area in Ireland is funded directly by the Department of Education, with recommendations being made by either Occupational Therapists or Assistive Technology Specialists.

Course objectives

• Participants will cover the range of technology, both hardware and software, that is available to suit the needs of these students.
• Participants will cover the basic principles of assessment for compensatory technology within the school setting.
• Participants will cover integration of this software within an educational setting.
• Participants will cover the Department of Education’s Grant protocols.

Agenda

09:30 - 09:45
General Introduction to Technology for Education

09:45 - 11:00
Low Tech & Low Cost Technology Options
Strategies for Introducing Technology into Classroom
General Introduction to Educational Software

11:00 - 11:15
Break

11:15 - 12:00
Hardware review
Alphasmart vs Laptop vs Desktop Debate

12:00 - 12:45
Windows Accessibility Features

12:45 - 13:30
Lunch

13:30 - 14:15
Word Prediction Packages

14:15 - 14:45
On-screen Keyboards

14:45 - 15:30
Voice Recognition Software

15:30 - 15:45
Break

15:45 - 16:00
Assessment Protocols

16:00 - 16:15
Department of Education Grant Scheme Information

16:15 - 16:30
Questions & Discussion