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Alternative Input
Jaime Delgado
College of Southern Nevada
ALTERNATIVE INPUT
ALTERNATIVE INPUT
certain equipment on a computer has a negative effect on students. It also creates problems for
teachers who are trying to integrate technology into education. The task of teaching learning
disabled students how to use equipment can prove equally as challenging. A troubling trend in
special education is the fact that some students have trouble using a mouse. Moreover, special
education teachers also have a hard time teaching students how to use a mouse (Shih et al 2011).
By teaching the functions of a numerical keyboard or even having them posted beside the
equipment this difficulty is diminished. Having more low-cost devices like this in special
education classrooms can only benefit students. Having this option available is much better than
not having it. Students who cannot operate a mouse can circumvent this through alternative input
devices.
Alternative input devices will help learning disabled students adapt to educational
technology. Education technology is a tool. If someone doesnt possess the means to use a tool,
then the tool is pretty much useless. That is the state of education technology to those who
cannot use or have difficulty using it. Alternative input devices allow students to overcome the
difficulty of inputting information into a computer (Bryant 1998). As technology in education
continues to increase, the need assistive technologies will increase as well. Students will be
asked to input information into various types of hardware. Learning disabled students who have
trouble performing such a task will be helped by the introduction of alternative input devices.
These devices could have the ability to emulate a keyboard/keypads function by letting students
input information (Bryant 1998). This will be a reality of educational technology instead of a
mere possibility.
ALTERNATIVE INPUT
References
Diane, P. B., & Bryant, B. R. (1998). Using assistive technology adaptations to include students
with learning disabilities in cooperative learning activities. Journal of Learning
Disabilities, 31(1), 41-54. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.library.csn.edu/login?
url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/194220741?accountid=27953
Shih, C., Shih, C., & Luo, C. (2011). Development of a computer assistive input device through a
commercial numerical keyboard by position coding technology for people with
disabilities. Disability & Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 6(2), 169-175.
doi:10.3109/17483107.2010.522679