Key Questions When Selecting Educational Applications...

As I mentioned in my last post, my next posts will shift focuses from students with reading and writing disabilities. Rather, I will be discussing students with math disabilities. I am going to discuss the different assistive technology devices that are available for students struggling in math areas. Before we get started with that, the point of this post is to help teachers know what key questions to ask when they are selecting educational applications for their students to meet their goals and objectives. As a new teacher, this is something definitely something that I will want to keep in mind for the future. Teachers should employ a user-centered approach when selecting educational applications, matching them to the students' IEP goals to keep students on target with the curriculum. Teachers should also consider the following key questions...

• What is the intended outcome of the use of the educational application?
• For example, is it meant to strengthen math skills in problem solving or is it meant to build speed and accuracy with basic math facts?
• Is the educational applications likely to fulfill its stated purpose?
• For example, if the stated purpose of the activity is to build problem-solving skills, does it provide explanatory feedback needed to do so or simply assess whether or not problems are solved correctly?
• Can the educational applications be used as an alternative to traditional classroom activities to enhance students' participation?
• For example, will students learn as effectively using online manipulatives as they would using traditional manipulatives?

"Students interests must be considered. If the educational application matches students' interests, they will be more apt to dedicate their attention to it. When students find learning activities meaningful and interesting, including those that are computer-based, they spend more time on task and are more likely to meet learning objectives." 

- I think this is something essential to keep in mind whether teaching in regular education or special education. 

Amy G. Dell, Deborah A. Newton, Jerry G. Petroff. Assistive Technology in the Classroom: Enhancing the School Experiences of Students with Disabilities. (Chapter 5) 2012. Second Edition.