Innovations such as developments in education technology, or EdTech, help to drive improvements in learning outcomes for students of all kinds. The benefits of some advancements are especially pronounced when it comes to groups of students who may require additional support, such as those in special education.
Part of the reason EdTech and other advancements are so beneficial is that they enable educators to address students’ specific learning needs, allowing for flexibility and individualized care, rather than forcing all students to fit into the same mold. This can help students to grow and engage in education in a new way, as well as offer increased support within school systems at large and for parents.
Those interested in improving their knowledge of these advancements and learning how to apply them in the classroom may benefit from further study in a program such as Texas State University’s online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Education – Applied Special Education; Teacher Certification in Special Education, Early Childhood Through Grade Twelve; Instructional Aide Pathway program. This program aims to equip students with the skills to effectively implement these tools and strategies for their own students, with the goal of promoting student success and enhancing the classroom experience.
Data-Driven and Personalized Learning
Although technology impacts all students, special education students can reap the benefits of certain technological tools in particular. PowerSchool explains the direct links between specific tools and outcomes, such as improved access to individualized education plans (IEPs) boosting parental engagement, which in turn boosts student success.
PowerSchool also points out that, regarding data-driven teaching practices, “Teachers and administrators empowered with real-time data analysis and insights can adjust instruction from the student to the school level, resulting in education focused on what students need to learn and not wasting time on mastered subjects.” Technology can also bridge a gap between special education and general education through the creation of communication channels between teachers in the same school, allowing for mutual support and acknowledgement.
Adaptive Learning Platforms
There are countless examples of EdTech, from programs that allow teachers and students to create images, quizzes, interactive presentations and more. Other programs allow teachers and pupils to keep track of assignments as well as progress, and to track room for growth.
Another example of EdTech is artificial intelligence. While AI seems poised for implementation in just about every work context, some educators may be wary of its effects on students. Education Week suggests that there are significant advantages to using AI in special education.
In a video interview, Tara Bachmann, an assistive technology facilitator, explains that educators need to learn both how to use AI themselves as well as how to teach its benefits to students to reap the maximum rewards of this burgeoning technology. Bachmann has seen how students with impaired motor skills have benefited from being able to participate in cultural expression thanks to creative AI tools. She considers the potential for these opportunities wide open for the future.
Educational Technology and Assistive Tools
The U.S. Department of Education offered a webinar on innovations for students with disabilities, which dove into these topics in detail, offering insights on how assistive tools can benefit those with learning difficulties. One of the starkest statistics from the presentation is that one in 15 U.S. schoolchildren have learning and attention issues.
Many receive support through IEPs, but millions more are undiagnosed and go without this vital additional support. The experts behind the webinar suggest that personalized education and engaged families can make a significant difference in allowing these students to reach their full potential in the school environment.
For future educators who want to enter their field equipped to support their students, a program like Texas State University’s online B.S. in Education can be an invaluable steppingstone with its dedicated courses like Educating Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders and Evidence-Based Instructional Practices for Students with Mild or Moderate Disabilities. By learning what tools and strategies are available to assist students, these educators can help improve student outcomes through innovation.
