Creating A Least Restrictive Environment with Mobile Devices

Creating A Least Restrictive Environment with Mobile Devices http: //www. edutopia. org/blog/least-restrictive-environment-mobiledevices-beth-holland

Least Restrictive Environment is the opportunity for a student with a disability to be "provided with supplementary aids and services necessary to achieve educational goals if placed in a setting with non-disabled peers. " - Provides all students with aids and services necessary and best for their learning type.

“By providing students with the option to access content on a mobile device, we begin removing many of the restrictions previously placed upon their learning environment. ”

Benefits of a Digital Classroom Text to Speech Students can decode and comprehend material beyond their reading level Independently work without constant help Confidence/Ownership Efficiency Editing/Revising with ease Allows for online reading as well as support with their writing process

Types of Technology in the Classroom i. Pad, i. Phone, i. Pod, Chromebook, Macbook etc… Text to speech and word highlighting in settings Proloquo 2 go Sense of being Communication/Social Skills Feelings Adobe Voice

Impact of Mobile Devices Differentiation of devices and programs Works for some-not for others Text size Empowering videos “Students become architects of their own learning environments because they can determine the aids and services most applicable to them. ”

Additional Educational Sources - Symbol. Support - Translates words into images and symbols - Helps to convert text to images/social aspect - https: //itunes. apple. com/us/app/symbolsupport/id 571654488? mt=8 - IReward - An app that allows charts to be made up and motivate students to do everything on their chats for a self satisfying reward or prize of some sort - Can be kept private between student/teacher - https: //itunes. apple. com/us/app/symbolsupport/id 571654488? mt=8

Additional Information When Researching Technology guiding Least Restrictive Environment ★Apps can be found on mobile devices that will read assignments, or tests, aloud. ○ Such as Read. Aloud and Natural. Reader Text to Speech ★Utilizing Dictation & Speech in System Preferences, the student can change the settings of the text-to-speech such as slowing the rate of the speech, or speak only when the text is selected. ★Digital devices allow for students to use manipulation and gain experience. ★Augmented reality allows for a more in-depth experience with classroom topics.

Application To Future Teaching Paper-based products may be the limiting factor Allow students to have the option to access content on a mobile device No longer limited to a single modality “It depends” Students may not always have a preference in how they learn, but by providing them choices helps us teach them in more meaningful ways Emphasis on the overall goal Achievement of learning objectives vs. completion of a specific product ex) Choice vs. paper/poster

Application To Future Teaching Ahas “What might students create if they could choose the tool that best supports their ability to demonstrate their understanding and meet the desired learning objectives? ” “When the focus shifts toward the achievement of learning objectives, rather than the completion of a specific product, students can start to create and innovate within a virtually limitless environment. ”

Additional Resources/Links that may help understanding of Technology to guide Least Restrictive Environment http: //www. friendshipcircle. org/blog/2011/02/07/7 -assistive-communication-apps-in-the-ipad-app-store/ - This link shares a few Assistive Communication Apps that can be found in the App store http: //www. edutopia. org/blog/augmented-reality-new-dimensions-learning-drew-minock - This link includes ways to implement augmented reality effectively in the classroom.