AT/IT Project

Wahl, L. (2006). Making the Most of Standard Technology to Enhance Learning

This article brought to light how readily I had dismissed or was just ignorant to the fact that the electronic text right in front of my face is flexible and easy to convert. Software such as Microsoft Reader, Adobe Reader which allows electronic text to be read out loud, a sort of speech synthesizer, and even an MP3 Player, which at first thought is nothing more than a refined and scaled down music box. Converting Electronic Text to Portable Audio Files for listening to text on the iPod or portable MP3 player is the access method of choice for many college students with LD because it’s portable and “invisible.” (Wahl, 2006). A student usually listens to a computerized voice read the text while following along with the hard copy.
I guess I was always a little curious as to why some of my students used a different color for their background when writing on the discussion board. More than anything, I thought it was just a matter of aesthetics, but certainly not an adjustment a student may make to compensate for what is more of view that suits their learning style. The article kind of clued me into not only the more obvious physical disabilities, but some of the nuances in the way we learn. What I had taken for granted in this regard has enlightened me to the extent that I will be more cognizant and vigilant to some of the more not so subtle learning styles that may arise.
Technology may yet emerge as the great equalizer and serve as a portal where everyone, all diverse learners can access, share and harness its rich resources equally. Being able to determine and personalize one’s own educational needs, all diverse learners will be included in the educational process in the 21st century.

Resources:
http://wwwgse.berkeley.edu/research/crede/products/print/pract_briefs/pb5.shtml
http://www.schwablearning.org/articles.aspx?r=1118