An adaptive keyboard

An adaptive Keyboard is one of the important tools that could be used to assist physically disabled persons in using the computers. Keyboards in different size and shape are available and could be used as such or could be modified according to the needs and comfort of the learner. The teacher in the video used ‘word prediction program’ which allowed the user to make some choices of words as the student entered one letter. After watching the video, I realized that there are a lot of technologies out there, and could be used in helping the physically-challenged students learn, and this is one among them. The interesting thing about this program is that it lets the teacher to prepare individualized instructions as well as design a lesson plan around a particular aspect of the curriculum, so it is very much user friendly.

I certainly believe that this type of technologies could definitely be used by other types of students. For instance, all the students in a class will not have the same level of capacity in understanding or getting information. Every student’s learning style differs (even if they are not special kids) and the instruction requires little manipulation to suit everyone; in such situations technology helps both the teacher as well as students to meet their needs. So, a similar technology like word prediction program could be tailored in teaching them.

Considering older individuals for using these types of technology is also very much possible. Perhaps little changes in the design of the keyboard or some modification in the programs would help them learn better. Voice activated browsers is one such kind. Many other graphic user interfaces can also be very well used to ease their difficulty in understanding and responding. In my opinion, Stephen William Hawking (An Applied mathematician and theoretical physicist) is one of the best examples of how technology could be used for older individuals.