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.

Planning technology - Learning the rules for computer use

The two problems the teacher identified with the third grade students as she prepared to use the computers were: 1. 14 computers for 20 students 2. Moving students as well as chairs to the computer table. Yes they did overcome the problem. To overcome the first problem, the teacher paired the students so that every body gets to use the computer. For the second problem; the teacher divided the students using (red and black) cards. A Student who gets one or the other card of a pair brought their chair to the computer table. By doing so, the teacher avoided the confusion, paired the students and brought the chairs to the computer table.

Two years ago, I had an interview in one of the best schools in my city, back in India. I performed well in the interview, and next I had to show my credentials to the school-officials. While I was showing the certificates, suddenly I realized that I was missing one of them. I felt bad. But luckily, they gave me a chance to show that later. Though I had prepared well enough to get through that interview, I failed to check if I had carried everything with me. In this case, I got an opportunity to provide that missing certificate later, but a similar incident happened once again in another scenario, but I happened to make the same mistake again. So, I think I have been not successful in making sure that I had everything with me at the right time. If I plan properly I would not land in such situations at least in future.

I was interested in learning ‘Karate’ (a martial art) right from my childhood. My parents also agreed and asked me to learn. I did not have a plan and I postponed joining a karate class, all these years. Though I had plenty of chances to learn till my 12th grade, I did not learn. I have been busy in my studies even after that, and I could not make it happen till today. At this age, I think the opportunities are less. I feel very much disappointed and unsuccessful whenever I come across a frightful situation and when I am in need of protection. I think if I had planned properly early in my childhood and learned; I would have been more successful.