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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Article
Educational Application for Special Needs Is a Learning Tool the Way Forward?
Author(s)
Zeenath Reza Khan, Yusra Yakub Ibrahim, Sonia C. Sadhwani and Sharifa Taimur Salum
Full-Text PDF
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DOI:10.17265/1934-7332/2016.02.003
Affiliation(s)
Faculty of Engineering and Information Science, University of Wollongong, Dubai
ABSTRACT
As the 21st century brings in a revolutionary change in the way students study at schools and universities, technology continues to play a crucial role in helping students achieve more conceptual and practical knowledge of topics taught in classrooms. Students with special needs too are now able to study in a general classroom setting, access relevant technologies and use them for higher cognitive development, helping them integrate with their surroundings. However, existing literature shows that though multiple learning tools exist that do enhance learning in special needs students, they either cater to specific areas of development such as Mathematics and English, or that are targeted towards a specified category of studentswith special needs such as autism and cerebral palsy. Furthermore, despite multiple laws and regulations supporting the right to education launched by the UAE (United Arab Emirates) government for special needs students, there seems to exist a need to provide classrooms across the country with educational applications that have a universal approach particularly in the UAE in order to include students with almost any special needs. This paper looks closely at the existing literature and highlights this gap, especially in the UAE and proposes to develop such a tool based on existing learning concepts.
KEYWORDS
Assistive learning, distance learning, special needs, learning tool, universal learning approach, VARK theory.
Cite this paper
References
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[4] Jain, P., Rao, D., and Bansal, V. 2014. “Ease of E-Learning for Special Needs Persons: Using E-Learning Utility.” International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications: 4.
[5] Stevens, L. 2014. “History of Assistive Technology.” Available: http://www.timetoast.com/timelines/history-of-assistive-technology. Last accessed March 4rth 2014.
[6] Lankutis, T. 2004. “Special Needs Technologies: An Administrator’s Guide.” Technology & Learning 25 (2): 30, 32, 34, 36.
[7] Thousand, J., and Villa, R. A. 2000. “Inclusion, Special Services in the Schools.” 15: 73-108.
[8] Abbott, C. 2007. “E-inclusion: Learning Difficulties and Digital Technologies.” REPORT 15: FUTURELAB SERIES. London, England.
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[10] Boone, R., Higgins, K., and Notari, A. 1996. “Hypermedia Pre-reading Lessons: Learner Centered Software for Kindergarten.” Journal of Computing in Childhood Education 7: 36-69.
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[28] Huntinger, P. L. 1996. “Computer Applications in Programs for Young Children with Disabilities: Recurring Themes.” Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities 11: 105-14.
[29] Inge, K. J., and Shepherd, J. 1995. “Assistive Technology Applications and Strategies for School System Personnel.” In Assistive Technology: A Resource for School, Work, and Community, 133-66. Baltimore, USA.
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[33] Stuckless, E. R. 1981. “Real-Time Graphic Display and Language Development for the Hearing Impaired.” Volta Review 85: 291-300.
[34] Hairston, E. E. 1994. “Education Media Technology for Hearing-Impaired Persons: A Federal Perspective.” American Annals of the Deaf 139: 10-3.
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[36] Wehmeyer, M. L. 1999. “Assistive Technology and Students with Mental Retardation: Utilization and Barriers.” Journal of Special Education Technology 14: 48-58.
[37] Walker, P. 1991. “Where There Is a Way, There Is Not Always a Will: Technology, Public Policy, and the School Integration of Children Who Are Technology-Assisted.” Children’s Health Care 20: 68-74.
[38] Perlman, L. G. 1993. “The Views of Consumers with Learning Disabilities, Mental Retardation and Their Caregivers.” Electronic Industries Foundation.
[39] Spangenberg, L. 2005. “Accessible Technology for Disabled Students.” The Chronicle of Higher Education 52: 0-A55.
[40] Williams, P. 2005. “Using Information and Communication Technology with Special Educational Needs Students: The Views of Frontline Professionals.” Aslib Proceedings 57: 539-53.
[41] Okolo, C. M., and Kopke, R. A. 2013. “Disciplinary Literacy and Technology for Students with Learning Disabilities.” Perspectives on Language and Literacy 39: 29-33.
[42] Courtad, C. A., and Bouck, E. C. 2013. “Learning Disabilities: Practice Concerns and Students with LD.” Advances in Special Education 25: 153-74. (not in report)
[43] Reynolds, C. 2014. Federal Law 29—The Implications for Private Schools in the UAE, British Institute for Learning Development.
[44] Khaleej Times. 2014. “Dubai Law to Protect Rights of People with Special Needs.” [Online] 14 March. Available at: http://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/inside.asp?section=government&xfile=/data/government/2014/March/government_March46.xml. [Accessed on 4th April 2014]
[45] Dyes, R. 2010. “Computers Help Special Needs People Become a Part of Mainstream Life.” [Online] 12 March. Available at: http://www.emirates247.com/eb247/companies-markets/technology/computers-help-special-needs-people-become-a-part-of-mainstream-life-2010-03-01-1.62700.
[Accessed on 4th April, 2014]
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[53] Anderson-Inman, L. 1991. “Enabling Students with Learning Disabilities: Insights from Research.” Computer Teacher 18: 26-9.
[54] Morgan, R. L., and Gerity, B. P. 2000. “Using Video and CD-ROM Technology in a Job Preference Inventory for Youth with Severe Disabilities.” Journal of Special Education Technology 15: 25-33.