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Using Software Tools To Teach Deaf Children
By caroline | June 7, 2008
Software and e-learning tools have massive potential in teaching deaf or hard-of-hearing children if they are adapted for full accessibility.
With the right software tools, deaf children can learn new vocabulary, numeracy and literacy skills, phonics and social skills in a structured way.
Strategic video games can be used by older deaf children to learn to make choices, better understand the world and to develop their imaginations.
Computer skills are essential for deaf children – for communication, and for a future career, as technology is a great leveller for deaf & hearing people.
A key issue here is that software developers need to understand deafness to deliver products that meet the needs of deaf students of all ages.
Online simulators can help explain what deafness is like, but deaf people should also be involved in the product-testing and feedback processes.
This way, deaf-friendly products can be devised to complement the national curriculum and enhance a student’s understanding of topics.
According to the NCTE, IT tools can benefit deaf students by:
- improving literacy & numeracy levels
- increasing independence, confidence, motivation and social contact
- enabling contact (email, chat, video-conferencing, online forums & fax)
- providing a visual, affirmative learning experience
If e-learning tools can be “paused” and saved for resumption at a later time, this allows for breaks such as a teacher explaining a new concept.
Alternatively the student may just need a break from learning, and retain their motivation by stopping at that point.
For best results, the NCTE advises teachers to integrate IT tools into lessons in a meaningful way, with clearly defined goals.
In other words, the e-learning solution should directly relate to the goals identified by the teacher and complement the curriculum where possible.
Topics: Irish Deaf Kids | 5 Comments »
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