9-12.TC.5.
The school that I work at is an alternative high school were students are at least 16 and at least one year behind in their classes. Students complete all of there classes online.These students were not successful in completing their courses at their base high school for one reason or another. If a student is able to catch up to their grade level, they have the option to return to their base high school...however most students prefer to stay at our school.
So for this assignment I was thinking about how assistive technology could assist students who are behind. One of the items that I'm attempting to get for our school is tall tables, similar to the ones you see at coffee houses or even McDonalds. Many of the students I come in contact with have a hard time sitting for any length of time The district is asking these students to sit at a computer for six hours a day to complete classes. The students are also asked to sit in regular hard "school chairs", without any type of cushion. Office style chairs are few and far between and are usually the first chairs taken. Are they special education students? No, not all of these students have an "IEP", however a good number of students still have a difficult time with sitting for any length of time. Having tall tables in each of the classrooms would provide students an option of standing at a table to work, using a laptop (each classroom has laptops available).
I do not have any budget available to purchase these tables. I've looked on-line and they are expensive. We have a few at the church that I attend, however, they were not purchased but made by someone in the church who donated them. I've asked the principle and even the special education supervisor, but without a budget for it, it's gone no where. I've been pushing for this for almost a year. I would like to find a company who is replacing or updating their tables and would consider donating them to the school...but who? I'm open for any suggestions.
Another idea for assistive technology is several exercise balls. Some students enjoy sitting on a ball to complete their work, it actually helps students keep focus. Even GVSU tried it with one of their courses, and the students not only liked them, but stated that they were able to focus and stay on task better...grades went up.identify an example of an assistive technology and describe its potential purpose and use
I've been thinking of getting one of those tables for myself. I have a desk computer, but sometimes I'd like to pop up and use my laptop on to stretch my legs, etc. Good luck. I don't have any leads, but I'll ask around.
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