Technology Trends Infographic
Wendy Ayers
School of Education, Liberty University
Author Note
Wendy Ayers
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Wendy Ayers
Email: wfayers@liberty.edu
The need for assistive technology (AT) in the classroom has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic started. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA, 20024) requires that schools in the USA provide AT and other resources to those with disabilities (Chambers, Jones, Reese, & Wilcox, 2022). The direction of AT is devices, software, and other resources that are mobile. Students must have access to AT in school, in their home, and on-the-go. Teachers have identified augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) as a key need, but curriculum access and environmental control are also necessary (Chambers, Jones, Reese, & Wilcox, 2022). Some examples of AT that addresses environmental control and curriculum access are iPads, electronic whiteboards, eye-gaze technology, mobility devices, hearing impairment devices, and many others. AAC technology examples are Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS), communication devices such as GoTalk, and communication software such as TouchChat (Lohmann, Kappel, & Taylor, 2022).
Students with vision disabilities may use a portable notetaking device with braille or QWERTY keyboard that incorporates a built-in speech synthesizer and/or a braille display (Kelly, 2023). BrailleNote Touch Plus is one such device which features a very fast processor. The user can write assignments, read books, watch online videos, send and receive emails, share content through Dropbox and Google Drive (Humanware, n. d.). BrailleNote is a communication device that improves a disabled persons ability to interact with the teacher in class and an online environment. Communication between the teacher and student is identified by teachers as an area of great need. The advantage of this device is the size, lack of noise, and its mobile, so it is easy to carry and utilize in any environment (Humanware, n. d.). It makes no noise which means it may be used in a classroom, in a car, at home, or anywhere else. The challenges are the $5,595 price and accessibility. The price may exclude many disabled persons from accessing the device unless deemed a medical necessity and approved by insurance, government agencies, or other sources (Humanware, n. d.).
NeuroNode Trilogy is an eye gaze system that uses the body’s electromyography (EMG) signals and 3D spatial movements for communication (Control Bionics, n. d.). This AAC system is fast, wireless, and the first of its kind to use EMG which measures the electrical activity of muscles. NeuroNode Trilogy is specifically designed for those who suffer from paralysis and are unable to speak. NeuroNode Trilogy attached to a motorized wheelchair will easily enable the student continuous interaction with teachers and classmates. The disable student would feel more a part of the class because of better communication. The advantages are speed, accuracy, and less typing fatigue (Control Bionics, n. d.). The EMG component improves the speed of typing and word accuracy which decreases typing fatigue. The disadvantages are the technology is new with limited research, a price of $16,500, and the tablet size requires an arm attachment to hold it (Control Bionics, n. d.). More research will determine untapped potential and limitations, and the purchase of a holding device adds to the system expense.
A 3D printed sensor bracelet created at the University of Sydney enables people with hand impairments to easily use a computer or play video games (Hanaphy, 2022). The bracelet detects vibrations in the wrist upon movement of the fingers which sends the signal to a machine learning program that translates it into computer commands (Hanaphy, 2022). This device would work well with those who have cerebral palsy and similar disabilities to help communication between the student and teacher in class or an online environment. The advantages is accessibility and cost (Hanaphy, 2022). The device is made through 3D printing which limits the cost and makes it accessible to a larger population. The disadvantage is it is not available to the public yet, and it uses a machine learning algorithm on a desktop PC (Hanaphy, 2022). The development team plans to reduce the software to a free mobile app and make the bracelets an open source (Hanaphy, 2022).
References
Chambers, D., Jones, P., Reese, L., & Wilcox, C. (2022). Teachers’ perspectives of what works:
Implementation of AT for students with disabilities. Assistive Technology, 34(3), 352-
361. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2020.1826597
Control Bionics. (n. d.). The power of three. https://sayhello.controlbionics.com/
Hanaphy, P. (2022, May 5). Taking back control: New 3D printed bracelet empowers the hand-
impaired to play video games. 3D Printing Industry.
https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/taking-back-control-new-3d-printed-bracelet-
empowers-the-hand-impaired-to-play-video-games-208904/
Humanware. (n. d.). BrailleNote touch plus 32 – Tablet and note taker.
https://store.humanware.com/hus/blindness-braillenote-touch-plus-32.html
Kelly, S. M. (2023). Using technology to enhance learning for students with visual impairments
(J. P. Bakken & F. E. Obiakor, Ed.). Emerald Publishing Limited.
https://doi.org/10.1108/S0270-401320230000037006
Lohmann, M. J., Kappel, A., & Taylor, M. S. (2022). Augmentative and alternative
communication and remote learning. Rural Special Education Quarterly, 41(1),
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