Twenty-first century teachers working with diverse readers are often faced with the question of how to integrate technology in reading instruction that meets the needs of the techno-generation. Are today's teachers equipped with the knowledge of how to effectively use Assistive Technologies (AT) for reading? This position paper discusses AT for…

Moves are afoot at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) to acknowledge disability within the overall experience of student life. Scheduled to launch in time for UTS Orientation 2010, "UTS AccessAbility" is a student-generated web presence addressing the significant additional layer that experiences of disability add to study…

This paper reports on a visit by two U.S. middle school teachers, one a special educator, to a conference on educational technology held in Japan. The trip also involved visits to elementary and secondary schools in Japan and a home stay with a Japanese family. The paper addresses misconceptions, differences, and similarities noted by the authors…

The article attempts to provide a rationale for the use of computer assisted learning with handicapped and nonhandicapped students and suggests implications of computer assisted learning. Computer usage is differentiated from computer assisted learning; computer assisted learning is compared to other methods; and limitations of computer assisted…

The article looks at two competing psychological theories, the componential and the constructivist, and the implications of each for the use of computers in reading instruction. The concept of "contextualization" as a basis for integrating the two approaches into a model of computer use in the special education classroom is proposed. (Author/DB)

This article reviews "Learning with Technology: A Constructivist Perspective" (Jonassen, Peck, and Wilson), which presents ways for students to learn with the latest technology in a constructivist framework. Chapters describe the creation of a constructivist learning environment and the use of technology to help students develop intellectually and…

This article describes a number of computer-based learning tools for disabled students. Adaptive input devices, assisted technologies, software, and hardware and software resources are discussed. (IAH)

This discussion considers positive aspects of computer-assisted Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities and the possibility that this technology may reinforce existing flaws or create new ones. It reviews the IEP's evolution, the organizational influences on technology adaptation, and legal and programmatic issues.…

This article introduces the following two articles and discusses the challenges of integrating educational technology in teacher education programs, the stress and frustration of using educational technology, and the need to remember the value added in teaching, research, and providing services using technology enhancements in teacher education…

The range of microcomputer based applications in early childhood special education is characterized in terms of systems management, instructional management, and direct instruction. Six current issues are discussed including the need for integrated applications, instructional quality, unreasonable expectations of users, developmental…

New initiatives in British education including the Education Reform Act suggest that remedial teachers need to take a greater lead in educational innovation especially the acquisition and use of information technology in the schools. (DB)

The development of public policy for the implementation of computer instruction for handicapped students in public schools in British Columbia should focus on: potential for computer use with the handicapped, hardware and software considerations, staff development, and budget and funding allocations. (JDD)

This review explains how agent-based software technology works, discusses features of agent-based software that make it appropriate for students with disabilities, and describes a few current applications. It highlights the benefits of allowing students to interact with a friendly animated character but still be exposed to realistic images.…

Discussion of e-learning in special education personnel preparation focuses on student assessment in e-learning environments. It includes a review of the literature, lessons learned by the authors from assessing student performance in e-learning environments, a literature perspective on electronic portfolios in monitoring student progress, and the…

Discusses advantages of technology such as handheld computers in classrooms that include children with disabilities. Asks how technological devices affect very young children with or without disabilities and reviews criteria for selecting software, Web sites, and resources for teaching with technology. (DLH)