Educational research will likely never be able to keep pace with technological innovation. It therefore will become increasingly important that early childhood professionals rely on existing knowledge to effectively evaluate and integrate emerging technology in the natural environment rather than waiting for a broad platform of research to inform…

The Australian Government's widening participation agenda--also referred to as the social inclusion agenda--considers equity through the triple focus of access, participation and outcomes. These foci are catalysts for re-examining teaching and learning approaches in formal education. This article considers this national refocus and the…

Team collaboration is necessary to fully support school-age students who use assistive technology (AT). Teams should include the student, his or her family, and school professionals. Unfortunately, team collaboration is often not realized due to constraints that range from scheduling conflicts and language barriers to lack of defined roles and…

As assistive technology applications are increasingly implemented in early childhood settings for children who are at risk or who have disabilities, it is critical that teachers utilize observational approaches to determine whether targeted assistive technology-supported interventions make a difference in children's learning. One structured…

Ideas are presented for identifying, evaluating, and selecting instructional software for children with special needs. The article notes several library research tools as sources of information and lists specific questions to consider when evaluating software. (JDD)

This annotated directory of existing databases, both online and print, is designed to assist in identifying available technology products for use in special education. The first section describes eight commercial software products with a special education focus, such as the "Closing the Gap Resource Directory" and "Software To…

This article discusses the use of IEP software applications from the perspectives of form (i.e., legally correct documents) and function (i.e., educationally appropriate individualized programs). The article provides an overview of the basic components of two fairly comprehensive IEP software programs and discusses the general strengths and…

This article discusses studies supporting the use of computer-managed Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and potential deterrents using such software, and summarizes software evaluation criteria. A checklist/rating scale is presented and applied to two software programs: the "Talley Goals and Objectives Writer" and "IEPs…

This article discusses how professionals can integrate computer technology into early childhood classrooms. Strategies are provided for using computers to facilitate learning, selecting developmentally appropriate software, setting up a computer center, and integrating computer technology across the curriculum. A chart pairs level of interactivity…

Researchers increasingly suggest that accessibility remains a prominent issue across the World Wide Web (www). This study raises awareness about issues of access in higher education. This qualitative research design utilized a listserv that invited university based webmasters to use freeware to evaluate the overall accessibility of their…

This paper makes the case that if e-learning research and development projects are to be successfully adopted in real-world teaching and learning contexts, then they must effectively address accessibility and usability issues; and that these need to be integrated throughout the project. As such, accessibility and usability issues need to be made…

This booklet provides basic information about computers, assistive devices for computers, and computer software for young children with disabilities. Guidelines for assessing the child's readiness for computers are provided, as are tips on planning computer-related goals and incorporating computer use into the Individual Family Service Plan and…

This paper discusses advances in technology and how teachers can use technology for teaching students with disabilities. The work of the Macomb Projects, a group of federally funded, early childhood special education projects at Western Illinois University that has been exploring the use of computer and adaptive technologies in the education of…

This article discusses the integration of computers into effective instruction in special education. In search of software appropriate to the student's stage of learning, implementations are addressed in terms of warm-up, introductory activity, guided practice, independent practice, and assessment. Criteria for selection are explained and several…

Highlights multimedia CD-ROMs that can describe pictures aloud for blind users and turn sound into text for the deaf. Outlines barriers confronting blind users. Discusses software programs designed to significantly improve access to multimedia software for users with disabilities and presents evaluation criteria for purchasing the most accessible…