Psychology (PSYC) 476

Assistive Technology for Students with Special Needs (Revision 2)

Revision 2 is closed for registrations, replaced by current version

Delivery Mode:Individualized study online or grouped study

Credits: 3

Area of Study: Social Science

Prerequisite: EDPY 351, or PSYC 389/EDPY 389, or equivalent.

Precluded Course: PSYC 476 is a cross-listed course—a course available in two different disciplines—with EDPY 476. PSYC 476 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for EDPY 476 or PSYC 576.

Faculty: Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences

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PSYC 476 is not available for challenge.

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**Note: Given that students must participate in four discussion forums (a new forum topic appears once per month), students should expect to spend at least four months in the course. If you need to complete the course on a shorter timeline, please contact the course coordinator.

Overview

This course introduces teachers and other educational professionals to assistive technology tools, strategies, and support services. Assistive technology (AT) refers to equipment that improves the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. It includes hardware such as augmentative communication devices, adaptive tools, and software designed to support the participation of individuals with disabilities in the school or larger community setting. With the support of assistive technology, individuals with disabilities discover they can have control over their environment, allowing them to develop a sense of competence and independence. In this course, you will learn about assistive technology, develop the necessary skills and knowledge to implement assistive technology, and gain an understanding of how the appropriate use of assistive technologies can act as a potential equalizer for all participants in a learning environment.

Outline

Part 1: The Fundamentals of Assistive Technology

Unit 1: Introduction to Assistive Technology
Unit 2: Issues in Assistive Technology
Unit 3: Assessment Strategies for Assistive Technology
Unit 4: Planning and Implementing Assistive Technology
Unit 5: Building a Team and Working with Families

Part 2: Assistive Technology Tools in the Curriculum

Unit 6: Assistive Technology for Reading
Unit 7: Assistive Technology for Writing
Unit 8: Assistive Technology for Manipulation and Mathematics

Part 3: Assistive Technology for Students with Special Needs

Unit 9: Assistive Technology for Students with Learning Disabilities
Unit 10: Assistive Technology for Students with Special Communication Needs
Unit 11: Assistive Technology for Students with Severe Disabilities
Unit 12: Assistive Technology for Students with Sensory Disabilities

Part 4: Special Topics

Unit 13: Computer Access
Unit 14: Internet Access and Online Learning
Unit 15: Technology for Early Childhood and Transition to the Adult World

Evaluation

To receive credit for Psychology 476: Assistive Technology for Students with Special Needs you must participate in online discussions, complete an AT Tool Review, complete a personal competencies summary paper, and complete a course project. To receive credit for this course, you must achieve an overall grade of 50 percent or better on all activities.

Participation in Online Discussions	22%
AT Tool Review	22%
Personal Competencies Summary Essay	26%
Course Project	30%
Total	100%

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

Textbook

Beard, L. A. Carpenter, L. B., & Johnston, L. B. (2011). Assistive technology: Access for all students (2^nd ed.). Toronto: Pearson Education.

Other Materials

All the other course materials are available online.

Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized-study counterparts.

Opened in Revision 2, September 15, 2011

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