Psychology (PSYC) 476
Assistive Technology for Students with Special Needs (Revision 1)
Revision 1 closed, 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 can be taken for graduate level credit as PSYC 576 in the MAIS program. 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.
Centre:Centre for Psychology
PSYC 476 is not available for challenge.
Course website
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Overview
This course focuses on 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. With the support of assistive technology, individuals with disabilities discover they have control over their environment, and develop a sense of competence and independence. Students participating in this course will learn about assistive technology, develop the skills and knowledge to implement assistive technology, and come to understand how the appropriate use of assistive technologies can act as a potential equalizer for all participants in a learning (or working) 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: Building a Team and Working with Families
Unit 5: Developing a Technology Plan
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 Communication Needs
Unit 11: Assistive Technology for Students with Severe Physical 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: Assistive Technology for Early Childhood and Post Secondary Students
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
All the course materials except for a Reading File 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 1, February 24, 2006.
Last updated by SAS 08/12/2015 09:18:04
