Video+Conferencing+with+Students+with+Special+Needs

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I currently read an article on the advantages of having students, with disabilities, video conference with others classes around the world. I thought this was a very creative idea and unique. The special education classes set up video conferencing with web cams and microphones, using the computer. With this technology, these students video conference with other students, from around the world. Special needs students are given an opportunity to participate in activities like making friends, participate in social groups, and meeting new people (O’Rouke 2011). Goals of videoconferencing is to provide hands on training with a real world application, improving technology and communication skills, and enriching student’s lives while expanding the students world view (O’Rouke 2011). So not only are these students learning important technology and computer skills, but they are also meeting new friends and acquiring these social skills, that will both benefit the student later in life. There may be barriers and difficulties for this type of project. Students may need to adjust to the social aspect and communication part. Using the technology however, this authentic style learning can teach real world skills that could be extremely valuable.

Here are some Resources for Video Conferencing if you are interested

Dynavox (http://www.dynavoxtech.com/)—Speech generating device Edmodo (http://www.edmodo.com/)—Social networking software Polycom (http://www.polycom.com/)—Voice- and videoconferencing

Also the article that was cited:

O'Rourke, S. L., Martin, M., Brown, L., Bauer, W., Dob bins, M., Schaeffer, A., & ... Byrne, D. (2011). International Friendships for Students With Special Needs. Teaching Exceptional Children, 43(4), 8-15.