Educational Technology for Students with Special Needs

A student with special needs is defined as any school-aged child who experiences physical, mental, or emotional disabilities that require assistance in the educational environment. These students are a group that requires special attention in the school setting, different from the approach taken with other students under normal circumstances. Students with special needs may have visual impairments, hearing impairments, physical or health-related disabilities, intellectual disabilities, learning difficulties, or autism. Additionally, gifted students with exceptional talents can also be categorized within this group.

The Concept of Educational Technology for Students with Special Needs

The technology designed to assist students with special needs is known as assistive technology. This term refers to any device, tool, or system that helps overcome or compensate for learning difficulties resulting from a student's disability. The significance of assistive technology for students with special needs lies in its ability to enable them to participate in the educational process in various environments, including the home, school, and community. It is important to note that the term "technology" does not exclusively refer to modern technologies but also includes simple, non-complex tools that are not classified as modern devices.

Tools of Educational Technology for Students with Special Needs

Assistive technology tools designed to help students with special needs vary widely. Some of the most common and notable examples include:

• Wheelchairs and their designated ramps.
• Voice-output computers.
• Audio recorders and electronic note-takers.
• Large-print books.
• Braille-printed educational materials.
• Pencil grips.
• Hearing aids.
• Magnifying glasses.
• White canes and laser canes for the visually impaired.
• Adapted keyboards.
• Audio books.
• Electronic pointing devices that rely on neural signals, brain activity, and eye movements instead of hand movements.

Criteria for Educational Technology for Students with Special Needs

The selection of educational technology tools for students with special needs is based on several criteria that determine whether they are suitable for use by this group of students. The following list includes the required conditions and criteria for assistive technology tools:

• Compatibility of the tools with the curriculum and its requirements.
• Achievement of the general and specific objectives of the lesson.
• Suitability of the tools for the level of students with special needs and the disabilities they experience.
• The tools should be attractive and able to capture students' interest and attention.
• Tools should be free from complexity and difficult usage.
• Flexibility and adaptability of the tools to meet the needs of the students and the requirements of the educational process.
• Availability of these tools at affordable prices.
• High quality of the tools, ensuring they do not break down easily.

The Role of Educational Technology for Students with Special Needs

There are numerous benefits associated with using technology designed for students with special needs. Some of the most important include:

• Enhancing social communication skills among students with special needs by addressing the obstacles that prevent them from integrating with their peers and society, thereby increasing their interaction with others.
• Developing intellectual abilities in students with special needs and providing them with opportunities to practice thinking skills related to various academic subjects and problem-solving, helping them keep pace with their peers.
• Improving the ability of students with special needs to distinguish between correct and incorrect concepts, understand the context of texts, and grasp the meaning of communication.
• Maximizing the benefits from educational materials for students with special needs, ensuring that information is retained in their minds for an extended period.
• Providing opportunities for creativity and expression of skills for students with special needs.
• Increasing self-confidence among this group of students.
• Reducing reliance on others and encouraging independence.