Benefits of Going Mobile

Academic curriculum requirements for students moves rapidly and nobody wants to be behind. The conventional method of presenting lessons in a classroom through visual and auditory means isn’t always the most effective method for students, especially those with disabilities. Fortunately, in this era of rapidly changing education, mobile whiteboard technology plays a key role in providing educators with the tools and skills to address the multiple modalities needed to provide inclusion of a diverse classroom.

Mobile whiteboards assist the teacher by offering students many ways to learn information, express ideas and demonstrate understanding in a highly interactive learning environment. Because there are fewer restrictions with mobile technology, every person, teacher and student alike, can benefit.

• Access to engaging, more relevant, more current content on the web (multimedia, role-play, educational games)
• Creating and incorporating tactile lessons for increased interaction (using a handheld device for input, annotating on-screen content)
• Maximizes time by utilizing collaborative small groups, freeing more time for interactive activity-based lessons
• Offers the educator the flexibility to place “like” students in a group (learners that may need additional support) or a “mixed” group (used for peer teaching or to discuss topics from different perspectives).
• Allows teachers to monitor and access student comprehension and adjust the pace accordingly
• Taking notes for review and remediation
• Removing the need for the teacher to stand in front of the class.

School districts and administrators have the legal responsibility to provide the least restrictive environment possible for students with disabilities. Using special funding available for students with disabilities can provide a solution for not just special needs students, but for all. These interactive resources can engage the new generation of students, the “digital natives” occupying the classroom.

IDEA

IDEA Federal Funding

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), federal special education funds are distributed through three state grant programs and several discretionary grant programs. Part B of the law, the main program, authorizes grants to state and local education agencies to offset part of the costs of the K-12 education needs of children with disabilities; it also authorizes preschool state grants. There was $11.98 billion available in IDEA funding in 2013.

Assistive Technology

The State Grant for Assistive Technology Program (# 84.224A) supports state efforts to improve the provision of assistive technology to individuals with disabilities of all ages through comprehensive, statewide programs that are consumer responsive. The Alternative Financing Program (# 84.224C) provides grants for the establishment and maintenance of programs that enable individuals with disabilities to purchase assistive technology devices and services through financial loans.