Resource for Educators using Technology with
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
[ Assistive and Instructional Technology ]
- Assistive Technologies are tools that student use to increase their academic performance.
- Instructional Technologies are tools that teachers use to expand their instructional process.
[ Assistive Technology ]
Definition: Assistive or Adaptive Technology commonly refers to "...products, devices or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that are used to maintain, increase or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities..." From: Assistive Technology Act of 1998
Copyright 2004 Knowledge by Design, Inc.
Citation: Edyburn, D.L. (2004). Rethinking assistive technology. Special Education Technology Practice, 5(4), 16-23.
[ Instructional Technology ]
Definition: Educational technology is defined as "the study and the ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance" through developing and then implementing instructional processes and materials (AECT, 2006, as qtd. in Reiser & Dempsey, 2007, pg. 6). This 2006 AECT definition refers to several key terms. The term 'ethical" refers to the professional conduct and professional standards for educational technology and design. The term "facilitate" refers to the concept that educational technology helps facilitate and guide learning instead of just controlling or creating learning. From: (Almost) Everything You Want to Know about Educational Technology
