ARTICLE

                       IMPORTANCE OF   TECHNOLOGY  IN  EDUCATION

                                     Technology has become ever present in different aspects of our lives, but most increasingly in our education system and for the student in these schools. This can be seen by the increased amount of technology that each student posses – from smart phones, to i Pods, and i Pads. As well as the increased amount of technology in the classrooms themselves – from smart-boards to computer labs and online classes. While some of this increased technology can have disadvantages like cyber bulling, sexting, and plagiarism, the advantages technology has in the education system greatly out ways these. Evolving technology in schools helps disabled kids attend school with minimal aid, helps prepare students for using technology in the real world, and helps expand the students’ ability to obtain more knowledge about the world.

            The new advances in technology have helped students with both physical and mental disabilities be able to attend school easier. New innovations in wheelchairs have allowed students with physical disabilities to participate in sports with their fellow students. Wheelchairs have been created so students can partake in track and field and other sports like basketball. Casey Followay of Wooster, Ohio, is an example of a student using a racing wheelchair that also him to race in his high schools track team. As well as wheelchairs, new speaking devices, like the electronic pointing device and sip and puff system, have been invited to allow students with speaking and physical impairments to be able to communicate.  The electronic pointing device allows the student to control the curse on a computer screen without the use of their hands. The sip and puff system is activated instead by inhaling or exhaling. Theses devices can be used in conjecture with a computer program that speaks out commands, comments or words, allowing the participant to speak and communicate with other students and teachers. Furthermore, cochlear implants permit students who are profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing to partake in school discussions and classes. The device and the microphone the teacher wears allow the student to hear and understand speech better, making it possible for them be more independent in school and classes. All these devices allow students to be able to have greater interaction with their teachers and fellow classmates.