Karen Morrison Article

One of the first things that stood out to me when reading the Morrison article were the barriers for the effective implementation of assistive technology.  As with any initiative, teachers' attitudes play an important role.  Even when the attitudes are good however, a lack of comfort and training can stand in the way of effective implementation.  All too often we will be given a new tool or program without the necessary amount of instruction.  For instance, this year I was provided with a Mimio, but was not given any professional development or even any instructional strategies.  This has definitely slowed my progress. 

Morrison goes on to talk about the importance of selecting the proper technology for a given student.  A circular saw is a great tool, but not for cutting your lawn.  Throughout the past couple of classes we have spoken at length about the importance of proper planning and assessment when it comes to matching technology with a student. 

She also speaks to the importance of leadership within the school when it comes to assistive technology.  Ass with any type of programming, it is important to have various levels of leadership from the administration to special education teachers to classroom teachers and educational assistants.

Finally Morrison addresses the importance of proper funding and commitment on the part of the school and teachers.  Money must be available to purchase appropriate forms of technology once they have been identified.  Once the technology has been purchased it is important to keep making use of it and finding ways to integrate its use into the classroom (as well as the students' lives outside the classroom when appropriate).