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Purpose of this Course:
..........This course provides basic information on computer applications with
students with disabilities. After completing the course you will be able to:
1. Use a PC computer system.
2. Use a word processing program proficiently.
3. Evaluate software programs used in computer assisted instruction.
4. Evaluate adaptations that permit students with physical or sensory disabilities to use computers.
5. Describe administrative uses of computers in special education
6. Use software programs to manage databases.
7. Know of common computer peripherals, including printers, speech
synthesizers, modems, alternate input devices, and other specialized equipment.
8. Describe several uses of computer-based telecommunication in special
education.
9. Use CD-ROM data retrieval systems for bibliographic searches.
TE4005
Course Requirements:
.....I recommend the following texts for background reading; these books are not required, and students are urged to review them before making any decision to purchase one or more of them.
1. Behrmann, M. (1988). Integrating computers in the curriculum:
handbook for special educators. San Diego, CA: College Hill Press.
2. Lindsey, J.D. (1992). Computer and exceptional individuals.
Austin, TX: PRO-ED.
3. Male, M. (1988). Special magic: Computers, classroom strategies, and exceptional students. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publishing Co.
All students must complete the following tasks:
1. Pass a check-out test on computer applications. You do this as you
use the computer during class sessions.
2. Do a bibliographic search of the ERIC database on CD-ROM and present
a printout describing five articles of interest to you that are related to the general topic of computer applications for idividuals with disabilities. DUE JUNE 13.
3. Submit evaluations of five software programs, specifying in the evaluation
what features of the program make it desirable or undesirable for use with
particular groups of students with disabilities. DUE JUNE 22.
Students enrolled for three credits may select one of the following projects for the third point of credit:
1. Review three additional software programs.
2. Suggest a project related to the purpose of the course which would be useful to you.
For instance, you might develop a purchase request for hardware and software for your
class with a justification for your request, or might do additional literature searches on
a topic of interest to you.
3. Submit an annotated bibliography containing at least 10 articles that you found in your ERIC search.
TE 4005
Topics to be Covered:
May 18 Introduction and orientation to the computer lab. The IBM-Compatible computer. The history of computers. Instructional and administrative uses of computers in special education.
May 23 Input and output of data. Operating environments; text-based (DOS) and the graphical user interface (GUI). Introduction to Microsoft Windows.
May 25 Introduction to word processing. Microsoft Word for Windows.
May 30 Multimedia - Using the CD-ROM databases for bibliographic searches. Guest speaker: Mr. Allen Foresta. Library Rm. 303A
June 1 Overview of applications of computer assisted instruction (CAI) in special education. Classification of CAI programs (Shareware, Public Domain, Commercial Software), evaluation and guidelines for selecting instructional software for students with disabilities.
June 6 Relational and non-relational Database programs for management and instruction.
June 8 Reading and Language software.
Guest speaker: Ms. Marie Foran.
June 13 Mathematics and problem solving software.
June 15 Open lab time for software exploration and evaluation.
June 20 Adaptive equipment and augmentative communication devices (computer based and free standing).
June 22 Adaptive equipment and special peripherals for students with physical and senso disabilities.
June 27 Using Internet Resources in special education. The Newsgroup, the World Wide Web (WWW), documentation on, and about the Internet.