I have a visual learning style. I do better when I am shown how to do something, or I have the steps written out, so I have the ability to go back and read them. When I am just told to do something, or how to do it, I tend to not fully comprehend the task at hand as well as when I am shown what it is that I need to be doing.
Students who have a visual learning style would do better with printed text or diagrams, which would allow them to see and understand concepts. Students with auditory learning styles would do best with audio books or tapes, to be able to hear what the book is about or what the task at hand is. Students with a kinesthetic learning style would do best with technology that they can use hands on, like interactive, educational apps.
Technology has allowed for teachers to supply their students with a range of help and information that can complement their learning styles and abilities. This has made it where students are now able to have their individualized needs met in a variety of different ways. For gifted students, technology can be used to make them think outside of the box and challenge their minds. There are apps and websites that the students can explore to learn more about the ideas that interest them and that can help them solve problems in unique ways. A student who is visually impaired can use assistive technologies like books that have larger text, screen magnification devices, and braille, depending on the severity of their eyesight. Audio books can also be utilized because the books are read to the student. When writing, visually impaired students can use text-to-speech programs. These programs make it where students can hear what they have typed, to help avoid error. Keyboards with bigger keys can also be used to ensure that students can see what keys they are pressing. One option for students who have difficulties reading is high interest, low-vocabulary books. These books are age appropriate but at a lower reading level, which helps the student to stay focused on what is going on in the story, without becoming bored easily. Another option for students who struggle with reading is to listen to an audio book while following along in a printed book. This allows for them to continue to understand what is going on in the book, while still being able to read along. For students who are only able type with one hand, one-handed keyboards can help with their typing abilities. Expanded keyboards can be helpful to students whose fine motor control skills are lacking, so a greater area is needed to help type. Mini-keyboards, on the other hand, are smaller and used to help students, who are restricted in their arm and wrist movements, to type.
Technology has substantially increased the number resources that are available to teachers to help their students. Technological advancements have made it where students who previously may have been without help, now have it to make their lives a little easier.
