Assistive Technology Research Paper

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH PAPER

 

· You will write a research paper that describes characteristics of a chosen disability, and strategies for working with an individual with that disability. The Assistive Technology textbook will be read independently throughout the course and used as the primary source for completing the paper.

· You must incorporate one (1) Assistive Technology (AT) device, inclusive of how the device works, and how it is used with students with the identified disability. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the AT and how it is used in a variety of settings.

· Write your paper in APA format. You must use at least three peer-reviewed journal references.

· The paper will follow APA Style, 7th Ed, double-spaced (12-point font)

Research Resources

· APA 7

· Search for peer-reviewed articles

· Click articles

· Type in keywords for your assistive technology device

· Select at minimum of three articles to use per your syllabus instructions

PAPER CONTENT REQUIREMENTS

· The paper should include, at a minimum, the following:

· 1) Cover page (not included in page count)

· 2) Introduction (3/4 page to 1 page that explains a particular disability)

· 3) Overview of AT, uses and feasibility in terms of use (cost, motor, complexity, transition, post EC-12) including strengths and weaknesses-(2-3 pages)

· 4) Conclusion (1/2 page to 3/4 page)

· 5) References (this is the last page that includes citations- not included in the page count) References can be your e textbooks and at least 3 peer-reviewed scholarly journal article. Make an effort to find an article about the implementation of the Assistive Technology, i.e., how to teach using the AT.

 

 

 

 

 

COVER/ TITLE PAGE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

· ¾ page to 1 full page

· Introduction to particular disability

· Why does this population of students need AT?

· What greater access will they have to their environment with the AT?

· How will they benefit in all stages of life?

 

BODY OF PAPER

· 2 – 3 pages

· Overview of device chosen

· Uses and feasibility in terms of use (cost, motor, complexity, transition, post-secondary life)

· Strengths

Weaknesses

 

CONCLUSION/ REFERENCES

· ½ page to ¾ page for conclusion

· References

· Textbooks

· At minimum 3 peer-reviewed articles

· APA Reference Examples

 

 

 

 

 

WRITING REMINDERS

· Always use IDEA person-first language.

· Inappropriate: I teach learning disabled students.

· Appropriate: I teach students with learning disabilities.

· Similarly, do not write: The student suffers from a disability; simply write the student has a disability.

· Avoid informal language such as kids, mom, or dad or guys or stuff. Instead, use more appropriate and slightly more formal language.

· Inappropriate: The kids in my class represent various cultures.

· Appropriate: The students in my class represent various cultures.

· 3. Avoid using “you”

· Inappropriate: You need to make accommodations for students with disabilities.

· Appropriate: Teachers need to make accommodations for students with disabilities.

· 4. Use complete sentences rather than fragments or sentences using commas when periods would be more appropriate.

· Incorrect: I observed at West Elementary School, it is a nice building.

· Better: I observed at West Elementary School. It is a nice building.

· 5. Avoid semi colons as much as possible.

· 6. Avoid ending sentences or phrases with prepositions.

· 7. Use “who” to refer to a person.

· Less acceptable: I know a teacher that is very creative.

· Better: I know a teacher who is very creative.

· 8. If possible, avoid starting sentences with “there”.

· Wordy: There is a law called IDEA that states that…

· More efficient: IDEA states that…

· 9. Consider the words since and because. Since connotes time, and because connotes cause and effect.

· Correct: I have known you since January.

· Correct: Because I studied, I earned an A.

· 10. Use commas in compound sentences.

· Incorrect: I am taking math methods, and science methods

· Correct: I am taking math methods, and I am also enrolled in science methods.