Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Upslash

This week’s prompt for our inquiry post is a little different. I was expecting to write about new technology I discovered or ones that I previously used that I found helpful. However, I am expected to “ask questions, turn a corner, try to revisit an older question.” As I have been reflecting on technology being used to help people with learning disabilities, I have reflected on how fortunate I truly am to live in a first-world country where most schools provide children with the technology and support they need. I am also very lucky to have supportive parents that always want the best for me and my learning.

I understand that many children in second-world countries and in some parts of North America do not have access to technology to support their learning. I decided to look at some non-profit organizations that support children with learning disabilities. I could not find any reliable ones online. I did a lot of research and cannot seem to find one that was successful. Additionally, there were no specific non-profits that donate technology or programs to those who are less fortunate with learning disabilities.

Some questions I have is:

-How can we support those who do not have access to technology to support their learning?

-How is school funding allocated for technology? Is it enough?

-How is funding for testing for learning disabilities used?

I understand these are fairly broad questions, it really depends on the school district and province, etc. I do not think with my inquiry project right now that I am able to “turn a corner” as learning disabilities and technology is a huge subject that has many sub-layers.

I decided to ask some of my friends who have learning disabilities about their use of technology to support them. All of them said that using technology to help them just becomes so normal and natural to them. They also mention that they use technology basically every day and that it is just a part of their day-to-day lives. They do not really take a second thought about using technology to support their learning.

My follow-up questions are:

-Why and how is technology the norm for people with learning disabilities?

-How can we normalize the use of more technology in the classroom?

-Should there be a balance between using technology and no use of technology in the classroom with those who have learning disabilities?

Again, I cannot exactly come to conclusions yet, even with these questions. They are just to start conversations around this topic. I do not think there is a right answer but I think by answering these questions there can be more clarity on the situation. Additionally, I would like to mention that I am not bringing up technology programs for my questions above as I think the bigger picture is first either using a laptop or tablet to help support learners.