Technology for Gifted and Talented Students

     This week I had the chance to read current articles about technology for gifted and talented students. There are so many resources and technology programs available for these students to enhance and advance their learning. I found these articles to be informative because I have never worked with students who are gifted or talented. Both articles mention the benefit of using assistive technology as a supplemental resource for students who are gifted and talented with a learning disability.
     The first article, Creating a Virtual Learning Environment for Gifted and Talented Learners, gave crucial information about using virtual learning environments for gifted students. Virtual learning environments allow teachers to provide advanced content to gifted and talented students. The students are given a chance to learn higher level curriculum and expand their knowledge. Students can work on individual assignments and projects. This way the students continue to be challenged. Using virtual learning environments also provides the chance for students to use assistive technology in the classroom. For a student with a hearing impairment, they can see the words directly on the screen and use a head set to amplify the sound. For a student with low vision, the text can be enlarged on the screen or on the keyboard and the text can even be read to them. Using virtual learning environments allows students to be challenged and to meet the needs of their disability, if one is present. One resource I discovered through reading this article was AbilityHub. This site offers information about assistive technology in general and using it in the classroom. A resource like this would benefit my students learning because it offers current information about assistive technology that they can use.
       The second article, A Guidebook for Twice Exceptional Students, talks about finding out exactly what the student needs and providing the resources to make that student successful. Being gifted and talented with a learning disability looks different for every student. This means that one form of learning will not work for every student. Differentiated instruction is key and will allow each student to learn in a way that is best for them. The article discusses the importance of student discovery, student choices, and real life hands on experiences. This allows the student and teacher to realize and understand the best way the student learns and how to create the best program for the student. Most programs utilize assistive technology to provide support when learning. Providing guidance and support in the students' areas of strength is one of the most important pieces I took away from this article. Also, accommodating the student in an appropriate and active way is key when working with a gifted and talented student.
        Both articles took the time to talk about the assistive technology that is available and provide information about the technology. Assistive technology can mean any resource that helps students learn and adapt to the learning environment. This technology will help each student to reach their maximum potential and realize that a learning disability is just something that makes them unique not something that is standing in their way.