Special Resource Material Developed by the Center


Title: Examples of Using Interactive Technology to Assist in Addressing Barriers to Learning (Technical Assistance Sampler)

Description: Current reports indicate that at least 95 percent of schools in the U.S.A. have Internet access. School districts are developing web pages and are using a variety of technology and programs that enable students, families, school personnel, and other stakeholders to interact from anywhere and at anytime.

In recent years, advances in technology have influenced every aspect of schools and student lives. Most of these advances have provided opportunities that hold great promise for strengthening positive outcomes for all students. Hardware and software permit teachers to establish a variety of paths to learning ranging from tutorials to enriching introductions to unlimited topics, from fundamental math to musical composition, from motivated practice to creative production, from independent to cooperative learning. And if a student doesn't succeed initially, technology enhances opportunities for subsequent success.

As David D. Carbonara, director of the Program in Instructional Technology at Duquesne University stresses that technology gives students the capability to think deeper and to explore more topics. And “the beauty of it is, it's always there for the students.”

Because of the rapid advances in the use of technology in schools, we are adding links to more resources in our online clearinghouse – see the Quick Finds entitled Technology as an Intervention Tool and MH Related Software and Media . As new information becomes available, we also endeavor to update the resources we have developed. Our first effort along these lines was the Center’s technical assistance sampler entitled Using Technology to Address Barriers to Learning http://smhp.psych.ucla.edu/pdfdocs/sampler/technology/techno.pdf . This technical assistance sampler builds on that effort. As with the Quick Finds, the Center’s Technical Assistance Samplers are meant as another aid for linking into the network of resources around the world.

Because a major portion of this sampler is organized to parallel our frameworks for a unified and comprehensive system of learning supports and the system changes that are needed to transform schools to meet the needs of all students, we begin with a reminder about what such an approach entails.* We also offer a few caveats and cautions, highlight the federal initiative to advance use of technology in schools, present a few examples from across the country, and emphasize the degree to which students are already connected. Then, we underscore technology related to enhancing classroom supports, transitions, home involvement, crisis prevention and response, community involvement, and student family assistance. In addition, we include examples of how technology is impacting special education, professional development, and system change.

Access at:   http://smhp.psych.ucla.edu/pdfdocs/technol.pdf  180Kb; 29pp