The Importance of Planning before Instructing AT Students

Describe Assistive Technology
Student Full Name
Institution Affiliation
Course Full Name
Professor Full Name
Due Date
Describe Assistive Technology
Assistive technology is a vehicle used in the digital era to help people with disabilities do their daily activities. One of the areas that it is used widely is in the education sector. Additionally, assistive technology has enabled everyone to access technology (Edyburn, 2017).
Question 1: Current Trends and Benefits of Describe Assistive Technology
Typically, ACC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) is applicable in all areas of life (Edyburn, 2017). It has extensive benefits to people with literacy challenges and language development. ACC is beneficial to learners with neurological problems, for instance, students with communication problems. Additionally to the students who cannot speak, assistive technology will lend voices to them. In this scenario, they will have access to a channel to express their feelings and needs. AT and ACC have proven to be instrumental to people with disabilities. It has helped them embrace life in varied dimensions despite their disabilities (Edyburn, 2017). Most AT and ACC technologies are customized, which helps in meeting the needs of every disabled person. There is increased independence for the learners due to the assistive technologies.
Furthermore, the communication barrier is lifted, which enhances their social life. Both ACC and AT can cater to people with autism, Apraxia, and traumatic injuries. Some of the trends include voice assistants (Microsoft Cortana) and stuttering aids.
Question 2: Proficiency and Communication Skills
Proficiency can be described as a specific set of skills that a person can have in communication (Chen, Miller, Jiang & Klein, 2005). Self-worth is the ability to be confident to self and increasing the levels of self-esteem. High proficiency skills increase confidence in learners, and it can be achieved in several ways—for example, self-acceptance which revolves around strengths and weaknesses to a student. Continuous practice and self-acceptance will help learners to have confidence which elevates their self-worth. As a tutor, a lack of proficiency and communication skills can pose a negative relationship with learners. Therefore, it is critical to understand the proficiency levels of every student. In this case, students might feel alienated and uncatered, which destroys their emotions. Self-esteem is the pillar of communication skills (Chen, Miller, Jiang & Klein, 2005). Tutors need to nurture and improve student's self-worth, which will help in strengthening the learning process.
Question 3: The Importance of Planning Before instructing AT Students
Like students without disabilities, it is crucial to develop a plan that will help teach AT students. Many variables take place in every class, and they apply even to the AT students. Additionally, when an instructor is psychologically and tech-wise, it will be more accessible to attend to students effectively. One of the challenges associated with AT classes is the lack of sufficient internet and devices to serve all the students (Edyburn, 2017). Notably, additional activities could be required in a particular le...