At times, looking for an interactive technology piece to incorporate into the classroom to increase engagement can be a daunting task due to the sheer volume of products available. As a special education teacher, I know how important it is to have flexibility, ease of access, and simple engaging content with any technology I use in the classroom. It must have an educational purpose so that lesson objectives can be met, and student engagement is enough to keep their interests through the activity (Walker, 2021). With all this said, it can be tempting to seek technology to instruct students instead of teachers using technology to enhance lessons and assist teachers in achieving curriculum goals and objectives (Klein, 2024). Be aware of this pitfall as it is easy to put students on a program for the entire class time, but the role that a teacher plays in instructing students is not to be replaced by technology. It is important to look for technologies that increase classroom engagement and collaboration as combining both together will increase accomplishments of all learners (Digout and Samra, 2023).
There are advantages and challenges when incorporating technology in a special education classroom. Some technologies require regular maintenance to keep up and running and with the technology team so overwhelmed it can be difficult to get them serviced on time. Additionally, some require training to use properly and that takes more time than most special education teachers have, so they must put it at the bottom of their priority list as the demands of taking care of student’s basic health and academic needs, addressing parent concerns, holding meetings, assisting general education teachers, completing training on health related issues, and mountains of paperwork take priority over learning about the latest engaging technology tools. To reduce the stress of learning innovative technology, teachers must realize that it is not the tech that engages the class and helps them meet their learning objectives, it is the creativity of the teachers using the technology to supplement their lessons (Noah, 2022). Educators should not place a huge importance on finding new technology, but rather using technology they already have access to and know to meet their students’ needs (Noah, 2022). This will decrease the amount of time teachers spend on incorporating tech into their classroom, and through required professional developments and discussions with colleagues, new technology will make its way into the classroom in a not so overwhelming way (Mendoza, 2022). Through Universal Design, most technology can be used with every student; however, some assistive technologies may be needed in addition to make this a holistic approach of using technology in the classroom (Klein, 2024). Also, sticking to familiar technology is easier for students with special needs as they need to build confidence using the technology in their classroom so they will take more risks and collaborate with their peers on assignments.
When using technology in a special education classroom there are a variety of disabilities, so the technology must be versatile to meet their needs. I look for technology that will allow all my students to enjoy the activity in some capacity so that all students feel included no matter their cognitive level. I have students who cannot read, so choosing a program that will read to them is important to me so the students can interact more independently with the technology. Selecting options on a computer can be challenging for students with mobility issues, so I love having the option to use an iPad. It is important to me that I choose accessible technology first and then use assistive technology to allow all students to engage with activities (Rice, 2022). For most students who use assistive technologies, training them on how to use it is critical as it should never be left to the student or their parents to figure it out on their own (Klein, 2024).
For this blog, I will inform you of three of the best technology tools to use in a special education classroom that are cost effective, easy to use, and engaging. These technology tools are Nearpod, GimKit, and Storyboard That. They allow teachers to customize assignments to align with lesson goals and objectives while promoting content in a fun and engaging way.
Nearpod
Nearpod is an interactive resource that will allow teachers to use videos that will pause at designated times to ask questions or instruct students to complete an interactive activity. This platform can be used with Canva, YouTube, and other common classroom tools allowing for much versatility and familiarity. Teachers can create tasks that are paced and check for understanding throughout by giving teachers feedback on the effectiveness of the lesson.
Connectivity: Nearpod needs a basic laptop or tablet to access content and will work well with your district’s network.
Integration: Nearpod can be accessed through a code that is imputed on the website or through a link in student’s email. This is a code or link that the teacher will send from their Nearpod account to access a certain lesson or task.
Cost: Nearpod allows teachers to sign up for a free account with limited features. This free account will allow 100MB of storage, forty students, and limited features. When creating lessons, you will only be able to store a couple of lessons before you must start deleting material to continue to create and save new material. Districts can purchase premium features and content by following the links to get quotes and start a contract.
Support: Nearpod is user-friendly as most of my students with special needs were able to navigate through the program with little instructions from me the first time they used the program. There are tutorials online to navigate through the website and create content for students. Webinars and training are available through the Nearpod website to train teachers on how to use their product. https://nearpod.com/resources/ Teachers can also contact the Nearpod staff for further assistance.
Classroom Design: Nearpod can be used at the same time to teach the entire class together and it can also be used independently through access codes and links via email. Nearpod will give feedback based on students’ answers that can be displayed to the entire class if the teacher chooses.
Getting Started: Here is a short video that gives an overview of the Nearpod product.
GimKit
GimKit is an educational gaming website that will allow teachers to create their own quiz/gaming questions that will be incorporated into a game of their choice from over fifteen options. Teachers can assign students specific quizzes/games and track their progress by breaking down the questions missed or with percentages of correct responses. Additionally, stats can be printed with each quiz/game that will show which questions they got right or wrong making it easy to give students a grade on the material.
Connectivity: GimKit needs a basic laptop, tablet, or cell phone to access content and will work well with your district’s network.
Integration: GimKit can be accessed through a code that is imputed on the website or through a link in student’s email. This is a code or link that the teacher will send from their GimKit account to access a certain lesson or task.
Cost: GimKit is free for up to five students playing at one time, but not all gaming features will be available without a subscription. To open all the features for a one-year membership it will cost $59.88 total with all taxes and fees.
Support: Teachers can access GimKit support through the Help & Support tab on their account page. There are also videos posted on YouTube to learn how to use the platform properly.
Classroom Design: GimKit can be used at the same time with the entire class for challenges and review games, and it can also be used independently through access codes and links via email. Getting Started: Here is a short video that gives an overview of the GimKit product.
Here is an example of how to use GimKit to cover a unit. I chose to create a unit on cells for my biology students. You can use the practice feature to answer questions, or you can make a free account to access other features such as gaming and teacher tools.
https://www.gimkit.com/view/66645c61cb83c4478924c87c
This is just one example of how to incorporate a game review into a unit. My students learn so much through the GimKit platform and they beg to use it. This non-threatening way of learning has increased their ability to retain information in each lesson. They are learning and understanding more and more, and they do not even care that they are doing schoolwork.
(Screenshots taken from my GimKit account to serve as examples of questions and games.)
Storyboard That
https://www.storyboardthat.com/
Storyboard That is a creative way for students to display their understanding of a concept, write a story or comic, or re-tell a story using mostly graphics. Stories are presented in blocks where each block represents a different scene. Thousands of editable graphics are provided for virtually any concept which will give students more ability to create their board in a unique way.
Connectivity: Storyboard That needs a basic laptop or tablet to access content and will work well with your district’s network.
Integration: Storyboard That can be accessed through a code that is imputed on the website or through a link in student’s email. This is a code or link that the teacher will send from their Storyboard That account to access a certain lesson or task; however, the teacher must sign each student up in their account before sending out this code so that the teacher can monitor their progress and receive their final project.
Cost: Storyboard That offers a month-long membership for $1.00. Which is normally enough time to use it in the classroom for a project. If a longer period is needed, the cost varies depending on how many students use it and how long you want to extend your membership. For ten students, the prices are $9.99 monthly, $8.99 per month quarterly, and $7.99 per month with a yearly subscription. For one hundred students, the prices are $12.99 monthly, $11.99 per month quarterly, and $9.49 per month with a yearly subscription.
Support: Teachers can receive online support through their Storyboard That account under the Help tab and follow the prompts to obtain answers.
Classroom Design: Storyboard That is mainly an independent learning program where teachers can give their students a task and set them free to create on their own.
Getting Started: Here is a short video that gives an overview of the Storyboard That product.
When looking for new ideas for your classroom there is no shame to admit that you do not have the time to locate new and engaging resources. Special education teachers have more responsibilities than any teacher and their responsibilities change and increase daily. Technology has provided us with a world to collaborate with by connecting us with teachers that are living and have lived through the same challenges. This allows special education teachers to glean from the wisdom of other special education teachers, save time using their resources, and consider their recommendations for technology use for effectiveness in their classrooms (Walker, 2021). While I have worked for school districts who have frowned on using Teacher Pay Teacher as a source for classroom materials, I see nothing wrong with using materials created by talented and professional educators as long as it meets state standards and is academically meeting student(s)’ needs as we cannot do everything. Often, we are on an island of our own with little collaborative insights from other professionals in our district as the special education workforce is short-staffed, underpaid, and overworked. In closing, please remember that it is the teacher and not the technology that makes a classroom. A teacher’s creativity and ability to know their students is what builds confidence in students and makes them successful; technology is a tool to help them grow and develop their ideas (Walker, 2021). We are to be creating authentic classroom experiences that allow students the space and tools they need to grow and learn through our relationships with them (Garcia, 2023).
References
Digout, J., & Samra, H. E. (2023). Interactivity and Engagement Tactics and Tools. In Governance in Higher Education (pp. 151–169). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-40586-0_8
Ferlazzo, L. (2022, July 15). Technology is the tool, not the teacher (Opinion). Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/technology/opinion-technology-is-the-tool-not-the-teacher/2022/07
Flocabulary – Educational Hip-Hop. (n.d.). https://www.flocabulary.com/
Garcia, Antero. (2023). Technology might be making education worse. Stanford Report. https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2023/04/technology-might-be-making-education-worse
Gimkit – live learning game show. (n.d.). https://www.gimkit.com/
Klein, A. (2024, February 6). Using technology for students in special Education: What the Feds want schools to know. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/using-technology-for-students-in-special-education-what-the-feds-want-schools-to-know/2024/02
Llc, C. P. (n.d.). Free storyboarding software — online storyboard creator. Storyboard That. https://www.storyboardthat.com/
Mendoza, A., Jr. (2022, March 30). 5 reasons teachers are hesitant to adopt technology in the classroom | My EdTech Life | Teachers on Fire Magazine. Medium. https://medium.com/teachers-on-fire/reasons-teachers-are-hesitant-to-adopt-technology-in-the-classroom-5ef9d48ed144
Nearpod: You’ll wonder how you taught without it. (n.d.). https://nearpod.com/
Noah, T. (2022, September 1). A handy framework for choosing Edtech. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/handy-framework-choosing-edtech
Rice, M. (2022, September 27). Examples of assistive technology in the classroom changing how education works. Built In. https://builtin.com/articles/assistive-technology-in-the-classroom
re:edTech. (2020, January 29). Gimkit: What is it? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSjzjHAW1N4
Storyboard That. (2022, May 12). Getting started: Storyboard Creator Basics [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB_X3yIATz4
Vocabulary.com. (n.d.). https://www.vocabulary.com/for-educators/
Walker, T. (2021). ‘Technology isn’t the hero, educators are’ | NEA. https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/technology-isnt-hero-educators-are
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