Dossier sur les aides technologiques : la conclusion

The arrival of technological aids in the classroom has succeeded in changing practices. “It was painful and it's not perfect yet. Before, it was “sign up, sign down”. Now, if we care about the success of the students, we can hope for a graduation for them, ”believes Richard Ayotte.

Changes are now observable among students. They help each other spontaneously. “It's coming fun. I expected that. We have lots of really helpful tools for these students. Before, we saw a lot of mistakes and we couldn't do anything, whereas now technology can finally help them, ”says Isabelle Goyette.

In his book Learning disabilities and assistive technologies, Nadia Rousseau addresses a number of challenges associated with the successful integration of such tools. It evokes, among other things, the openness of the school environment to technological development and its compensatory potential, the continuous training of interveners, the student's self-knowledge and his appropriation of tools as well as the use of the plan intervention as a consultation tool.

It also makes several recommendations from study participants to their colleagues.

“Stop being afraid. Jump into the action and learn how to use these tools. Start quietly; it takes time and planning to turn your classroom into a tech classroom. Do not use technology as a reward or a free activity for students. Instead, offer them a technological program that presents them with challenges ”

And, finally: "Technologies are powerful tools when used by effective teachers".

Reference: Rousseau, Nadia. (2010). Learning Disabilities and Assistive Technologies: Access to a Rich and Stimulating School Life, Guide for Teachers and Other Education Professionals, Quebec. September editor and transfer center for educational success in Quebec (CTREQ).