Assistive Technology and Literacy Learning: Reflections of Parents and Children

Abstract

Literacy is important not only to school success but is fundamental to skills needed to succeed in our rapidly changing technology-driven society. This article focuses on characteristics, interactions, and attitudes of parents and children related to their use of assistive technologies to build literacy skills. Interviews and observations involving parents and children using a variety of assistive technologies, along with a synthesis of research literature provide a framework for discussion. A contextual background for technology use by parents and children examines (a) specific learning characteristics of parents and children selecting and using assistive technology, (b) the impact of technology on their attitudes in the literacy process, and (c) areas of support needed by parents and students in literacy learning. Parents and children used a combination of technologies to meet specific individual learning needs. As a result, customization of the learning task through the use of technology occurred and in return provided enhanced opportunities for engagement and interaction to take place. Parents and children began to learn from each other and from the technology.