Smartpen Applications for Meeting the Needs of Students With Learning Disabilities in Inclusive Classrooms

Abstract

As the number of students with disabilities educated in general education classroom settings increases, there is a greater need for appropriate accommodations, modifications and supports to help these students be successful. Assistive technology (AT) tools, which are designed to mediate the difficulties incurred by disabilities, are one way to help students achieve in general education classrooms. For students with learning disabilities or other difficulties with print-based skills, digital pens are an AT device that can assist with both reading and writing tasks. This article focuses on one digital pen, the smartpen, manufactured by Livescribe™. The authors outline a number of ways smartpens can be used to meet the needs of students with learning disabilities in the areas of study skills, independent work, and assessment. A classroom-based example of implementation is provided.