Technology for dyslexics, or ‘tech’ for dyslexics in this case, is more than just a passing fad. It’s changing the lives of dyslexics and those who care about them every day. With so many new and exciting educational opportunities opening up thanks to the Internet, more dyslexics are finding themselves in a position where they need something new and different to help them ‘learn to read’. In this article I want to talk about some of the great things that dyslexics can do with technology, as well as a few things that dyslexics and their families can do to get the most benefit from technology for dyslexics.
The first thing that I would like to talk about is how technology can actually help dyslexics. One of the main things that happen when you have a dyslexic child who has not been able to take part in regular classroom-based learning is that the child tends to be at a disadvantage when it comes to being able to learn. Traditional teaching methods, such as textbooks, projectors, and other classroom-based teaching aids, can be very intimidating for dyslexics, and this can mean that they may struggle with them more than other students. By using technology as a learning tool, dyslexics can not only gain a sense of pride and accomplishment from helping to teach others, but they can also gain a sense of empowerment from being able to learn from their own mistakes. There are various self-help programs on the Internet that dyslexics can take help of in order to improve their condition. They can even enroll in full-fledged literacy programs offered by NGOs and foundations like CASRF (California Scottish Rite Foundation) in order to be able to lead a normal life again. Since organizations like this also often use the latest technologies, the students can learn the best. In fact, as dyslexics and their families learn more about using technology, the more they will benefit.
Another area in which technology can help dyslexics is through the use of multimedia. The ability to listen to audio tracks as well as watch DVDs and videos have made it easier for many dyslexics to compensate for poor reading skills. For example, one dyslexic student might not be able to read a newspaper and then attempt to follow instructions on a computer spreadsheet. But by listening to the words on the audio track and watching the videos, they are able to both gain access to the information as well as hear it. This helps the person keep up with the material better than if they just had read it.
In order for technology to be beneficial to dyslexics, it has to be both fun and effective. The use of multimedia products, such as learning CDs and DVDs, is great because they allow the student to learn along with the technology. However, if the student finds the CD or video boring, they are less likely to stick with it long enough to gain the benefits. It is important for the teacher to understand the dyslexic learning process and how it differs from other students, so that she can make the technology as accessible as possible. This may mean having the student do some reading while they are on the computer or showing them how certain features work.
Teens who have been dyslexic for many years begin to realize that they cannot rely on common methods to catch up with the current trends. Many adults have discovered that using the Internet can help them to learn new skills. There are many different websites that have dyslexia lessons available, as well as many books written about dyslexia and how it can be corrected. Using these tools can also prove to be of some benefit because not only do they give the adult the ability to read and learn more easily, but they also get to learn from their favorite celebrities. There are many websites that offer to let the student listen to audio tracks through a web cam. Some businesses will also provide them with a CD when requested.
Technology is not always easy to understand, but it helps a lot when trying to use it. Technology is not only helping dyslexics to learn new skills, but they are also helping the average person as well. By allowing people with dyslexia to take advantage of the technology, they are learning how to use it in a way that helps them not only with their learning but with their everyday lives as well. This technology allows everyone to get the help that they need, making living a normal life much easier for the dyslexic.