ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING ENGLISH AS A FOREIGNLANGUAGE
Keywords:
Information and Communication Technology, Assistive Technology, EFL Learners,Special Needs and Learners with disabilities, Rapid Integration & Construction Set, Brain-Computer Interfaces, Blogs, BreakThru and Smart Tutor system.Abstract
In view of the differences in the learning styles and strategies of learners of English as a Foreign
Language (EFL), this paper discusses the usefulness of different Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) applications that can work well as Assistive Technology (AT)
for the students with special needs. The objective of this paper is to bring about an awareness of
some of the technological support systems that can be used in teaching English to students with
various physical, cognitive and sensory challenges. The paper defines assistive technology and
describes the usefulness of LT125ThinkingMind, Assistive Technology Rapid Integration &
Construction Set (AsTeRICS), Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), Blogs, BreakThru and Smart
Tutor system as AT interfaces for the students of EFL with special needs and challenges. It
further explains the use of autonomous agents and iPads as AT gadgets, and the way teachers of
EFL can integrate AT in their teaching for the students with special needs.
