Abstract
In the near future the thoughtful and creative use of technology can, and should, greatly improve the quality of the curriculum for dyslexic students. The quality of their learning should also be enhanced, provided that educators are fully aware of student needs, have advance training, and have sufficient time and expertise to select and evaluate appropriate software programs.
Computers and other multi-media devices must not only be present in the classrooms of the future, but should be fully integrated into the regular instructional system to meet the individual needs of dyslexic students. There should be prior knowledge on the teacher’s part of types of software which will lead to curriculum congruence and the achieving of goals unreached without the help of technology.
Technology should not be restricted to one content area or discipline, but should be available whenever it can be seen to make learning more profitable and more efficient. Both students and teachers must be granted the freedom to use technology in ways that will encourage creativity, critical thinking, and easy access to information in keeping with intellectual potential. Teacher training and involvement are crucial to the successful use of multi-media in the remediation of skills and extension of knowledge for dyslexic students.
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This paper is based on the Keynote address given by the author at the New York Branch, The Orton Dyslexia Society, 17th Annual Conference, March 22, 1990.
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Steeves, J. Here’s to the future. Annals of Dyslexia 40, 39–50 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02648139
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02648139