GRE - Reading Comprehension - Test 26

Read the passage and choose the option that best answer each question.
 
The Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 defines assistive technology devices as any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. The promise offered by this law is that a student with a disability will be offered any assistive devices and services necessary to enhance his or her educational experience. Although there is general agreement that technology is educationally beneficial, the research results have not strengthened the case for its impact on teaching children with disabilities. However, Edwards not only encourages an expanded use of technology in education, but also offer several reasons why its continued use is justified. For example, he believes that technologically based methods have promoted several motivational strategies such as gaining learner attention, getting learners to create their own technologically based products, and empowering learners to take control of their own learning. He also contends that technology can facilitate unique learning environments, make traditional learning environments more powerful and more effective by linking learners to information sources, help learners visualize problems and solutions, and connect learners to learning tools. While most agree that technology has obvious appeal for improving educational outcomes for students, teachers must ensure that it accommodates the specialized needs of students with disabilities. The diversified needs of students with various disabilities (e.g. behavior disorders, mental retardation, blind or vision impairment, deafness and so on) require different technological resources and applications. For example, assistive technology devices have been designed to bypass the need to type for learners with physical disabilities that effect their hands. One should consider the following factors when selecting and using assistive devices. The user should ensure that the assistive device can be integrated into the student's instructional program, can endure rapid technological changes and, if warranted, can be upgraded, and can be easily maintained and that technical support, repair or maintenance is readily available. Additionally, school districts should ensure that teachers receive the necessary training and support for employing assistive devices and services so that teachers can provide students with the necessary motivation to use assistive devices.

1. According to the passage, research on the use of technology in education

A. has not strengthened the contention that it should be used to educate children with disabilities
B. has not strengthened the contention that it should be used to educate children without disabilities
C. has not strengthened the contention that it should be used to educate deaf and hearing impaired children
D. has strengthened the contention that it should be used to educate deaf and hearing impaired children
E. has strengthened the contention that it should be used to educate physically handicapped children

2. According to Edwards which of the following is true about technologically bases methods

A. Technologically based methods make learning more enjoyable, making it possible to absorb more information.
B. Technologically based methods help disabled learners overcome their shyness by connecting them virtually with other non-disabled students
C. Technologically based methods shorten the learning curve for disabled students
D. Technologically based methods empower learners to take control of their own learning.
E. Technologically based methods circumvent to need for disabled student to get information for libraries that may be inaccessible.

3. According to the passage, all of the following can be considered assistive technology as defined by the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 EXCEPT

A. a product system used to improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities
B. a piece of equipment that has been modified to improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities
C. a piece of equipment that has been customized to replace the use of a limb in an individual with physical disabilities
D. a piece of equipment that has been modified to maintain functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities
E. a commercially acquired item used to increase functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities

4. According to the passage, the value of a particular type of assistive technology depends on its ability to be which of the following? I Upgraded II Easily maintained III Link learners to information sources

A. I only
B. II only
C. I and II only
D. I and III
E. I, II, and III