📑Reflection on Assistive Technology

In today's educational setting, classrooms are incredibly diverse not just culturally and linguistically, but also in learning styles, physical abilities, and cognitive needs. As educators, our role is to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. One of the effective means of achieving this is through the use of assistive technology. Assistive technology includes any device, software, or equipment that helps students to fully participate in academic activities regardless of their abilities. As I’ve explored this field, I’ve come to see assistive technology not only as a support for students with special needs but as a transformative approach that promotes equity, engagement, and empowerment for all learners. One of the tools that catch my eye the most is Google Voice Typing, a speech-to-text tool that allows students to take voice input and turn it into written words. This can be especially helpful for students who struggle with writing, physical disabilities, or learning disabilities such as dyslexia (Stiff, 2025). Instead of being limited by their ability to write manually or type accurately, students can freely express their thoughts and ideas through speech. This not only saves time but also reduces frustration and builds confidence. I’ve observed how tools like this can increase student motivation learning becomes more accessible, interactive, and enjoyable when the barriers to communication are removed. Beyond Google Voice Typing, I’ve discovered a wide range of assistive technologies that support diverse learning needs. For students with visual impairments, screen readers and braille displays can convert text into speech or tactile output, allowing them to access the same information as their peers (American Foundation for the Blind, 2020). Students with hearing impairments can benefit from captioning tools, visual alert systems, or sign language translation apps. Even tools like audiobooks, voice recorders, or color-coded notes can make a big difference in making learning easier. What has been most revealing for me is the realization that inclusivity is not passive it requires intentional and proactive measures. As educators, we cannot wait for students to struggle before offering support. Instead, we must design learning environments that are proactively anticipating diversity and ready to respond to it. By offering flexible options and tools, we enable all students to access content, stay engaged, and demonstrate knowledge in ways that are most effective for them (CAST, 2018). For example, if reading is hard for students due to a learning disability, instead of presenting only written texts, educator might provide audio versions, graphic overviews, or interactive multimedia presentations. Similarly, for assignments, students might have options to write, record, or present their understanding. In these cases, assistive technologies don't merely "accommodate" students they enable and empower them to manage their own learning. As a prospective teacher, I feel it is my role not only to use assistive technologies in my own classroom but also to facilitate their wider use. This includes raising the awareness of colleagues, parents, and school management about the benefits and availability of these technologies. Sometimes there is the perception that assistive technology is expensive, complicated, or only for students with severe disabilities. Actually, I have discovered that the majority of tools like Google Voice Typing or text-to-speech extensions are free, easy to use, and can benefit diverse learners. At the same time, I feel educators need professional development and follow-up support in order to feel comfortable integrating these tools into their practice. I also believe it is essential to involve students in the process of choosing and using assistive technology. As students are encouraged to experiment with different tools and find their individual best match, they also develop a stronger sense of agency and autonomy. This not only improves academic achievement but also prepares them with life-long skills to self-advocate and navigate multiple learning environments (Meyer, Rose, & Gordon, 2014). Such involvement also communicates respect for students' individual needs and interests and helps to create a more inclusive and empowering classroom environment. This venture into assistive technology has also changed my understanding of ability. I now see ability as not static but it’s influenced by the tools, environment, and supports available to us. When we provide the right students who may have otherwise been excluded or underestimated are able to flourish. In this way, assistive technology is not a crutch it is a bridge to potential. In conclusion, learning about assistive technologies has been a transformative experience for me. It has enlightened me to the potential of inclusive education and reinforced my commitment to creating learning environments in which all students feel seen, supported, and valued. Assistive technology is more than a set of devices; it is an attitude, a mindset of commitment to equity, access, and empowerment. As I proceed on my journey as an educator, I am inspired to build classrooms in their likeness that embrace and offer the opportunity for success for all learners in spite of their disabilities. By embracing assistive technology, we are heading towards learning systems that are not only inclusive but also deeply human, empathetic, and equitable Reference American Foundation for the Blind(2020). Assistive technology for students with visual impairments. https://www.afb.org/blindness-and-low-vision/using-technology CAST. (2018). Universal Design for Learning guidelines version 2.2. http://udlguidelines.cast.org Meyer, A., Rose, D. H., & Gordon, D. (2014). Universal Design for Learning: Theory and practice. CAST Professional Publishing. https://www.cast.org/products-services/resources/cast-publishing/universal-design-for-learning-meyer-rose-gordon Staff Writer(2025, May 20). The Benefits of Using Google Voice Typing in Google Docs. Ask Team. Ask.com. https://www.ask.com/news/benefits-using-google-voice-typing-google-docs

🔍Overall Reflection

In my blog, I reflected on the importance and impact of various ICT tools; informative, assistive, communicative, constructive tools, and Virtual Learning Environments as one of the kry aspect of ICT tool. I highlighted how informative tools such as Docs, Slides, and Sheets, along with multimedia elements like images, audio, and animation, cater to different learning styles. These tools enhance engagement, deepen understanding, and support self-directed and collaborative learning. Reflecting on the use of VLE as informative and communicative tool, I shared my journey from being unfamiliar to recognizing their full potential. VLEs helped me access course materials, interact with lecturers and peers, and become more independent in my studies. I found that VLEs improve digital literacy, time management, and communication skills essential for academic and future professional success. I emphasized PowerPoint as a constructive tool that supports multimodal learning. It encourages students to research, analyze, and organize information, which promotes critical thinking and creativity. I also appreciated its flexibility in design and its role in improving communication skills. My experience with Telegram demonstrated its strength as a communicative tool. It supports real-time information sharing, group discussions, and secures communication. I found it especially useful for academic collaboration, quick updates, and engaging features like polls and quizzes. Lastly, I reflected on ICT as a constructive tool overall, recognizing that tools like PowerPoint, Camtasia, CapCut, and Canva help learners create meaningful content. These tools foster hands-on learning, creativity, collaboration, and self-reflection. Keeping those tools in mind, I have recorded the video on a college campus with the intention of applying ICT tools in a meaningful way. I understood that the effectiveness of ICT lies in how it is used to support student-centered learning. In conclusion, my blog entries capture how ICT tools play a vital role in enhancing education. They support diverse learners, promote inclusivity, encourage active participation, and prepare students with the necessary skills for the digital age. These reflections have deepened my commitment to using technology thoughtfully to create engaging, inclusive, and learner-centered environments.

🏨Campus Tour: Paro College of Education

In this video, I have recorded a college campus, I aimed to effectively integrate ICT tools to enhance both content delivery and engagement. My primary focus was on using an informative ICT tool to provide clear and accessible information to the viewers. This helped in presenting the content in a structured and engaging manner, supporting information acquisition. In addition to the informative tool, I also utilized a constructive ICT tool that promotes construction of knowledge through digital app. Overall, the integration of both informative and constructive tools allowed me to create more dynamic information. This approach aligns with 21st-century learning practices, where ICT is not only a medium for information sharing but also a catalyst for critical thinking and knowledge construction.

Telegram Chat Space

I have been using telegram for past few years. It has emerged as a powerful and efficient communicative tool, widely used for both personal and professional communication. Its user-friendly interface that has security features and it’s a popular choice for individuals, educators, businesses, and communities. One of the key advantages of Telegram that I have found so far is, its ability to support large groups and broadcast channels. Where I use mostly for information and file sharing with my peers. Furthermore, I use it for downloading dramas and movies. In addition to, for instant share, some of my tutor prefers telegram for sharing files like study materials, and reminders. For instance, during class hours, our tutor shares files on Telegram so that students can download them directly without wasting time. Sometimes, the tutor also gives instructions for the next day’s class through Telegram. This shows how fast and effective the telegram is as communicative tool. I have seen that in a professional context, Telegram enhances team collaboration. It allows users to send not just text messages but also audio messages, videos, and documents. For instance, especially for teachers, if they ask a friend to substitute for them, they can easily send their lesson plan document via Telegram. I love telegrams strong focus on privacy and security. Here users can set a passcode or fingerprint lock before opening the app, adding an extra layer of protection. Additionally, telegram has ability to hide phone numbers from non-contacts, making it a reliable platform for secure communication. Telegram supports polls, quizzes, and reactions, making communication more interactive and engaging. As student we use this feature of creating poll, collecting feedback and make group decisions in an organized manner. In conclusion, Telegram is more than a simple messaging app suitable for various purposes. Whether for classroom interaction, professional collaboration, or secure personal communication, Telegram offers a reliable and efficient platform. Its growing popularity reflects its value in today’s fast-paced, digitally connected world.

Learning with PowerPoint

PowerPoint is commonly used presentation software that has shaped the way information is shared in educational, professional, and social settings. Power point as constructive tool, not only aids in effective communication but also enhances teaching and learning experiences. One of the key benefits that I have found in PowerPoint is its ability to support multimodal learning. PPT integrate text, images, audio, video, animations, and transitions, that caters to different learning styles; visual, auditory, and even kinesthetic to some extent. PPT create engaging and accessible lesson to a diverse audience. As a future educator, I would integrate PPT in lessons to make class interactive and visually appealing lesson which will help to capture students' attention and retain their interest. I feel if we let student use PowerPoint, it will encourage them to learn actively and think critically. As a student when we were involved in creating presentations, we construct our own understanding and knowledge. Moreover, we get to know more through research, analyzing information, deciding what is most important, and organizing ideas logically. Ultimately resulting in deeper understanding of the subject matter and promotes higher-order thinking skills. I have experienced that presenting our work with PPT provide structure and clarity, which helps us to build communication and confidence, life skills in both academic and real-world contexts. In addition to, it aids in coherent flow, using bullet points, charts, and diagrams to simplify complex ideas. This not only makes the presentation easier to follow but also supports the audience’s ability to recall key information after the presentation is over. One of the interesting features that I have found in power point is its flexibility to design templates and customize slides that foster creativity and allows for personal expression. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of PowerPoint depends on how it is used. Overloading slides with text or excessive use of animations can become boring and distract learner rather than helping them to understand. Therefore, knowing how to use is crucial. In conclusion, PowerPoint is an effective constructive tool that enhances communication, active learning, and supports collaborative work.

Image of Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

I was introduced to VLE during orientation as a first year student at college. At that period, I had only a little idea of what the platform was about. I knew it was an online system, and I assumed its primary purpose was simply to provide lecture notes and basic course information. However, as the semester begins, I realize that the VLE was much more than that. It turned out to be a focal point of all aspects of my academic life. I could access timetables, course outlines, reading materials, e-library, assignments, and grades all in one place. I could get access to what I needed through various platforms keeping me organized. I was drawn by how interactive this platform could be. Through discussion forums and announcements, I was able to stay connected with my lecturers and happenings in the college. Everything was kept up to date whether it’s academically or happenings in the college as a result it helped me to be prepared for every happening. This platform enables me to post my doubts on discussion forum where I received responses from tutor and peers at their convenience. This exchange of knowledge helped me to construct ideas, making learning more interesting and engaging. Furthermore, VLE also made me more independent in my studies where learning materials were made available at any time, which was easier for me to revisit the notes whenever I had to. Being introduced to the VLE helped me in my learning and develops the confidence to take charge of my academic journey. Beyond convenience, the VLE has taught me important digital literacy and self-management skills. I felt like I was getting prepared for future, where we get to work individually and collaboratively through VLE. In conclusion, the Virtual Learning Environment is more than just an online platform. I felt it’s a vital part of the modern college experience. It has improved the way I study, communicate, and manage academic responsibilities. By supporting flexible, self-directed, and connected learning, the VLE has played a key role in helping me grow both academically and personally.

💻Reflection on ICT as Constructive tool

ICT has been a powerful enabler in modern education and creative industries. ICT helps learners to actively construct knowledge rather than passively receiving. Constructivist learning emphasizes hands-on experiences, reflection, and the construction of individual idea through exploration and collaboration. ICT tools like PowerPoint, Camtasia, CapCut, Canva and similar applications perfectly align with this philosophy. PowerPoint, for instance, is more than just a presentation tool. When we students use PowerPoint to create presentation, or storytelling slideshows, it required us to do research, organize information logically, and represent ideas using text, images, transitions and animations. This process makes us understand and allow us to express our thoughts. Camtasia, screen recording and video editing software, offers learners and educators the chance to design interactive video. I found Camtasia to be fascinating software, as it allows teachers to insert quizzes directly into the video. Students are required to answer these questions before they can continue watching, making the learning experience more interactive and engaging. I have seen CapCut a as one of the useful constructive tool for encouraging creativity especially among learners who may struggle with traditional text-based assignments. CapCut enables learners to combine visuals, audio, and effects to communicate their ideas. ICT tools also support collaborative learning. Shared documents, video editing, and multimedia platforms enable multiple users to work together in real time, promoting communication and teamwork. As ICT user, I have seen lots of positive impact of ICT as constructive tool where it enable users to document and reflect on their learning through digital portfolios, blogs, or vlogs. This ongoing reflection encourages self-assessment, goal setting, and ownership of learning. It fosters a growth mindset as students track their progress and make meaningful connections across subjects and experiences. In conclusion, ICT as a constructive tool empowers learners to explore, experiment, express, and evaluate. It shifts the focus from consuming information to creating meaning. Through presentations, videos, or digital storytelling, these tools foster engagement, innovation, and deeper learning. However, I feel key lies not just in the tool itself, but in how it is used to support learners in meaningful, and active way, making student-centered learning environment.

📻Reflection on Informative Tool

I felt the need and importance of Informative tools as it is an applications that consists various information in numerous forms such as text, graphics, sounds, images, and animations. These tools enable learners to enhance their knowledge in different ways, such as text enables learners to communicate access and gather information, boost literacy knowledge, and develop comprehension. Every informative tool plays crucial role in teaching and learning where we can achieve many purposes and meaning. Upon learning this topic, I came to know the uses of different software and apps such as Docs, slides, and sheets, where it enable users to come together and work collaboratively enabling each member to share their ideas and edit others ideas if necessary. Image, video, graphic and animation are to do with visual learning, I feel these tools will aid learners to retain information for longer duration, understand concept better through simulation, promote engagement, make learning interactive and build creativity of learners. Regarding audio, we can use audio for auditory learners to gain knowledge, build imagination, improve listening skills; helps strengthen memory and build vocabulary. I feel informative tools are vital for lesson as it Enhance Engagement of learners through animated graphics and sounds. Furthermore, promote deeper understanding by presenting information in multiple modes and support self-learning where learners can revisit the content at any time. At the same, it Encourage Inquiry and Exploration where learners can research and learn beyond what teachers have taught. Lastly, it caters to diverse learners as tools consist for visual, audio, and interactive elements that meet the need of various learners. Upon learning informative tool I realize that simply lecture method is not enough, using various informative tools can make learning engaging, which can transform passive learner into an active learners. These tools help us to create a dynamic learning environment. For instance, instead of explaining just from the textbook, a digital interactive model can be used. The tools can include rotating 3D images, audio clips, and animations. Thus students will be able to learn more, listen to facts, and understand. Thus, integrating information tools in the lesson plan is essential which not only supports better understanding but also encourages curiosity and exploration, helping students take ownership of their learning

📱ICT as Communicative Tools

Upon learning about communicative tools in education, I have learned how essential they are in creating an active learning environment. Communicative tools in education are applications that support the exchange of ideas, thoughts, and feedback between educator and learners, and among learners themselves. Communicative tools can include emails, discussion forums, messaging apps, video conferencing, and collaborative documents. Communication in traditional classroom is often one-directional, which is from teacher to student. However, as a result of digital communicative tools, learning becomes more of a two-way or even multiple-way. Where students are given the opportunity to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn collaboratively. For example, during a group project, students can use a Google Docs as a communicative tool. Where students can share ones idea, provide feedback, edit content together regardless of time and chat within the document. Furthermore, integrating communicative tool in teaching and learning encourage active participation where students who are usually quiet in class can express themselves more freely in online discussions or written chats without having fear of facing crowd. As a result, this encouraged teamwork and makes learning environment more comfortable for the learners who feel uncomfortable to share ones opinion in class. Using communicative tools is also plus point for teachers where one can track learner progress and give instant feedback. All in all, I came to realize that using communicative tools can create a positive learning environment where students feel connected and involved which is vital in learning environment. Moreover I feel that these tools prepare students not only academically but socially and professionally as well. They support the skills like digital literacy, communication, and collaboration. At the same time, it fosters teamwork where tools like shared documents and group chats support cooperative learning. It also support feedback and clarification as at any time teachers can give feedback, and students can ask questions at any hour. Lastly, it extends learning beyond the classroom where students can stay engaged with the subject and with each other even after the lesson ends.