Scheduled at 4:15 pm in Independence on Wednesday, November 13.
#39467Speaker(s)
- Rachel Kruzel, Higher Education Specialist, Texthelp
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: Beginner
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
Technology is constantly and rapidly evolving. The Texthelp tools of Read&Write, OrbitNote and Equatio are no exception. To meet the needs of users and campuses while also staying relevant, development and innovation is a necessity. This session will focus primarily on key technology topics important to higher ed including their development into Texthelp tools. Topics such as data, AI, learner centered adoption along with general updates and features will be discussed and demonstrated.
Abstract
Assistive technology has reached a pivotal time. Developmental opportunity abounds as companies determine the direction a product or tool can take. Evolution is necessary in order to meet the needs of users within the environments they work and learn within. Development is also needed for tools to stay relevant and be seen as cutting edge in an era where having the newest and latest features and tools is alluring. As technology adoption intersects with education, key conversations are at the core of many conversations: data driven decision making, artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and learner centered adoption to name a few. While there is a necessity to capitalize on some with hesitancy to embrace others, history shows us that key topics such as these will make their way into our technology eventually. But what might this development look like? How can these topics become an asset to the development of and adoption of assistive technologies?
Texthelp carefully monitors the assistive technology and educational technology industry, while also analyzing and speaking to those in the education sector. All of this information is used to drive the direction of development and innovation, keeping in mind these core topics at the heart of technology, education and our world today. This session will focus on these key topics and their infusion into our field generally. Time will be spent discussing these issues we are focused on along with where and how these topics can be infused into and positively impact assistive technology, accessibility, individuals with disabilities, and education more widely. We’ll spend a few minutes exploring how this innovation topic is being infused into Texthelp tools; ensuring users are holistically supported and campuses are providing relevant tools to their students.
Keypoints
- Development and evolution of technology is necessary to stay relevant and provide support when using AT.
- Data, AI, learner centered adoption, and digital transformation are key issues EdTech professionals are focused on.
- Cutting edge technology is built with resources and tools in response to the key issues higher ed is facing.
Disability Areas
All Areas
Topic Areas
Assistive Technology, Uncategorized
Speaker Bio(s)
Rachel Kruzel
Rachel Kruzel, ATP, is the Higher Education Specialist for Texthelp where she supports higher education institutions across the United States and Canada as they explore, adopt, and implement technology based literacy, STEM, and accessibility based solutions to help create more inclusive, equitable, and accessible campuses and learning spaces for all students and campus members. She is a RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional and spent over ten years working as an Assistive Technology and Accommodations Specialist in Disability Resource Offices prior to coming to Texthelp. During her time in higher ed, she built and developed assistive technology programs at both schools she worked at, as well as coordinated the provision of accommodations. Rachel is a national expert in the areas of assistive technology, digital accessibility, accessible course materials, and accommodation provision around testing and notetaking. Rachel presents both regionally and nationally on these topics and others, as well as consults with students, parents, schools, and organizations.