Summer Programs

Gadget Gurus: Learning to Use Assistive Technology (Grades 4-Postsecondary)

Evoke’s Gadget Gurus summer program introduces students to assistive and educational technologies that support learning. Gadget Gurus gives students the tools and strategies that are key to helping make next year’s academic experience a success.

Students will explore how to use technology to help them stay organized, read text with meaning, write their best work, take effective notes, study, research, annotate, and edit their work. To engage in this program, students will require their own technology, which may include a laptop OR tablet (note: cell phones are not utilized in the program).

Assistive Technology (AT) enables individuals with learning disabilities to bypass their weaknesses and complete tasks and activities independently.

AT has been increasingly recognized as a valuable tool for students with learning disabilities, ASD, and ADHD. Research indicates that AT significantly enhances the educational experience and improves the academic outcomes for these students. A study by Okolo and Bouck (2007) found that AT tools and strategies help students overcome barriers to accessing, participating in, and making progress in the general education curriculum.

This program requires a minimum commitment of 8 hours over the course of the summer. Reference sheets are provided to all participants to reinforce learning.

Minimum Expected
Summer Commitment

8Coaching
Hours

The benefits of using assistive technology include:

  • An increase in student independence and self-confidence
  • The ability to complete tasks with which the student would otherwise struggle
  • Bridging the gap between the student’s abilities and the demands of their learning environment, allowing them to experience greater academic success
  • Empowering students to become active learners
  • Tailored support that can address the unique needs of the student
  • Improved social interactions and integration for students by enabling them to engage more effectively with their peers, resulting in a positive impact on student well-being and mental health
  • A sense of belonging and social inclusion