If I use an alphasmart in school will I get made fun of, is it embarrasing?

Question

If I use an alphasmart in school will I get made fun of, is it embarrasing?

Answer 1

Even though some answers here are great, I hope you can use it ok becuase I have heard of some students that refuse to use these type of things and sacrifice their education because they dont' want to get picked on.

Answer 2

who cares if u need it to help u learn better then use it ur education and understanding is more important than being made fun of and not learning

Answer 3

No, you most likely will not be made fun of. I use assistive technology all the time in my classes. But, be prepared to answer question about your alphasmart and why you are using, and most likely on your disability. A lot of students will want to know what an alphasmart is, how you use, why you use it, and some may even want to know if it would help them. I'll give you some examples of what other students have said to me, and continue to say to me, and the best way that I have found to deal with this.

Of course, when I turned 16, I started using my laptop at school, because a lot of other kids used them any ways, so it was a totaly normal thing to do.

You'll hear "What's that thing?"

You'll say "It's an alphasmart, kind of like a laptop, but mostly it's word precessing"

You'll hear "Why do you use that, and we don't?"

You'll say "Because I have difficulties that prevent me from learning/writing like you, and this really helps me to stay caught up with the rest of the class."

You'll hear "What kind of difficulty?"

That is when you'll explain you differences to them

You'll hear "Can I try it?"

This is at your discretion. I let each person in my class who wants to, have a go at typing something with my alphasmart. That way, they won't feel like they are missing out on having a turn, and generally, it answers all there questions about it and what it does. But if you are in lower grades, or you don't trust your class, don't let them do this, or let them type something in front of you.

You'll probably get questions from teachers too. A lot of  them may never have seen an alphasmart before, so you'll have to explain to them what it is, ow you use it and what it does. They'll probably ask you a lot at first "Does that help you?". Just say yes. A lot of my teachers wanted to try mine and see what it did. Fo some reason my alphasmart fascinated them.

It isn't embarrassing to use your alphasmart at school, and you most likely will not be made fun of, although you may feel like it is the Spanish inquisition at first. Give it a try!

Answer 4

Nah, most kids will probably be jealous and want to use it themselves.  If you don't have the fine motor skills to write than an alphasmart is just the ticket.  I've had a couple of kids use them and never were they made fun of.

-S (special ed. teacher)

Answer 5

I had 2 students last year (elementary school) who used Alpha Smarts...they were the envy of the rest of the class!  All the other kids wanted one too!

Just keep in mind that if YOU make it an issue, then it will become an issue.  Don't worry about it.

This year I am working in a High School...no AlphaSmarts  - we use computers.

Cheers!

Answer 6

wats a alphasmart???

Answer 7

Hello! The question you should be asking is, Will my work improve and allow my intelligence and abilities to shine through.  Many will comment on the device because they are curious of how it is used, they want to use it or they don't understand why they don't have access to the portable device.  

Was an alphasmart suggested or was a NEO or DANA. Alphasmart is the company and the device named the Alphasmart was discontinued and the newer devices the NEO and DANA were brought on board.

I am an assistive technology specialist and I often suggest Alphasmart devices for students. Depending on the students age especially in the middle school and high school, I will typically recommend a DANA depending on the students specific needs.

If you were evaluated for this device, did you talk to the evaluator about your concerns. You do not have to answer this question on the board, but ask yourself why this device is being given to you. Are those reasons more embarrassing and frustrating then someone commenting about the device.

I personally use the DANA for work and college work. It helps me keep organized, up to date on my writing assignments.