Emma Rhyner Source 3

Smedley, Therese M., and Kyle Higgins. "Virtual Technology: Bringing The World Into The Special Education Classroom." Intervention In School & Clinic41.2 (2005): 114-119. Academic Search Complete. Web. 5 Mar. 2015.

For this journal I was more looking to see if anyone argues that there are disadvantages to technology integration into special education. However, I have had trouble finding articles that site disadvantages to this, but this article mentioned a few.

This journal focused on using simulation, virtual field trips, and virtual reality in the classroom in order to accommodate  specific needs for students.Virtual reality fully immerses a student in an entirely new environment and allows them to act as though it was the environment they are actually in. For example, it is commonly used to teach students with disabilities how to drive a motorized wheelchair. They are placed in a virtual space and try to navigate it along with other users nationwide. Simulation is less expensive form of virtual reality as it does not include full immersion in an alternate environment. The students simply use a computer software and assume a role in whatever environment is represented. Virtual field trips are meant to be used to aid the real-world field trip and allow students to prepare for or debrief after a field trip. Now, like I said, there doesn't seem to be much opposition, but the journal did list one specific disadvantage. When using these technologies, it is critical that the teachers understand how to use them and prepare the material. Without a qualified teacher, the technology is useless.

I enjoyed reading this journal because I have always found virtual reality and simulation to be really interesting. It was incredible to learn all the different things they can do with them such as the wheelchair training. I think the source somewhat answered the question for the post. I mean, it did give me a disadvantage. Another one I thought of when reading this, was if technology becomes more integrated, the less of a need there is for teachers. So, this kind of relates to my first source of the economic effects of technology integration. This source definitely brought up some new ideas for me as before I only really thought about technology as computers and tablets. There's multiple worlds that I never even thought of. 

I would be able to put this source up against the others a little just because of that one disadvantage as where the other sources don't really mention any. However I could also compare them since all three discuss the need for individualized education and technology integration. I'm a little worried though that I don't have enough of an opposing view points to make this a good exploratory paper.

I am going to continue to look for sources siting the disadvantages or cons of technology in special education. I want to see (if there is) another side to this argument.