Designing and Implementing the Use of Microcomputers in a Program for Hearing-Impaired Students

Two years ago a computer committee of teachers and dormitory representatives at the New York School for the Deaf (NYSD) studied the use of microcomputers in schools for hearing and hearing-impaired students. Upon completion of this study, the committee made plans for including microcomputers in the curriculum at NYSD. Administrative approval and support was received. The first stage, investigation, was critical. Not only did it set the tone for the design and implementation of the program to follow, but it also proved a time and money saver throughout the program. Another vital aspect was the role of in-service training for teachers, teacher assistants, dormitory personnel, supervisors, and administrators. All staff members associated with the educational process at the school needed to know about computers and be comfortable with them. The strategies employed at NYSD in meeting the goals and objectives identified for the students are discussed in this paper.