There are some kids that need to make things before they can say they understand something. And then there are some kids that have a hard time communicating with other kids or teachers or parents. These are the kids that see the world differently. Some kids can overcome the challenges of being different on their own, but others could use help emotionally, socially, and intellectually. This help can take many forms, and one increasingly common option is with technology.
Computers can empower people with differences.
Technology can offer diverse forms of support, from interactive books to on-line communication to expressive multimedia tools that enable kids to be authors, artists, scientists and more. Thanks to this ever growing body of literature, the general public all too often comes to the conclusion that the mere existence of technology in our homes, schools, and public places should be enough to work educational miracles. Instead of expensive gimmicks for learning, I have come to see technology as an opportunity to rethink how we learn, communicate and play. One such example is an experimental system being developed by the Starbright Foundation in collaboration with industry. With this system, children who have been hospitalized for serious illnesses can visit children in other hospitals.