Applied Technology: Visual Response System: A Mediated Resource Room for Children with Learning Problems

Abstract

Five reasons are proposed why efforts to mainstream learning disabled students into the regular classroom are often unsuccessful. A mediated resource room, the Visual Response System (VRS), is described and suggested as an instructional technology which could help facilitate the integration of learning disabled students into the regular classroom. The VRS is a classroom in which each student has an overhead projector built into his or her desk. The teacher also has an overhead projector for presenting stimuli to students. Student's respond on their overhead projectors by writing, pointing, placing objects, etc. Students' responses are projected on screens behind their desks, giving the teacher immediate and continuous visual access to those responses.