Course: Assistive Technologies

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Course title Assistive Technologies
Course code KPD/AST
Organizational form of instruction Seminary
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Semester Summer
Number of ECTS credits 4
Language of instruction Czech, English
Status of course unspecified
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Suchomelová Věra, Mgr. Th.D.
Course content
1. Introduction to the Topic: Definition and Classification of Assistive Technologies 2. Virtual Reality in Senior Activation 3. Assistive Technologies for People with Visual Impairments 4. Digital Technologies in Helping Professions 5. Ethical Aspects of Using Assistive Technologies 6. Presentation of Group Projects

Learning activities and teaching methods
Monologic (reading, lecture, briefing), Work with multi-media resources (texts, internet, IT technologies)
Learning outcomes
The course deals with assistive technologies in education and social work and the ethical aspects of using and developing such technologies. Assistive technologies contribute to improving users' physical and mental functions and participation in social life or mitigate the negative influences of the environment and support the independence and self-esteem of users. On the other hand, the inappropriate use of these technologies can attack human dignity and counteract social inclusion. The aim of the course is to guide students through these topics, mainly in the practical environment of organizations that work with assistive technologies and provide them to their users.
The students will gain an overview of the so-called assistive technologies, i.e., aids, procedures, and principles that positively affect the quality of life of physically, mentally, or socially disadvantaged persons. They will understand how these technologies, including AI, contribute to improving users' physical and mental functions, their participation in social life, and the mitigation of the negative influences of the environment. They will get acquainted with the risks of inappropriate use of these technologies in relation to human dignity. They will be able to discuss and think through ethical issues related to the development and use of assistive technologies.
Prerequisites
Nejsou

Assessment methods and criteria
Essay

Creation of a Presentation Focused on a Selected Assistive Technology (Creation in work groups established during the introductory class. Presentations will be uploaded to Teams.) THE PRESENTATION WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING AREAS: Division of work within the group (who contributed to which part). Introduction of the selected technology, including a brief overview of its development. Evaluation of at least two Czech and two international studies related to this type of technology in connection with any target group (benefits). Ethical considerations associated with the technology. Reflections on future development. Comparison of offerings on the Czech market. Examples of organizations involved in education or support for users. Advantages, limitations, and accessibility of the technology (how users can access it). Description of how and for what purposes AI was used in preparing the presentation, and which AI tools were utilized.
Recommended literature
  • Digitální technologie ve volném čase seniorů. .
  • Digitální technologie ve volném čase seniorů. České Budějovice. 2024.
  • Suchomelová, V., Tetourová, R., Lhotská, L., Husák, J., Kotek, M. & Stejskal, J. Virtuální realita a její využití (nejen) v domovech pro seniory. České Budějovice. 2022.
  • Wangmo T., Lipps, M., Kressig, R. W., & Ienca, M. Ethical concerns with the use of intelligent assistive technology: findings from a qualitative study with professional stakeholders. 2019.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester