Glenbard North teacher helps give students control

David Hennessey teaches in the special education department at his alma mater, Glenbard North High School in Carol Stream, where he's worked for nine years. Hennessey co-teaches English classes and also serves as a football and track coach.

Q. How have innovations in technology made a difference in the lives of students with special needs? Describe some memorable moments.

A. Test taking, for example. Some students have accommodations that allow tests to be delivered to them orally. However, this means that they still need to move at the pace of the reader.

With a system we developed at North, students can have the iPad read the test to them at their own pace. They can control the volume, speed and have parts repeated. It gives them more control, which is what we should be pushing toward in education.

Q. How do you prepare to introduce new technology into the classroom?

A. I test it out on myself first. I try to put myself in the student's seat to make sure it'll work from their end. I'm pretty advanced, so I have to slow myself down.

Q. Tell us about two or three new iPad apps that you're excited about and why?

A. Apple Classroom (teachers need a way to control the flow of information in their classroom). Remind (this is the No. 1 way to reach students and their parents through secure text messages).

Q. What are some tips you have for students with special needs about navigating social media? What about for those who may be developing social skills?

A. I think for all students, they need to understand that when you talk to one person on social media, you could be talking to a million. Post less, but read more.