our imaginations! (Well, that and unfortunately, our wallets, at times.) I read these 3 articles and watched the video (same as article #1) and was actually teary-eyed a few times watching these amazing students FIND A WAY! Find a way to speak, write, read, play music, communicate, learn, LIVE!!! That is what struck me the most about this material, the sheer determination of these students and those educators and family members helping them to fulfill their dreams and experience so many different facets of life all with the help of AT. I was very moved by the young man playing the tuba. Before his adaptive tools were available to him, he would just sit and wait to play one note.......one single note, and he did this with the passion of any young musician. The fact that he would not remain satisfied with one note and wanted so much to play his instrument, pushed those around him to help him find a way. I was amazed at this piece because I have never seen adaptive devices used in this manner. It really just touched me and made me start to wonder about the students I work with and the "what if's".......
The other piece in the video and article #1 that I found inspiring was the young woman, Susanna who is a sophmore at Univ. Washington. I was saying to myself, GO MOM, when she mentioned that she never had a laptop in high school. That it was her mom, who "knows how to get through the red tape", who finally demanded and got her this crucial tool to help her learn. Again, the support and encouragement of those people in the lives of these students is so powerful. Once they gain the tools they need, the sky is the limit. They can go forward and pursue their goals just like the non-diabled peers they go to school with. I hope she does achieve her goal of being a news anchor!
Article #2 Eli, Taba, and Camille, all students in Hana, Hawaii at a remote school. This article showed me that these tools can be available wherever you are, wherever they are needed. As an educator, you have to be dedicated to obtaining access to the tools needed to help each individual student. All three of these students used different tools, and all three improved their educational experience tremendously. I loved reading how Taba went from missing school frequently because he did not enjoy school before getting AT, to loving school!
Article #3 was inspirational as well. The way the teacher in Almeda county is utilizing so many tools to teach was so awesome to me. So often teachers can be nervous about the new and the different. Those that embrace these tools are to be seriously applauded. They are removing those obstacles in the way of creating success for ALL students - and that is such a gift. I also liked how they were using peer volunteers who have been trained to assist students with their AT. This provides training and experience for those students that will go forward with them in life, and will be valuable skills to have. I also like the list of different scenarios at the beginning of the article explaining different circumstances/students and what was being done to help them find success in their environments.
As educators we must pursue funding and access to all tools which will enable our students to find success, independence and greater self-esteem.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
What do I know about Assistive Technology?
I work with children in my position that use a variety of AT tools. A general definition in my mind is that AT includes all types of adaptive/assistive devices that promote greater independence for a person with a disability. The tools help that person to perform tasks they might have not been able to perform, or might have had a difficult time performing without the use of an adaptive or assistive device. There are alot of AT devices/tools available. Some examples of AT are:
Computers and software
Communication devices such as talking devices
Visual devices
Hearing devices such as hearing aids or voice amplifying devices
Motorized wheelchairs and lifts
Physical assistive/adaptive devices
I have worked with all of the above. I am sure there are other areas I have not mentioned. I have used all of the forms of AT listed above on a daily basis at one point or another in my position. I am always open to learning about new tools to help my students achieve greater independence.
Computers and software
Communication devices such as talking devices
Visual devices
Hearing devices such as hearing aids or voice amplifying devices
Motorized wheelchairs and lifts
Physical assistive/adaptive devices
I have worked with all of the above. I am sure there are other areas I have not mentioned. I have used all of the forms of AT listed above on a daily basis at one point or another in my position. I am always open to learning about new tools to help my students achieve greater independence.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Blog #3 - My personal skills in 3 categories on the NETS-T
The catgories I selected to reflect on my own personal skills/experience are:
1. Technology Operations and Concepts
I feel somewhat confident in this area. I have taken a few computer classes and use the computer regularly. I do not have in-depth knowledge in all areas, but enough to navigate and utilize the computer successfully for a number of purposes. I understand the uses for technology (various tools) and I feel I can correctly select and use applications effectively and productively. I can use MSWord well, Excel a bit (and am enjoying the opportunity to use it more in this class), and can work my way through PowerPoint. Along with these computer appications, I have used several communication devices such as TechTalk and GoTalk which are Boardmaker devices. I can upload photos from cameras, use cameras for chats, and use printers/fax machines/scanners with ease. I can troubleshoot minor issues, and would like more training in this area. I do feel capable to transfer my knowledge to others in a clear and concise manner.
I would always welcome new information and the opportunity to learn even more about the usage of different technology tools.
2. Teaching, Learning, and the Curriculum
I am an avid user of technological resources with students. The students I work with often have language and physical limitations. Using the computer has been an amazing resource. It gives many of my students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge where they might not have been able to do so otherwise due to their disabilities. Using simple tools like the keyboard or touchscreens opens up avenues of expressions for some students and I use them regularly. Software of all kinds is anther tool I use on a daily basis. I am constantly researching and looking for new ways to use the computer in my classroom setting. I regularly research online tools as well as new software applications which might be useful and appropriate for my students based on their abilities and their age. I always have access to a dedicated computer for these students, therefore they are never limited in their access to curriculum that is both useful and necessary to their learning experience.
Although I feel confident in this area, I am always open to new resources to find appropriate and newly-developed programs which I can incorporate into my ever-growing collection of effective tools.
3. Productivity and Professional Practice
This is another area in which I feel confident. A good example of this is this very course. I have continually utilized technology to enhance my own learning experiences. Whether it is an online course, or using the computer for research, it is a vital tool in my professional (and personal) development. I utilize the computer to generate lessons, email colleagues, take classes, research ideas and tools, explore the internet for personal interests, creative tasks, and many, many other things. One very large part of using technology for me is communication with others. This is an area that is a part of my everyday life. I constantly use this tool to stay in touch with others, both professionally and personally. I utilize email tools, webpages, and video chats as well as other interactive tools such as virtual chats or instant messaging.
I am always open to learning new and better ways to communicate via technology. It is a vital part of my life.
Within the other categories I did not select, there are some points I feel confident and competent in, and others I would like more training in. Specifically the area of using technology as an assessment tool.
1. Technology Operations and Concepts
I feel somewhat confident in this area. I have taken a few computer classes and use the computer regularly. I do not have in-depth knowledge in all areas, but enough to navigate and utilize the computer successfully for a number of purposes. I understand the uses for technology (various tools) and I feel I can correctly select and use applications effectively and productively. I can use MSWord well, Excel a bit (and am enjoying the opportunity to use it more in this class), and can work my way through PowerPoint. Along with these computer appications, I have used several communication devices such as TechTalk and GoTalk which are Boardmaker devices. I can upload photos from cameras, use cameras for chats, and use printers/fax machines/scanners with ease. I can troubleshoot minor issues, and would like more training in this area. I do feel capable to transfer my knowledge to others in a clear and concise manner.
I would always welcome new information and the opportunity to learn even more about the usage of different technology tools.
2. Teaching, Learning, and the Curriculum
I am an avid user of technological resources with students. The students I work with often have language and physical limitations. Using the computer has been an amazing resource. It gives many of my students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge where they might not have been able to do so otherwise due to their disabilities. Using simple tools like the keyboard or touchscreens opens up avenues of expressions for some students and I use them regularly. Software of all kinds is anther tool I use on a daily basis. I am constantly researching and looking for new ways to use the computer in my classroom setting. I regularly research online tools as well as new software applications which might be useful and appropriate for my students based on their abilities and their age. I always have access to a dedicated computer for these students, therefore they are never limited in their access to curriculum that is both useful and necessary to their learning experience.
Although I feel confident in this area, I am always open to new resources to find appropriate and newly-developed programs which I can incorporate into my ever-growing collection of effective tools.
3. Productivity and Professional Practice
This is another area in which I feel confident. A good example of this is this very course. I have continually utilized technology to enhance my own learning experiences. Whether it is an online course, or using the computer for research, it is a vital tool in my professional (and personal) development. I utilize the computer to generate lessons, email colleagues, take classes, research ideas and tools, explore the internet for personal interests, creative tasks, and many, many other things. One very large part of using technology for me is communication with others. This is an area that is a part of my everyday life. I constantly use this tool to stay in touch with others, both professionally and personally. I utilize email tools, webpages, and video chats as well as other interactive tools such as virtual chats or instant messaging.
I am always open to learning new and better ways to communicate via technology. It is a vital part of my life.
Within the other categories I did not select, there are some points I feel confident and competent in, and others I would like more training in. Specifically the area of using technology as an assessment tool.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
NETS-S Categories - How schools/teachers can support mastery
The 2 categories I selected for this portion of the NETS-S discussion are basic technology operations and technology foundation standards. I feel that it is imperative to technology instruction that schools provide funding and ongoing educational resources to their teachers so that in turn the teachers can present the latest information to their students during instruction and presentation of these tools. Having inservices and contacts for all educators (including the administration) to utilize is a necessary piece of continuing education. I believe that it is important to bring some of this information to the users, not to alwasy expect the users to have go out looking for it on their own. I also think it is important to incorporate usage of technology tools into the everyday life of teachers and administrators. This provides them with a place to practice and hone their skills and understanding in a real-life arena. These methods of support will help to ensure that students are mastering the performance indicators in these two categories by equipping those who teach them with the tools they need to teach effectively.
NETS-S Categories I feel are important
Two of the six categories of the NETS-S that I feel are important to learn are the categories of digital citizenship/ethical/responsible/safe practices and the use of technology tools in collaboration and communication.
Digital citizenship and the use of technology systems in a safe and ethical manner is so important for students to learn. The Internet can be a dangerous place for students if they are not taught how to use this tool safely and given guideline to follow for nettiquette. It is important to monitor their usage and to discuss with them the proper respect they should show when sending out information into this medium.
Along with being respectful to others, students must also be taught to respect the actual physcial tools they are using to communicate/learn with. Proper care of equipment should be taught to all students to help ensure that they are careful and responsible when using the equipment. Overall, I beleive that learning respect and ethical behavior should be something that is taught in all venues to help students to become responsible members of society.
It is important to have the technology skills that will allow you to communicate and collaborate with others, not only to be a successful student, but also to be successful and competent out in the real "working world". Nowadays so much communication is done via technological tools, such as email, blogs, wikis, and other Internet resources. It is important to have the skills which will enable you to use these tools properly and clearly. Using these tools allow you to work with others across distances effectively and quickly when they are used properly.
Digital citizenship and the use of technology systems in a safe and ethical manner is so important for students to learn. The Internet can be a dangerous place for students if they are not taught how to use this tool safely and given guideline to follow for nettiquette. It is important to monitor their usage and to discuss with them the proper respect they should show when sending out information into this medium.
Along with being respectful to others, students must also be taught to respect the actual physcial tools they are using to communicate/learn with. Proper care of equipment should be taught to all students to help ensure that they are careful and responsible when using the equipment. Overall, I beleive that learning respect and ethical behavior should be something that is taught in all venues to help students to become responsible members of society.
It is important to have the technology skills that will allow you to communicate and collaborate with others, not only to be a successful student, but also to be successful and competent out in the real "working world". Nowadays so much communication is done via technological tools, such as email, blogs, wikis, and other Internet resources. It is important to have the skills which will enable you to use these tools properly and clearly. Using these tools allow you to work with others across distances effectively and quickly when they are used properly.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Blogs in My Future Classroom
My goal is to work in a Special Education Preschool or in a Pre-K through 3rd grade setting as an Autism Intervention Specialist. I can think of many ways in which I could use Blogs as a tool for furthering my own education and for doing research on Autism. Using Blogs with the students, or for direct teaching of my students would be more challenging due to the type of disability, but I think there are ways in which some Blogs could be used as motivators for some students. For instance, if you find one that is particularly appealing to them or has something to do with a subject they are interested (or in some cases fixated on) in, you could use a visit to that Blog as part of a reward system for completion of work or as a reward for positive behavior. I currently use the computer in this manner by allowing a student to view websites and videos online of subject matter they like when they complete academic requirements during the course of their day.
Most classrooms have access to computers now, so utilizing Blogs would be fairly easy to do right within the learning environment a student is comfortable working and learning in. For the student who can read and write, a Blog could be a great tool to inspire them to journal and express themselves if they are able. A Blog is also a great tool for a teacher to use to keep in touch with parents of the students in their class.
Overall - I think that using a Blog could be a great tool to help facilitate learning.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
