In all of this, one of the key points is that these devices and implementations have to be the STUDENT'S OWN CHOICE. We cannot force anyone to communicate in a way that they don't want to. It's just not fair. We cannot expect them to always want to use a wheelchair over a walker, even though they get tired walking. We cannot expect them to always wear their hearing aides especially when they get made fun of for them. We have to consider what the student wants above all else.
Another thing, along with core education and life skills, we need to teach our students how to be advocates for them selves. I'm not sure I could even be considered an advocate for myself at this point. But it is something that we need to teach our students that it is ok to ask for help, that yes, you should stand up for your wants/needs.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Implementation of Assistive Technology in Schools
This is the hardest subject. Yes, it would be great to have the newest iPad version for EVERY student, not just those who need a device. But let's be serious, there is not enough money in education for that to happen. It's unfortunate and unfair, but sadly just something we as teachers have to accept for now.
Another factor to think about in schools is that not every teacher was raised in a tech based era. And that can be a hard thing to adjust to and think about for some. I think about some of my college professors who could not work more than a premade powerpoint that the TA had to set up on the system for them. Editing, going back, or even trying to get out of powerpoint to look at something else was far out of the question. For a young teacher, technology is second nature for me. I may not have the patience to use it sometimes, but if I stop my "learned helplessness" I can figure it out.
Another factor to think about in schools is that not every teacher was raised in a tech based era. And that can be a hard thing to adjust to and think about for some. I think about some of my college professors who could not work more than a premade powerpoint that the TA had to set up on the system for them. Editing, going back, or even trying to get out of powerpoint to look at something else was far out of the question. For a young teacher, technology is second nature for me. I may not have the patience to use it sometimes, but if I stop my "learned helplessness" I can figure it out.
Integrating Augmentative Communication in the Classroom, Home, and Community
In our early toddler classroom, it is obvious that the teachers are the examples for communication. I can already see one of the little girls mimicking my intonation and animation quite well. On the other hand, the students are learning to communicate quite well with eachother. Two little girls are starting their own "language" basically that they seem to understand completely.
I have experienced Learned Helplessness on many occasions, sometimes even myself! It's something that is sneaky and easy to overlook because, as teachers, we always want to help! One way I've learned to combat it is to prompt the person along until they get on track. It is hard not to, but taking a step back out of the "let me just do this for you" zone makes all the difference in the world.
Back to what I previously said about utilizing the iPod/iPad goes along with using communication devices at home and in the community. They are instruments the everyday people are aware of and used to using to communicate at well. So for them to read a program on an iPod would be much simpler than a PEC board sentence. I think that is the route we should be focusing on for streamlining the user and community.
I have experienced Learned Helplessness on many occasions, sometimes even myself! It's something that is sneaky and easy to overlook because, as teachers, we always want to help! One way I've learned to combat it is to prompt the person along until they get on track. It is hard not to, but taking a step back out of the "let me just do this for you" zone makes all the difference in the world.
Back to what I previously said about utilizing the iPod/iPad goes along with using communication devices at home and in the community. They are instruments the everyday people are aware of and used to using to communicate at well. So for them to read a program on an iPod would be much simpler than a PEC board sentence. I think that is the route we should be focusing on for streamlining the user and community.
Assistive Technology Approaches to Teaching Early Communication and Emergent Literacy
I find this interesting because even though none of my early toddlers have "language disorders" they still have difficulties communicating. Obviously, that is just because they are young developing minds, but it does bring around the same sense of helplessness on both parties. We stress teaching sign language early on so that they can communicate somewhat with us, but even then, we sometimes feel that they are just saying "more" because they know the sign for it.
I will say that the most amazing thing about early toddler literacy is that even though they cannot read the words, they sure do understand the pictures. We read this book, "How Big is Baby Elmo" about 10 times a day and all of the teachers do over-animated movements to go along with the words and pictures. Watching a student read the book by himself and do the motions was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. Even when skipping pages, he could still recognize the picture and express the motion that went with it. Talk about a proud mama!
I will say that the most amazing thing about early toddler literacy is that even though they cannot read the words, they sure do understand the pictures. We read this book, "How Big is Baby Elmo" about 10 times a day and all of the teachers do over-animated movements to go along with the words and pictures. Watching a student read the book by himself and do the motions was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. Even when skipping pages, he could still recognize the picture and express the motion that went with it. Talk about a proud mama!
Selecting and Designing a Student's Augmentative Communication System
I think one of the most obvious points of this chapter was the section "Who Should Assess? Collaborative Team Assessment Approach". DUH! When it comes to making life changing decisions for a students, YES, more than one person should be involved. And hopefully at least some of them know what they are talking about!
I never thought about an issue with Boardmaker being that a student may not be able to ready. Granted, most of the blocks are just symbols, but a few have words for clarification. That would be difficult to look at if you had dyslexia or something. I like the labels opaque and transparent. It makes it easier to understand as a person who can see these icons with no problem.
The building sentences part is awesome! I always wondered how that would work on a device. Otherwise, you would just be putting nouns together with no context.
Reading that Tim uses his iPod Touch for his augmentative devices is incredible. That's how we should be designing these devices. Not bulky and single use. But small, concealable, and multifunctional devices. Apple has some incredible developers to come up with apps and programs that can revolutionize AT. I think that market needs to be tapped into more as opposed to outdated single-function devices.
I never thought about an issue with Boardmaker being that a student may not be able to ready. Granted, most of the blocks are just symbols, but a few have words for clarification. That would be difficult to look at if you had dyslexia or something. I like the labels opaque and transparent. It makes it easier to understand as a person who can see these icons with no problem.
The building sentences part is awesome! I always wondered how that would work on a device. Otherwise, you would just be putting nouns together with no context.
Reading that Tim uses his iPod Touch for his augmentative devices is incredible. That's how we should be designing these devices. Not bulky and single use. But small, concealable, and multifunctional devices. Apple has some incredible developers to come up with apps and programs that can revolutionize AT. I think that market needs to be tapped into more as opposed to outdated single-function devices.
Issues in Selection of Access Methods
The use of the SETT model is vital in assessing a child. It is a simple, yet effective way of truly looking at the child as opposed to just the "problems".
The part of this chapter that I think is based on "ideals" and not "reality" is that "the AT selection must be based on student needs, not availability of technology". Sometimes, the availability is how you have to form the needs. It's not possible in all school to get a PEC device, or a motorized wheelchiar. I think things like that also need to be considered. You have to deal with what you have and make what you have work for you.
The part of this chapter that I think is based on "ideals" and not "reality" is that "the AT selection must be based on student needs, not availability of technology". Sometimes, the availability is how you have to form the needs. It's not possible in all school to get a PEC device, or a motorized wheelchiar. I think things like that also need to be considered. You have to deal with what you have and make what you have work for you.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Assistive Technology for Computer Access
Low-tech options for computers are such a great asset. I once had a college professor who had severe CP and had no use of his arms or legs. He would blow into a device that would direct his wheel chair. He taught as an aide in our basis computing class. When he would come over to help students, he would use a long stick device to press the keys on the keyboard. With all of his advanced devices, it was was nice to see such a simple, accessible tool.
I was able to see the use of alternative keyboards in class a few weeks ago and that is such a cool tool. I never thought of being able to use pictures as keys, but it makes total sense. It's amazing what technology can do these days!
I was able to see the use of alternative keyboards in class a few weeks ago and that is such a cool tool. I never thought of being able to use pictures as keys, but it makes total sense. It's amazing what technology can do these days!
Providing Access to Computers: Using What You Have
Kids in this day and age probably know how to use computers better than we do. It's insane how apt they are when it comes to technology. It's like they were born with a second language. There are so many accommodations that all computers and operating systems can offer that it would be impossible not utilize them. I can personally say that I utilize the shortcuts and computer modifications on a regular basis. Sometimes, it's just too hard to move my hand to use a mouse!
Luckily, computers are readily available (for the most part) and easy to use so it is a great tool to have access to.
Luckily, computers are readily available (for the most part) and easy to use so it is a great tool to have access to.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Assistive tech to enhance communication
When I think of assistive technology, communication is the first thing that I relate it to. It seems that to be a no brainer for that. Sometimes, I wish I could have some of the enhancements that people with hearing problems are offered. I feel like it would help me pay more attention to details just in general. As we've learned throughout our entire program, what is good for one is good for all.
Reading the profile for Michael was interesting to see that he uses his cell phone as an assistive device. I never would have considered that to be a technical device, but it makes sense with all of the information that can be relayed instantly with cell phones these days. One thing about his story that resonates with me is his use of ASL. I feel for him that he is not able to always communicate with people as not everyone "speaks" that language. In the classroom that I am in now, we are constantly using ASL to help the children who cannot talk yet at least tell us what it is that they would like. I wish that I would have been taught this at a young age as well.
Nicole's story was so heart-warming to hear that her classmates include her on so much. The fact that they are so aware of her condition and are willing to still include her really shows that they had great teachers at a young age who taught the children how to accept differences.
Rick Creek's excerpt about what it is like to not be able to communicate. By going to a party and not speaking to others would definitely be a difficult task. I have done this before for another class. It worked out rather interestingly because one of the girls I was with was working on a project for her school about the awareness of those who cannot communicate. It was a great dual project that we stumbled on. The setting for me was not that difficult as it was a large group of people that I kind of just stayed in the back. I learned a lot of facial expressions that night and I think that helped in getting any messages across.
The one thing about this book is that even in the 2 years since it was published, I feel like there have to be "faster, lighter" options for communication devices. That is just my opinion, but not my knowledge on the matter.
Reading the profile for Michael was interesting to see that he uses his cell phone as an assistive device. I never would have considered that to be a technical device, but it makes sense with all of the information that can be relayed instantly with cell phones these days. One thing about his story that resonates with me is his use of ASL. I feel for him that he is not able to always communicate with people as not everyone "speaks" that language. In the classroom that I am in now, we are constantly using ASL to help the children who cannot talk yet at least tell us what it is that they would like. I wish that I would have been taught this at a young age as well.
Nicole's story was so heart-warming to hear that her classmates include her on so much. The fact that they are so aware of her condition and are willing to still include her really shows that they had great teachers at a young age who taught the children how to accept differences.
Rick Creek's excerpt about what it is like to not be able to communicate. By going to a party and not speaking to others would definitely be a difficult task. I have done this before for another class. It worked out rather interestingly because one of the girls I was with was working on a project for her school about the awareness of those who cannot communicate. It was a great dual project that we stumbled on. The setting for me was not that difficult as it was a large group of people that I kind of just stayed in the back. I learned a lot of facial expressions that night and I think that helped in getting any messages across.
The one thing about this book is that even in the 2 years since it was published, I feel like there have to be "faster, lighter" options for communication devices. That is just my opinion, but not my knowledge on the matter.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Computers and the internet to teach math
All I have to say for this is YESSSSS!!!!!!
For most people, math is the hardest concept to understand and I think any way you can get someone to be engaged in it is phenomenal. I was the odd child who would love to just sit and do math problems all day. Literally, math and physics homework was my favorite time. I understand that I am an odd duck by saying that. That's why I think using the internet is great for kids. One site that I have found helpful for middle school children is space kids...
Even just something as simple as a pocket calculator can make math so much easier for kids. Remembering all of those math facts is just something that is not realistic anymore. Yes, you do use math on a daily basis, but as an adult who has a smart phone, I ALWAYS have a calculator with me. Why shouldn't a student have that same accessibility?
Another thing about math is that it is hard to "imagine". You need to physically see the sides of the triangle that you are trying to measure. Going back to the interactive smartboard, you can put up a triangle and arrange it so the students can see what they are measuring. This makes the material come alive to a student who may not be able to draw or picture a triangle with side a=46 inches side b= 58 inches and they have to find side c.
The iPad has revolutionized math for young learners. There are so many games and even fast fact apps that make learning math so much easier and more fun. Just by adding fun colors, graphics, and sounds math suddenly become less boring.
Practicing writing math facts over and over again is hard for some students who cannot write very well. But with technology and keyboards, the students can type in their answers so there is less confusion between a 1 and a 7.
For most people, math is the hardest concept to understand and I think any way you can get someone to be engaged in it is phenomenal. I was the odd child who would love to just sit and do math problems all day. Literally, math and physics homework was my favorite time. I understand that I am an odd duck by saying that. That's why I think using the internet is great for kids. One site that I have found helpful for middle school children is space kids...
Even just something as simple as a pocket calculator can make math so much easier for kids. Remembering all of those math facts is just something that is not realistic anymore. Yes, you do use math on a daily basis, but as an adult who has a smart phone, I ALWAYS have a calculator with me. Why shouldn't a student have that same accessibility?
Another thing about math is that it is hard to "imagine". You need to physically see the sides of the triangle that you are trying to measure. Going back to the interactive smartboard, you can put up a triangle and arrange it so the students can see what they are measuring. This makes the material come alive to a student who may not be able to draw or picture a triangle with side a=46 inches side b= 58 inches and they have to find side c.
The iPad has revolutionized math for young learners. There are so many games and even fast fact apps that make learning math so much easier and more fun. Just by adding fun colors, graphics, and sounds math suddenly become less boring.
Practicing writing math facts over and over again is hard for some students who cannot write very well. But with technology and keyboards, the students can type in their answers so there is less confusion between a 1 and a 7.
Tech to support UDL and Differentiated instruction
I like the definition of Differentiated Instruction in this book: teachers recognizing students' varying background knowledge, readiness, language, preferences in learning and interests; and to react responsively...its intent is to maximize each student's growth and individual success by meeting each student where he or she is and assisting in the learning process/ I think this fully embodies differentiated learning in all of its capacities.
The simplest definition of UDL is that it accomplishes three things
The simplest definition of UDL is that it accomplishes three things
- provides multiple means of representation
- provides multiple means of expression and action
- provides multiple means of engagement
Multiple means of representation is needed for students with sensory impairments and can be done in a visual manner It can also be done with auditory lessons as well. One of the greatest tools I have seen is an interactive whiteboard. As it is connected to a computer, it makes the visual aspect of learning so much quicker and simpler. Being able to SEE a galaxy in a far off place makes a lot more sense than reading about the positions of the stars. One thing that I wish I would have had as a kid would have been electronic versions of the textbooks. I started using them finally in graduate school and could drastically see the difference in my learning style by doing so.
Multiple means of action and expression in a classroom looks like an art gallery with posters, murals, shadow boxes. Or it can sound like a music room with jingles and raps describing a time in history. Multiple means of expression and action takes away from the normal pen and paper assessment and focuses more on the main idea of the topic rather than a writing component. I was lucky enough throughout school to have been in the honors/AP track which understood that we were all different learners and allowed for us to turn in basically anything we wanted as long as it got the story across. Looking back, I feel for those who were not in those classes and had to stick to 5 page papers of US History.
Multiple means of engagement is my favorite of these areas. I DESPISE lectures. I cannot sit still while someone stands up front and talks from slides. I have to engage myself in other ways which looks rude and I feel bad. But in order for me to pay attention, I need multiple areas of my brain engaged. In college, I would have to have Sudoku puzzles with me at all times in order to keep focus in my early morning lectures. I understand that in a class of 300 it is rather difficult to keep us all engaged, especially anatomy at 8 o'clock in the morning. But the few times the teacher got us up and moving to learning exactly what muscles we were moving when throwing a ball for example were things that I remembered perfectly on the test. I know that I am a kinesthetic learner and I need the physical movement to understand. In the book, they mention the various levels of text for Shakespear in Classical Comics. First of all, putting sonnets into comics is probably the best idea ever for kids. It helps them follow the natural pauses in the sonnet that otherwise run together. Second of all, it comes in different levels of text from original, plain, and quick. This can help the struggling learner start with the quick text to get the general idea, then move up to the plain to gain more vocabulary. Finally, they can move up to the original once they have a grasp on the main points of the story. I know we had a version of one of the Shakespear books that was original text on one side, and then plain text on the other. This helped when you were stuck on phrases or just got caught up in the lyrical flow of the words.
In the book, they talk about wiki blogs which i think are a great tool for older kids. It gives them a sense of ownership for their knowledge. They have a chance to contribute to the whole class learning.
Monday, February 3, 2014
First Day
Today was my first day in preschool! I was wonderful, scary, and exciting all at once. Thankfully, today we only had two students in the early toddler room so it was pretty easy to get a handle on things. One of my kids is very attached to her mom and is lucky enough to have her working next door in the nursery. Unlucky for me, she is right next door and the child tends to sneak away to go see momma. This will probably act as the most challenging. The other little boy is very verbal and surprised me with how much he knows already!
Can't wait for day number 2
Can't wait for day number 2
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Supporting Writing
UGH! I wish I would have had some of these tools when I was a student. I am the worst writer and I hate having to write anything more than bullet points. Even just the way this chapter broke down "What is writing?" made more sense to me than ever before.
- problem-solving
- thinking
- planning
- decision making
- transcription
Thinking of writing as planning and a problem to solve would have made it more fun and relatable to me.
One thing that I have learned the most in my time in grad school is "What is good for one is good for all" meaning that if one student needs a graphic organizer, all students can benefit from a graphic organizer. I feel that one common misconception with students in honors and AP classes is that they don't need those things. Well, let me tell you that I could have done a lot better had I had a simple tool to help with an outline or concept map.
It's encouraging to see that there are so many tools to help students with writing as I know this is a daunting task for a lot of them.
Assistive technology
I think what I liked most about this chapter was the they way they explicitly defined assistive technology. There is in fact a difference between an assistive technology device and an assistive technology service. I think that this is a very important concept to remember when reading and writing IEPs. Another important fact to keep in mind about assistive technology is that it does not have to have all the bells and whistles of an iPad. Something as easy as a slant board and pencil grip can drastically make a difference in the legibility of a young child's handwriting. Assistive technology services is more of a general term that helps with the acquisition of the devices. To note both of these in an IEP can make all of the difference in the world for a young child.
It is because of the ADA that educators must know the term 504 Plan and IDEA. It is important for us to remember that just because a student has a 504 plan, it does not mean that they have an IEP - the two are not mutually exclusive.
Understanding all of the devices and services available is so incredibly important in this day and age. With all of these tools becoming available, students with special needs will have no bounds once we learn how to use them all appropriately.
It is because of the ADA that educators must know the term 504 Plan and IDEA. It is important for us to remember that just because a student has a 504 plan, it does not mean that they have an IEP - the two are not mutually exclusive.
Understanding all of the devices and services available is so incredibly important in this day and age. With all of these tools becoming available, students with special needs will have no bounds once we learn how to use them all appropriately.
Yay for Jobs!
On a more personal note, I just got offered a job in a pre-K classroom! I am super excited to start with them now, complete my student teaching in the same room, and then become a lead preK teacher at their new location. It's every student's dream with an impending graduation to have a job lined up. I could not be more happy to have this opportunity presented to me!
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Observation
I am proud to finally announce that I will be starting observations on Tuesday, January 28th and Friday, January 31st. The school is an elementary school just down the road from me. As far as I know, the classroom is self-contained, but I'll find out more details on Tuesday.
I think what I am most excited for is to see all of the resources in action that have been discussed in the book so far. I am hoping that they use one of the online math programs as I'm most interested in that. I know that math is a difficult subject for a lot of students and I am looking for fun ways to make it interesting for kids. I am a self-proclaimed math nerd and find the topic to be second nature. I feel like I need to learn ways to break down math topics in a way that is entertaining and meaningful to students.
I think what I am most excited for is to see all of the resources in action that have been discussed in the book so far. I am hoping that they use one of the online math programs as I'm most interested in that. I know that math is a difficult subject for a lot of students and I am looking for fun ways to make it interesting for kids. I am a self-proclaimed math nerd and find the topic to be second nature. I feel like I need to learn ways to break down math topics in a way that is entertaining and meaningful to students.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Week 1
During this week, I am trying to get into a school to start observing. I have made contact with a few locations and am hoping to hear back soon!
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