This class really put a face to the learners we have been talking about for the last few months. Seeing the struggles that the students go through, as well as their families, really showed why all these advances are so necessary. In the past kids may have been labelled lazy when in fact they were facing a learning disability which was making it impossible for them to learn even the basics. Once this is lost any hope for a successful educational future may have been lost with it.
The story of the young girl with ADHD stood out for me. There is so much in the media right now about bullying and all I kept thinking was that this girl would be a prime target, and how sad it was. She was a beautiful, creative girl that was being stunted by a health problem no different than any physical problem she could have. I kept imagining how frightening it would have been to know there is something wrong with you, seeing that other kids don't like you, but not knowing why. This girl was lucky in that she had a family that pushed for answers and teachers who were willing to work with her. I was very aware of thinking about low income clients that I have that have so many other problems that issues in school are not a priority. I am happy to see that the teachers in this province take an interest in their students, and I hope that things are caught without the insistance of parents who may not know better, or may not know what to ask.
The only thing that I didn't like about the show we watched was the happy endings in all the stories...kind of seemed like there was an easy fix, like with the right combination of drugs or therapy every child was fixable. Realistic??
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
Class #3
I am sure I am starting to sound like a broken record, but I am AMAZED at the changes that have taken place in the classroom since I was in school. Hearing the presentations today on Kurzweil, WYNN, MyStudyBar and of course Natural Reader was a real eye opener. I keep wondering who thought of this wonderful technology that is helping so many kids. The opportunities for all students are now endless!!
Pictello
I think the app is really fun. Not having students I am a little stuck on unique ways to use it in a classroom so I will expand on what we talked about. First I think that this would be great with smaller kids learning about their ``selves``. Recognizing themselves, their eyes, ears, mouths etc. But also how there body fits in their surroundings and in the world. I think it would be very helpful in teaching facial expressions and understanding other`s moods and feelings. Reading other people is sometimes a difficult skill to obtain, but using their own faces to learn would be very helpful. I love the idea of kids doing their own social story. Teaching creativity is so important, and the Pictello makes it so fun and makes them the star of the story :) Plus the fact that they can share their story gives an extra sense of importance and self esteem that may be lacking for a student with a learning disability. I also think that the camera is a great tool for simply letting the student watch themselves learn. I can just imagine all the a-ha moments that these kids would have suddenly realizing they know something they may not have have been aware they know. Fianlly you cannot deny the fun that is had using this app. Even in our class the laughing and chatter was proof that people were engaged and involved in what they were doing.
Pictello
I think the app is really fun. Not having students I am a little stuck on unique ways to use it in a classroom so I will expand on what we talked about. First I think that this would be great with smaller kids learning about their ``selves``. Recognizing themselves, their eyes, ears, mouths etc. But also how there body fits in their surroundings and in the world. I think it would be very helpful in teaching facial expressions and understanding other`s moods and feelings. Reading other people is sometimes a difficult skill to obtain, but using their own faces to learn would be very helpful. I love the idea of kids doing their own social story. Teaching creativity is so important, and the Pictello makes it so fun and makes them the star of the story :) Plus the fact that they can share their story gives an extra sense of importance and self esteem that may be lacking for a student with a learning disability. I also think that the camera is a great tool for simply letting the student watch themselves learn. I can just imagine all the a-ha moments that these kids would have suddenly realizing they know something they may not have have been aware they know. Fianlly you cannot deny the fun that is had using this app. Even in our class the laughing and chatter was proof that people were engaged and involved in what they were doing.
My Favorites
After looking at a bunch of sites to aide in reading, I finally picked three.
http://pbskids.org/superwhy/
Super Why is a great kid friendly way to learn letters and words, their pronounciation and meanings as well as rhyming and fun! This site is full of great activites that attracts kids.
http://www.tumblebooks.com/tumblereadable/
Books for elementary through high school that highlights and narrates the text. Great for learning and for sound vs letter recognition for a great age and skill level range.
http://www.raz-kids.com/
Helping kids in elementary with the added benefit of quizzes to aide understanding and the option for the student to record their reading!
http://pbskids.org/superwhy/
Super Why is a great kid friendly way to learn letters and words, their pronounciation and meanings as well as rhyming and fun! This site is full of great activites that attracts kids.
http://www.tumblebooks.com/tumblereadable/
Books for elementary through high school that highlights and narrates the text. Great for learning and for sound vs letter recognition for a great age and skill level range.
http://www.raz-kids.com/
Helping kids in elementary with the added benefit of quizzes to aide understanding and the option for the student to record their reading!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Class #2
I have to admit that this was my favorite class of all classes I have ever taken. This is the end of my third degree and I can honestly say this, mostly because during this class I was in bed :). The Blackboard Collaborative session was amazing, what a tool! Forget the convenience, the saved time and energy, the saved money in gas. Doing a program through distance education I have spent scary winter nights on the highway and have felt disjointed from the others in an online course. This should be used more often!
I am thinking about students with mobility issues that may be in rural areas and not able to access resourses they may need. This could be educational or even medical. I am also thinking about students with mental health issues who struggle with being around other people. I have had numerous clients over the years who simply could not handle the structure of the classroom and sadly these students usually end up quitting school. A large majority of those have had learning disabilities. Imagine these students in the safety of their own environment being able to participate and learn. This piece of technology is a simple yet effctive tool to aid inclusion.
So kick up your feet and learn !
I am thinking about students with mobility issues that may be in rural areas and not able to access resourses they may need. This could be educational or even medical. I am also thinking about students with mental health issues who struggle with being around other people. I have had numerous clients over the years who simply could not handle the structure of the classroom and sadly these students usually end up quitting school. A large majority of those have had learning disabilities. Imagine these students in the safety of their own environment being able to participate and learn. This piece of technology is a simple yet effctive tool to aid inclusion.
So kick up your feet and learn !
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Reading
Reading is something that most of us take for granted. We do this so easily that we are not even aware of all the things happening while we read, from the brain processes to our movements, feelings, surroundings...it goes on and on. Our Task Analysis really brought to light what a huge process learning to read is. We know from research that children can learn more easily than adults so I started thinking about how difficult it would be for someone who is learning to read as an adult. In my job I have met many people just starting this process in their 40s and 50s. By this age there are additional issues besides learning to read, such as low self esteem (and in many cases undiagnosed learning disabilities). Adult learners have had years of covering up the fact that they cannot read, tricks that have gotten them through situations in which they need to read. I am always amazed at the strength it takes to make such a change at that point in life.
But back to kids. As we have seen in our TAs learning to read is a huge task, but put a learning disability on top of that and it seems insurmountable! I imagine a giant break in any section of the TA, Suddenly we require bridges to get back on track. The assistive technology we have been looking at, that teachers are using in the classroom now, is that bridge. The advances in the classroom are incredible. Students who once were not able to participate in certain classes are now able to make amazing strides in their education and futures.
But back to kids. As we have seen in our TAs learning to read is a huge task, but put a learning disability on top of that and it seems insurmountable! I imagine a giant break in any section of the TA, Suddenly we require bridges to get back on track. The assistive technology we have been looking at, that teachers are using in the classroom now, is that bridge. The advances in the classroom are incredible. Students who once were not able to participate in certain classes are now able to make amazing strides in their education and futures.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Class #1
Today was our first class on Assistive Technology. So far a bit stressful for me. Let me tell you a bit about me so you know why. First, I am not a teacher. I work for the Department of Community Services and have had various jobs with youth for over twelve years. I am in the Counselling Program and this is an elective for me. I am not aware of the programs that we have been discussing, so today was a great learning experience. I am very interested in what we have been discussing thus far and am very impressed in the improvements in classroom technologies since I was in school. I have also never blogged before so bare with me :)
So what did I learn today? Most importantly that Assistive Technology is NOT Information Technology and that it requires TRAINING, TRAINING, TRAINING!!! :) Actually the definition is simple, providing access to a task and improving performance of a student with a disabilty. My guess is that most of you educators do some of this daily without even realizing it. You are adaptable and flexible for your students before the technology piece is even introduced. By learning the AT piece you are giving every student the opportunity to learn...what a gift!
So what did I learn today? Most importantly that Assistive Technology is NOT Information Technology and that it requires TRAINING, TRAINING, TRAINING!!! :) Actually the definition is simple, providing access to a task and improving performance of a student with a disabilty. My guess is that most of you educators do some of this daily without even realizing it. You are adaptable and flexible for your students before the technology piece is even introduced. By learning the AT piece you are giving every student the opportunity to learn...what a gift!
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