Assistive Technology

As we prepare for finalizing our assistive technology projects, I have come across some interesting information in regards to our district. As I stated in my previous post, I interviewed the director of IT for another class. This past week I interviewed a special educator regarding technology use in his classroom.

In interviewing both, I found conflicting accounts of how assistive technology is procured and integrated with special ed students. The director of IT does not include planning for assistive technology in long term plans. His reasoning is that purchases of this type are driven by student IEP's. If a student requires a specific technology in order to be successful with his/her programming, then it is written into the IEP and a requisition is created to procure the needed item. Sounds very efficient.

Yet, I read numerous IEP's every year as I prepare for my classes. Not once have I seen a specific assistive technology device or software included as an accommodation or as a recommended learning tool. So, I asked the special ed teacher about this. In writing student IEP's, he is instructed not to include specific technology tools or programs as the school district may not have them available and that would violate the student's IEP.

This does not appear to be the best way to meet a student's needs. Through this program and through my own experiences with my son, I know that there are various hardware tools and software programs that could have a significant impact on a student's ability to succeed. To refrain from including these as options, and failing to plan for these needs, is a disservice to these students faced with frustration and failure every day.

I sincerely pray that this is not the way other school districts provide for the most needy of students.

What I’ve learned thus far

During this course, I learned about RSS or really simple syndication. It provides feeds that update information on a continuous basis. I have learned about many different types of technologies that is available to enhance communication in a classroom. Blogging and pod casting are two of the main types of technologies I have learned about this semester. Also RSS feeds are what is used to update information when blogging or loading a pod cast. I have also found it helpful to read other classmates experiences with how they have used blogging and pod casting in their schools. I’ve learned about how software can be used in a classroom and how it can improve the way we teach. Management software is an important area that should be considered when planning classroom assignments. By integrating features such as controlled desktops, the ability to freeze the computer screens and controlling the mouse, teachers have the capabilities to maintain and keep organization in their class. This software is beneficial since it assist teachers in being able to monitor classroom progress while also helping teachers manage with limited time restraints.

M Savage

Education

I have been contemplating this post all week. I truly wanted to have something insightful to share rather than just ramble on...

The more I thought, the more I realized the value of my education experience. I often get caught up in the moment of get this assignment done, read that, check that post. At the time it seems as though that is all that it is, is working for a grade. This week I spent time reflecting on what I have actually learned, and I was amazed.

This week I interviewed the head of my IT department--yes, for an assignment. In the past whenever I have spoken to him, when he starts getting technical I can feel my eyes glazing over, head nodding, my brain losing connection with what he is saying. This time it was different. I held my own in the conversation, even made it through most of the technical jargon with a sliver of understanding, and even surprised him with a couple questions. I felt very empowered.

Then there are little things, like knowing how to open an attachment that is missing the dot or the extension. Last semester, I had no idea. This semester I was able to respond to a classmates request for help with this same thing. Now I am passing on knowledge because everybody who read that post knows how to open these kinds of attachments. Wow.

Education is amazing stuff!

Blogging as a Classroom Tool

I think blogging would be a great enhancement to a classroom. When integrating technology into a classroom, blogging can be used to get students familiar with using the internet. Blogging can be a good way to improve communication between students. Many students do not like to speak and share their ideas. Blogging allows student to type what they are thinking and can get everyone involved in a discussion. I would use blogging as a tool to assist in group assignments. Students could work together to create a blog and pick a topic of interest to learn more about. I would allow students classroom time to research and post to their blogs. I then would encourage the class to read and learn from each others blog topics. Students would post questions and it would be up to the group to find answers and post responses to their classmates.

M Savage

Experience with setting up a blog

Initially I was a little concerned about setting up this blog account. I wasn’t sure if it was going to be difficult to set up and navigate around the site. Surprisingly it was very self explanatory. The blog site provided step by step instructions. When I went to post my first blog message (this one), I had click on a couple of different titles until I found where to post a new entry. I think blogging would be a good tool to keep classmates constantly communicating with one another. The web site appears to be very organized. There are many features that allow you to monitor a particular discussion, provide profiles and pictures.

M Savage

Blogging to date

I do not have much experience blogging myself, but I have read numerous blogs. Most of the blogs that I follow--not that many to count--are educationally based and provide more information on changes and developments within the education setting. At this point, I do not feel that I have any new information or insight to contribute to the discussion. When I feel strongly about something I read or have an experience to add, I will comment.

One of my favorites is weblogged-ed: learning with the read/write web (http://weblogg-ed.com/category/on-my-mind/). It is maintained by Will Richardson, the author of "Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms." Richardson often posts in response to something he has read or experienced His insights help me to understand the power of the web in relation to education at all levels. He always offers links to materials he is commenting on, such as The Participation Divide: Content Creation and Sharing in the Digital Age. Sometimes he just comments on things he has been reflecting on or questions he has been asked. His blog posts are archived in a menu and is a rich resource for any research.

I am looking forward to sharing more about blogs, education, and learning in the next couple of weeks.

palmangel...