Universal design and assistive technology is a great concept and tool that all teachers should have access to, and should use within their classrooms. By using these new technologies teachers are able to adapt to student’s different needs. Not only are these technologies beneficial for teachers in their integration of all students, but it allows for students with disabilities and challenges to feel as though they are apart of a classroom without having to leave. These new technologies also aren’t just for students will special needs. Teachers can incorporate these tools into their classroom for all students to use.
When speaking of universal design one may ask what that concept is or means. Universal design is a concept or tool even that allows for teachers to accommodate to all students learning differences within their classrooms. Universal design consists of new technological materials and tools that allow for teachers to help students with disabilities learn more efficiently and successfully. The tools that these teachers use are sometimes modified activities or tools that students who do not have disabilities use. For example traditional students are able to use a keyboard on a computer. Sometime some students are unable to use the normal keyboards. So an example of an assistive technology would be a larger keyboard with larger keys that would be plugged into the computer for that particular student to use. By using this tool the student will be able to participate in typing tasks like the rest of the students.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act states that when Federal agencies create or post information electronically or using technology that all people will be able to access this information. This means that people with disabilities will have access to these programs or information just as easy as people without disabilities. In looking up this act I found that in the United States, the “Department of Education now requires that states that are funded by the Assistive Technology Act State Grant program (a grant program that supports consumer-driven state projects to improve access to assistive technology devices and services) to comply with section 508.” (http://searchcio.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid182_gci914785,00.html)
In looking at all the different specific technologies that would help make my classroom more inclusive, I had trouble finding just a few that would help; there are so many that I would love to use. I was very interested in the Start To Finish Books. This is a great way for students who may not be at the same reading level as their peers. Through using this software and kit, students are able to have a copy of the story that looks like a normal chapter book on the outside but inside is presented as an easier chapter book. Also the activities on the software allow for students to be interactive and engaged into what they are reading about. It is just a different route to take when getting students interested into reading and getting involved with the books that they are reading.
Another tool that I thought was great was all the different math manipulatives. Math manipulatives aren’t just a tool that could be used for students with disabilities. These different tools would work on a traditional student who was having trouble visualizing a particular math concept. By using math manipulatives students are able to have a hands on visualization of what they are learning about. Some students need that extra something (such as the tools) to help grasp a concept. They could be used for all your students. For some students, the tools would be that extra something whereas for other students the manipulatives may just be a fun extra aspect to that particular math concept.
Another idea that I really liked was the idea of using the LOMAC system. With access to a LOMAC machine students who may have mobility issues with their arms would be able to participate in a typing activity that other students would be engaging in. With this machine, by using the laser, the particular student(s) are able to type right along side their peers. It allows them to feel as though they are apart of their class and not have to sit out because they are unable to use their hands.
Lastly one other tool that is really simple that could be used for all students would be to use mini recorders or tape recorders so that students can remember what their tasks are. The student would be able to record assignments that he/she had so that they would be able to replay it back at a later time to see what they had. It would help students who were not so great at organization skills. Instead of writing down assignments on a piece of paper and risk losing or throwing away that piece of paper the student would have their mini recorder. Yes I understand there is a chance of losing that as well; however, there is a larger chance of the student losing a piece of paper. This concept could be used at first and then later on after the student had gotten the routine down of recording their assignments the teacher could encourage them to start practicing recording their assignments in a planner. I got this idea from the website http://www.ldac-taac.ca/InDepth/tech_examples-e.asp The website is the homepage for The Learning Disabilities Association of Canada.
I think the whole concept of assistive technologies is great! There is soo many resources out there for teachers to use. I really had no clue to half of the stuff that is out there. With it being so accessible I do not see why all teachers do not take full advantage of it. Just from my experience, I believe that allowing students to use these tools allows for a more positive learning experience for the students as well as the teachers!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Science Unit Ideas
Ideas for Science Unit
1. My first idea is going to be learning about the planets in our solar system. The unit is going to be geared towards third graders. Students during allotted time will research a planet of their choice by themselves or with a partner. With given student websites and also books students will learn about their particular planet. Their next step would be using the software program called Pixie. Using Pixie students will draw their planet (and moons if applicable). Under their pictures students will write five important facts that they have learned about their topic.2. My second idea would be for fourth/fifth graders. Their unit topic would be volcanoes. For this project students will learn about volcanoes through research and also interactive websites. For their end project students will have a choice to either create an I-MOVIE of them creating an active volcano or make a project using frames an audio explaining the ins and outs of volcano eruptions.
3. My third idea would be studying Biomes. The unit would be for fourth graders. The will learn about the different biomes and the animals that live in them. For their project they will create an example of a biome in its entirety. It will be a mini model that they will take photos of. They will break down the different aspects of their biome in individual photos. Using Frames they will create a project with their pictures. They will add narration to their pictures explaining what the picture is about. They will also add text to their photos as well. They will explain what is found in that biome and how things work. This is the idea that I am going to be using for my science unit.
4. My fourth idea would be studying the weather and weather patterns. This would be geared towards fourth graders. In this unit they will lean about weather patterns and what causes them. For their final project the students will create wiki page explaining about chosen weather patterns. To get information students will be allowed to email weathermen from Maine and ask specific questions to help them with their research for their page. At the end I as the teacher will combine the pages to make a “weather book.”
5. My last idea would be studying plants. This unit will be for kindergartners. In this unit they will study plants and how they grow. They will read books about plants to help learn. For their final project students will make a song about plants using garage band. They will create a song that has to do about plants and how they grow.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Blog B. Podcasts
For this assignment I found two podcasts that together were 20 minutes long. They are both podcasts from the classroom; one being from a kindergarten class and the other a 7th grade class.
Giving Thanks for the Pilgrims & Wampanoags
This podcast was of a Kindergarten class under the instruction of teacher Kathy Shields. In the podcast the students have created a Thanksgiving story based on history that they have been learning about in the classroom. The students take you in character, from the pilgrims’ voyage over to America to the feast on Thanksgiving .It is obvious that the students have read books and have been taught about the 1620’s and the life of pilgrims. The students have taken all their knowledge and have created a story that conveys all that they have learned. There are pictures that go along with their podcast, and in the pictures students have dressed up as pilgrims, important people of the colony, and Native Americans. They speak in dialect that is true to what the pilgrims would have sounded like.
This podcast was very neat, because it was all student based. It was all the students conveying what they have been working hard at learning. I think it is a great idea to do something like this to assess if the students have really learned what they have been taught. Usually teachers make students write little reports about what they have learned. By making a play and also making a podcast, it allows for the students to actually have a little fun while still using what they have learned.
GIA Realia Museum
This podcast is of 7th grade students creating their own online museum of artifacts. Through the help of their teacher, donations, and visiting exhibits they have collected and photographed various worldly artifacts. They have photographed each artifact and have created a little blurb about what each artifact is. Through the podcast the students show the many artifacts while presenting an excerpt for each one explaining the significance of each artifact. They explain what the artifact is all about, from where it was created to what its significance is. This podcast allows for the students to share these unique artifacts with other students around the world. In the explanation of the podcast they mentioned that their virtual museum would soon turn in to a hardcover book. The students are not only sharing what they have learned with others through the podcast, but they are also creating a tangible piece of work. I think this is a great project for students because not only are they learning about these different worldly artifacts, but they are able to turn around and teach others what they have just learned, which I think is great!
Giving Thanks for the Pilgrims & Wampanoags
This podcast was of a Kindergarten class under the instruction of teacher Kathy Shields. In the podcast the students have created a Thanksgiving story based on history that they have been learning about in the classroom. The students take you in character, from the pilgrims’ voyage over to America to the feast on Thanksgiving .It is obvious that the students have read books and have been taught about the 1620’s and the life of pilgrims. The students have taken all their knowledge and have created a story that conveys all that they have learned. There are pictures that go along with their podcast, and in the pictures students have dressed up as pilgrims, important people of the colony, and Native Americans. They speak in dialect that is true to what the pilgrims would have sounded like.
This podcast was very neat, because it was all student based. It was all the students conveying what they have been working hard at learning. I think it is a great idea to do something like this to assess if the students have really learned what they have been taught. Usually teachers make students write little reports about what they have learned. By making a play and also making a podcast, it allows for the students to actually have a little fun while still using what they have learned.
GIA Realia Museum
This podcast is of 7th grade students creating their own online museum of artifacts. Through the help of their teacher, donations, and visiting exhibits they have collected and photographed various worldly artifacts. They have photographed each artifact and have created a little blurb about what each artifact is. Through the podcast the students show the many artifacts while presenting an excerpt for each one explaining the significance of each artifact. They explain what the artifact is all about, from where it was created to what its significance is. This podcast allows for the students to share these unique artifacts with other students around the world. In the explanation of the podcast they mentioned that their virtual museum would soon turn in to a hardcover book. The students are not only sharing what they have learned with others through the podcast, but they are also creating a tangible piece of work. I think this is a great project for students because not only are they learning about these different worldly artifacts, but they are able to turn around and teach others what they have just learned, which I think is great!
Podcasts in the Classroom/ Literacy Instruction
I think the idea of using podcasts in the classroom is great! I really wish that when I was growing up in school we had the opportunity to make podcasts. Podcasts are really valuable because they are an alternate route to take instead of assessing students just by tests or writing papers. Podcasts allow for students who may not be so great at taking tests or writing papers to really convey all that they have learned. They also allow for the students to do something fun with what they have just studied and learned. Writing papers is not always fun or the most effective way to assess students. Even if you still wanted to make students write papers, then go the extra step and allow them to make podcasts of their papers. Have them read what they have just written on a podcast. It to me is just a change of scenery for the students. I think there is just so much that teachers can do with podcasts which is great! By listening to these podcasts, it just makes me excited to really learn how to use them and use them effectively in my own classroom.
Podcasts could also play a major part in teaching literacy instruction. To make a podcast, students cannot just say whatever they want to the camera. By using podcasts students learn how to speak correctly and also even perfecting their writing skills. The students have to create a correct script almost, for them to follow when reading to the camera. They have to learn how to properly speak as well. You want them to speak clearly and also slowly so that people watching their podcast will understand what they are trying to say.
So ultimately the use of podcasts encourages good reading skills, good writing skills, and lastly good speaking skills. These are all important skills that students need to master or be good at.
Podcasts in my Practicum Classroom:
1. In looking at ideas that I could do to incorporate podcasts into my practicum class, I find that there are so many ideas that I could do. One major idea that I think would work great is the idea of writing stories and then reading them on the podcasts for other students and parents to listen to. My students in my class are all about reading their stories out loud. They love to do it! I think this would be a great project for them. They would write a story and then we would record them. Then they could go home and listen to their story being told on the podcasts with their parents.
2. A second idea I have is, that at my school they do a thing called Tutorial where they go to a different classroom and learn something new. For example one day the class would go down to the kindergarten teacher and they would learn a new board game to play. My idea would be to have the students instead of playing the games themselves, they would create a podcast teaching another grade how to play the game they just learned. The students would split into groups and they would explain what the game was and how to play it. Not only would they teach how to play the game, they would talk about sportsmanship and how winning is not the point of playing board games. Their podcasts would be used as an instruction guide for another class. So instead of the kindergarten teacher teaching another class how to play these board games, the new students would listen to my class’s podcast.
3. Another idea would be, they are beginning a unit on inventors/inventions so I would have them pick a famous inventor. They would have to do research on their inventor. Once the students have all their inventors researched I would have them make a podcast with them pretending to be the inventor. They will explain who they are, why they are famous, and how one of their inventions worked. At the end I would compile all the students ‘podcast together to make one. Other classes/students/parents would be able to listen and learn about many inventors.
4. A simple idea would be for the students to make a podcast of the school’s rules and also the classroom’s rules.
5. Lastly an idea I would use is it would incorporate podcasts with pictures. Seeing how I have two hearing impaired students in my classroom I would create a project working with our interpreter, where the students would create a podcast teaching simple every day words in sign language. They would say their word then they would do the correct sign for the word. This podcast would be helpful to anyone new coming into the classroom(like me!!)..
Monday, February 11, 2008
Integrating Computers into the Classroom
Option 1:
In my second grade class, they are now doing a unit on inventions and famous inventors. I am thinking that I would allow for the students to research famous inventors in Maine on the internet. They would use the internet along with reference books as resources for finding information on their particular inventor. Then individually they would choose one of the inventions that their inventor is famous for, and they would make a model of that particular invention. Then using the I-movie program on the computer, they would make a movie about their inventor and the invention. In the movie they would dress up like the inventor, and would explain a little about the inventor’s life. They would also explain what their invention is and how it works. This activity allows for the students to research on the internet, and also use a creative program within the computer.
Option 2:
An idea for incorporating computers into a writing assignment or unit would be the use of podcasts in the classroom. For this assignment, the students would be working on writing a narrative story about a favorite trip they have taken. The assignment would start off like any writing assignment; they would brainstorm and then they would work on writing their stories. Then, once students were done writing their stories and had met all the requirements, their next step would be to use podcasts. On the podcasts the student would be able to record their story that they had written. Through using the podcasts students are learning about a new tool and also with the posting of the podcasts, family members would be able to go and listen to their students’ work. It encourages students to learn about technology and it also allows for the parents to be involved in their student’s work.
Option 3:
Another option for integrating computers into curriculum would be the simple idea of writing stories on the computer. Instead of having students write in journals or in a notebook, have them sit at a computer and type their story. Their stories do not have to be long, but enough for them to get used to using the computer and word documents. While sitting at a computer doing writing, it just mixes things up for the students. They will think that typing on the computer is super cool; it is just a change of scenery for them. We also talked about websites and programs that allow for students to make webs when first starting writing. They can use programs like Inspiration and create webs that will help them find ideas to write about. Then when it comes time to actually type their story, they can navigate around Word and figure out how things work. They are doing a simple task of writing, yet they are learning another tool using technology.
Option 4:
We had talked about in class the idea of using Wiki Jr. for younger students. For a unit on the rainforests, I would allow the students to pick a particular aspect about rainforests (i.e. animals, plants, climate, food etc). The students would do their own research on the topic (in class). Then they would create a Wiki Jr. page for their particular topic. They would touch upon the most important information about their specific topic. We would post their individual Wiki sites on the internet for all to see. Their parents and other schoolmates would be able to look at all the hard work they had done researching for their topic and also the hard work they had done creating an educational page.
Option 5:
Another simple option for integrating computers into curriculum is allowing students to work on online activities. A subject that kids would think they would not be able to work on the computers with is Math. Instead of having students sit at their desk working on boring math worksheets allow them to work on the computer. There are websites that allow for children to practice mathematical skills. The teacher would have to research ahead of time to find appropriate web pages that allow for the students to still learn and practice their math, but they are out there. Again it is a simple way for kids to get used to using computers and allows them to get away from their desk and have a little fun while still learning.
In my second grade class, they are now doing a unit on inventions and famous inventors. I am thinking that I would allow for the students to research famous inventors in Maine on the internet. They would use the internet along with reference books as resources for finding information on their particular inventor. Then individually they would choose one of the inventions that their inventor is famous for, and they would make a model of that particular invention. Then using the I-movie program on the computer, they would make a movie about their inventor and the invention. In the movie they would dress up like the inventor, and would explain a little about the inventor’s life. They would also explain what their invention is and how it works. This activity allows for the students to research on the internet, and also use a creative program within the computer.
Option 2:
An idea for incorporating computers into a writing assignment or unit would be the use of podcasts in the classroom. For this assignment, the students would be working on writing a narrative story about a favorite trip they have taken. The assignment would start off like any writing assignment; they would brainstorm and then they would work on writing their stories. Then, once students were done writing their stories and had met all the requirements, their next step would be to use podcasts. On the podcasts the student would be able to record their story that they had written. Through using the podcasts students are learning about a new tool and also with the posting of the podcasts, family members would be able to go and listen to their students’ work. It encourages students to learn about technology and it also allows for the parents to be involved in their student’s work.
Option 3:
Another option for integrating computers into curriculum would be the simple idea of writing stories on the computer. Instead of having students write in journals or in a notebook, have them sit at a computer and type their story. Their stories do not have to be long, but enough for them to get used to using the computer and word documents. While sitting at a computer doing writing, it just mixes things up for the students. They will think that typing on the computer is super cool; it is just a change of scenery for them. We also talked about websites and programs that allow for students to make webs when first starting writing. They can use programs like Inspiration and create webs that will help them find ideas to write about. Then when it comes time to actually type their story, they can navigate around Word and figure out how things work. They are doing a simple task of writing, yet they are learning another tool using technology.
Option 4:
We had talked about in class the idea of using Wiki Jr. for younger students. For a unit on the rainforests, I would allow the students to pick a particular aspect about rainforests (i.e. animals, plants, climate, food etc). The students would do their own research on the topic (in class). Then they would create a Wiki Jr. page for their particular topic. They would touch upon the most important information about their specific topic. We would post their individual Wiki sites on the internet for all to see. Their parents and other schoolmates would be able to look at all the hard work they had done researching for their topic and also the hard work they had done creating an educational page.
Option 5:
Another simple option for integrating computers into curriculum is allowing students to work on online activities. A subject that kids would think they would not be able to work on the computers with is Math. Instead of having students sit at their desk working on boring math worksheets allow them to work on the computer. There are websites that allow for children to practice mathematical skills. The teacher would have to research ahead of time to find appropriate web pages that allow for the students to still learn and practice their math, but they are out there. Again it is a simple way for kids to get used to using computers and allows them to get away from their desk and have a little fun while still learning.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Belief About Technology 1/29
I believe that there is a bright future for technology in the classrooms. There are just all these new programs and ideas that would be able to not just help the student learn, but it also be used to connect parents to their children's work at school. I also do however see that there are new things connected to technology that really don't have a place in schools or in learning. such as ipods and cellphones.
Through using a resource (technology), that kids are already so far advanced in, I think you could only end up with positive results.
Through using a resource (technology), that kids are already so far advanced in, I think you could only end up with positive results.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Blog a
Reading these different articles has just made me realize how much technology influences our everyday lives. The thought of integrating computers and technology in to everyday classrooms just amazes me. When I think back to my elementary school days we did not work with computers at all. In fact even into my middle school and high school years computers weren’t and integral part of the class. However in reading these articles it appears that in the very near future computers will be just as regular as a pair of scissors.
The video we had to watch about students in school today was not really a shock to me. All the things that they talked about or showed were so true. It is almost depressing to watch it because it just reminds you how much college is now taken almost as joke to some people. The facts that were presented were just unbelievable. For instance it talked about how “One billion people make less than $1.00 a day, yet we are paying high prices for technology(computers) yet we aren’t using them to their full potential in the classrooms.”( Wesch, 2007, A Vision of Students Today) Staying with this video, I have to say that I disagree slightly with one of the issues that they touched upon. They were somewhat implying that what we learn in school is very irrelevant to what we actually need to know for the “real world”. They basically were saying that we are taking classes and writing papers that have absolutely no connection with what we are going to need to know. I have to say that I don’t think that what we learn won’t in someway help us in the long run. Yes, I agree there are going to be some things that we don’t need, however I don’t think they are just teaching us stuff just because.
I think the sites that talked about the idea of “digital text” and the idea of faster more efficient writing was also interesting. The fact that in today’s society we live such a fast pace lifestyle that the idea of sitting down and writing with pen and paper makes no sense when you can go to a computer and type much faster and more efficiently.
The one article that really sparked my interest was the article on Youtube titled
Pay Attention. The things that they plan to use to help keep children engaged and into school are mind-boggling. I just can’t imagine teaching a lesson using text messaging on children’s cell phones. Even as recent as five years ago, cell phones in school were not only, not allowed, but there would be no talk of using your cell phone to learn about something. I understand that using cell phones may spark the interest of kids however if you are promoting cell phones in the classroom, how are you going to monitor whether or not they are using their cell phone for school purposes or just for their own pleasure? I also totally agree that since these upcoming generations are so technologically advanced, that we should use technology to help us teach. It only makes sense to use a resource that everyone is familiar with to teach by.
I think the idea of using pod casts and blogs are really interesting and beneficial. It seems as though you can do so much with those resources. Not only does it allow the students to talk and communicate with peers and teachers outside the classroom, but it allows for parents to get involved as well.
I found these videos really interesting and unique. Some of them really opened my eyes up to what we should be looking forward to. I am actually kind of excited to see where this whole technology boom will take us.
References
Wesch, Michael, (2007). A Vision of Students Today. Retrieved January 25, 2007, from YouTube website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGCJ46vyR9o
The video we had to watch about students in school today was not really a shock to me. All the things that they talked about or showed were so true. It is almost depressing to watch it because it just reminds you how much college is now taken almost as joke to some people. The facts that were presented were just unbelievable. For instance it talked about how “One billion people make less than $1.00 a day, yet we are paying high prices for technology(computers) yet we aren’t using them to their full potential in the classrooms.”( Wesch, 2007, A Vision of Students Today) Staying with this video, I have to say that I disagree slightly with one of the issues that they touched upon. They were somewhat implying that what we learn in school is very irrelevant to what we actually need to know for the “real world”. They basically were saying that we are taking classes and writing papers that have absolutely no connection with what we are going to need to know. I have to say that I don’t think that what we learn won’t in someway help us in the long run. Yes, I agree there are going to be some things that we don’t need, however I don’t think they are just teaching us stuff just because.
I think the sites that talked about the idea of “digital text” and the idea of faster more efficient writing was also interesting. The fact that in today’s society we live such a fast pace lifestyle that the idea of sitting down and writing with pen and paper makes no sense when you can go to a computer and type much faster and more efficiently.
The one article that really sparked my interest was the article on Youtube titled
Pay Attention. The things that they plan to use to help keep children engaged and into school are mind-boggling. I just can’t imagine teaching a lesson using text messaging on children’s cell phones. Even as recent as five years ago, cell phones in school were not only, not allowed, but there would be no talk of using your cell phone to learn about something. I understand that using cell phones may spark the interest of kids however if you are promoting cell phones in the classroom, how are you going to monitor whether or not they are using their cell phone for school purposes or just for their own pleasure? I also totally agree that since these upcoming generations are so technologically advanced, that we should use technology to help us teach. It only makes sense to use a resource that everyone is familiar with to teach by.
I think the idea of using pod casts and blogs are really interesting and beneficial. It seems as though you can do so much with those resources. Not only does it allow the students to talk and communicate with peers and teachers outside the classroom, but it allows for parents to get involved as well.
I found these videos really interesting and unique. Some of them really opened my eyes up to what we should be looking forward to. I am actually kind of excited to see where this whole technology boom will take us.
References
Wesch, Michael, (2007). A Vision of Students Today. Retrieved January 25, 2007, from YouTube website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGCJ46vyR9o
Thursday, January 24, 2008
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