Journal 9: First Graders with iPads?

Getting, S., & Swainey , K. (2012). First graders with iPads?. Learning and Leading with Technology ,40(1), 24-27. Retrieved from Retrieved from www.iste.org/Store/Product.aspx?ID=2515

Summary: In the article, “First Graders with iPads?” teachers in Minnesots decided to give their first grade students iPads. This big leap of faith immediately outweighed the risks. The iPad was used to increase the reading achievement with their two lowest reading groups. The teachers could really see that the iPads were increasing the students attentiveness. The iPad became a motivational tool for many students who were practicing good behavior. Data was also collect to statistics for the “time on task,” which concluded an increase of 20%. The iPad is a very influential tool it is amazing to see how much improvement occurred in the little amount of time.

Q1: As a prospective Special Education teacher, can I see myself implementing iPads into the classroom?

Answer 1: I can absolutely see this tool being used in Special Education classes. I feel that it would improve the learning immensely. Students can use this not only for reading intervention, but as a communication tool as well. I’m not sure that I will get to use them since they are a bit expensive, but I certainly hope I do one day.

Q2: Should iPads be mandatory in schools?

Answer 2: I truly believe that iPads should be mandatory. I have heard that they would be cheaper to have then the schools having to buy book. I don’t think schools will ever do away with textbooks, but I believe they need to make iPads a mandatory tool used in the classroom. Our world is changing and our schools need to as well. The iPads can be used as motivation for the students.  

Journal 8: Adaptive Technology

Communication

Augmentative and Alternative Communication is communication for those with impairments or restrictions on the production or comprehension of a written or spoken language.

Some methods that can assist special needs students with AAC require no use of technology. Unaided strategies rely on the users body convey messages. The low technology strategies that can be used are gestures, body language and sign language. A low-tech strategy that could be used in the classroom is a choice board. A choice board has pictures, symbols and objects that can be used to communicate daily learning activities. The students’ can chose an answer from the choice board to complete a sentence started on another choice board.

A high-tech strategy that can be used in the classroom is the DynaVox Xpress., is a lightweight, durable and portable AAC device. It comes with wireless Internet, Bluetooth, and a built in camera. The pages can be modified and students can use it as a way to communicate in the classroom.

Accessibility

An Input Device for people with special needs is any device that aides mentally or physically handicapped people to input information into a technological device.

Hardware Option:

The Eyetech tm2 is a mouse replacement device that allows the user to place the mouse pointer anywhere on the screen just by looking at the desire location. This device could be a helpful took for people that have little to no hand function. Students could use this tool in class just by using their eye as the curser. It would really motivate students to be independent by giving them the opportunity to use these tools without having to use their hands.  

Software Option:

Click-n-type is an onscreen virtual keyboard designed to provide computer accessibility to anyone with a disability that is unable to type from a physical computer keyboard. Students who are able to hold and click a mouse can use this software keyboard.

Journal 7: My Personal Learning Network

Personal Learning Network
As a future teacher, it is important for me to continue being a lifelong learner and collaborate with others. With the use of a Personal Learning Network, I can find resources and people who can help me continue learning. A personal learning network (PLN) is a collection of people who you engage and exchange information with. My PLN continues to grow through the use of Twitter, Facebook, Symbaloo, Classroom 2.0 and Diigo. Through these sites, I am able to connect and exchange resources with people around the world. My PLN will help me continue my journey as a lifelong learner and keep me up-to-date on tools and resources that will help my students succeed.

Twitter

Twitter is an extremely useful tool. It has taken some time for me to get used to, but I have been able to experience how useful it really is. Twitter has allowed to me to connect with other educators, students, and those who are involved in education. They have shared many strategies and websites that I will be able to use in the future. On August 1^st, I joined the new teacher chat on twitter. The topic of discussion was “Design Thinking in Your Classroom.” The chat was very structured and fast paced. The chat consisted of questions and answers.  It was a very interesting discussion and I really enjoyed everyone thoughts and opinions. A lot of the educators that were taking part of the chat shared stories from their own personal experiences. The chat will be very beneficial upon becoming a new teacher.

Diigo

Diigo is a social-book marking tool that allows users to access their website bookmarks from an computer. Diigo also lets you share your bookmarks with others. While using Diigo I am able to follow other educators and view what they are sharing. I am currently following students’ in the credential program. I also am following a couple of people whose interest connected with my tags from my bookmarks. This tool will be a great place to share and store resources that I find helpful.

I have also become a member of Classroom 2.0 which is a social network for educators who are interested in education.  While on Classroom 2.0 I explored and read through some of the discussion boards.  The discussion was about how grades are not motivating. Many of the educators that posted to the board discussed implementing video game strategies to increase motivation.  

Journal 6: "Ten Reasons to Get Rid of Homework (and Five Alternatives)"

Spencer, J. (2011, September 19). Ten reasons to get rid of homework (and five alternatives). Retrieved from http://www.educationrethink.com/2011/09/ten-reasons-to-get-rid-of-homework-and.html.

In the article “ Ten Reason to Get Rid of Home,” author John Spencer explains his reasoning’s for not giving his students homework.  He believes that homework kills the desire for students want to learn. Students need more time to play and relax. If they don’t learn anything during the six hours they are at school are they going to accomplish anything while working at home? Spencer believes that homework diminishes achievement. These ideas that Spencer has are very interesting and I always have had mixed feeling about homework. In high school and middle school, homework always seemed like busy work. All I can personally remember doing is worksheets. I don’t believe in not giving any homework at all. I think maybe a one or two assignments a week is good. I think that what is being assigned should be given with purpose and meaning.

5 alternatives to homework:

1.     Give students a project where they have to observe and explore outside.  Have them photograph or draw something from nature that they saw.

2.     Read a newspaper article and bring it to class to share with their classmates.

3.     Have students present an activity that they enjoy doing outside of class.  

4.     Have students do a volunteer project. They can either volunteer somewhere of their choice or do community service on their own. Have them write about it and how it made them feel.

5.     Always give students options for homework. Let them choose which assignment they would like to do.