Tech in the Classroom
Share great ideas on how to use technology in the classroom...things that you've tried and have worked!
posted by Dr BJ @ 8:21 AM
Share ideas on how to use technology in the classroom.
Share great ideas on how to use technology in the classroom...things that you've tried and have worked!
posted by Dr BJ @ 8:21 AM
9 Comments:
Games are great like Jeopardy, Who wants to be a Millionaire to review information.
Since I am an Assistive Technology Specialist, I thought that you would find it helpful to explore accessibility issues. The largest growing population...us baby boomers...are increasing in age, the challenges to all of us in terms of visual and hearing acuity are primary. As medical issues challenge many, fine motor mobility may additionally be challenged.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia site which provides a general overview on "What is Assistive Technology?" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assistive_technology
I've had previous course participants who were regular education teachers, post ideas that they have come up with to answer my blog question concerning use of technology within the classroom.
So get on your thinking caps and delve into a new perspective dealing with access to print, audio tracks, the Internet, and the computer in general.
Here's another blog that has some up to date info on a blog...
http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/
Your question made me start to think of the ways that I use technology to help my students who are studying English as a second language. Students’ skill levels vary a great deal. Some may be very good at listening and speaking while others are strong readers and writers, but have a hard time catching what others say. In class, I cover the key points using PowerPoint, so that those who can’t catch what I say can see it written. I also put a lot of materials on Blackboard so student can review at home if they need to. Pictures and photos are also very useful with language learners. Web based activities that review key points are also useful. None of these utilize the Read/Write Web and I am now beginning to see lots of possibilities. Patricia Galien
Have you ever used a free translator program called Bablefish? It can be found at http://babelfish.altavista.com/ For students who are nonverbal we also use a program called BoardMaker. It is a graphic icon generating program which pairs the symbol and word together in a cell. The nice thing about BoardMaker is that you can place the words either in English or in about 14 other languages side by side. For more info on BoardMaker go to http://www.mayerjohnson.com . Let me know what you think.
BJ
It's truly amazing what is available to assist people through technolgy. It's also truly amazing how far we still have to go. It seems like we are really only scratching the surface. I guess it is very early still in development. Breakthroughs can come in leaps and bounds in the tech field however and there are many dedicated individuals, often with personal motivation, to push the envelope. I have had several students use special computers to enhance vision. And I just learned that I will soon have a kindergarten student who is hearing impaired. Apparently there is a broadcasting system that I will wear around my neck to facilitate his hearing. It will be interesting to be a part of...
Yes that is an FM amplification system which is great for students with hearing impairments primarily. Yet research is finding that students with attention deficits disorders and learning disabilities also benefit.
BJ...I posted this on your original blog...guess I put it in the wrong place?
I have found the AT success stories to be very exciting! Here's another wonderful article on your topic.
http://www.edutopia.org/assistive-technology-enhances-learning-all
PamO
Another great website to checkout is http://www.cast.org There is a free downloadable book "Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age" by David Rose and Anne Meyer. I am a total advocate of Universal Design for LEarning.
BJ
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