9C1

My vision of technology can be found in my webinar presented November 7, 2007 nationally to anyone interested in the topic "Open Source Software ... Try for Free Before You Buy: Quick and Easy AT Solutions for All." The webinar is about 1 hour in length and stresses the importance of the Universal Design for Learning premise for use of technology within every classroom. These solutions address the intrinsic motivation of our students in the 21st century to make the following equation true…LEARNING = FUN

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)A “Makes Sense” Approach to a Differentiated Classroom UDL calls for:

Multiple means of representation, to give learners various ways of acquiring information and knowledge,

Multiple means of expression, to provide learners alternatives for demonstrating what they know,

Multiple means of engagement, to tap into learners' interests, offer appropriate challenges, and increase motivation.

Students struggle because of…Learning disabilities such as dyslexia, English language barriers, Emotional or behavioral problems, lack of interest or engagement, sensory and physical disabilities.

What is UDL?

UDL is a blueprint for creating flexible goals, methods, materials, and assessments that accommodate learner differences. For more information and examples visit http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/

“Free software” is a matter of liberty, not price. To understand the concept, you should think of “free” as in “free speech,” not as in “free beer.” Copyright © 2004, 2005, 2006 Free Software Foundation, Inc.

DEFINITIONS:
Free Software Software that comes with permission for anyone to use, copy, and distribute, either verbatim or with modifications, either free or for a fee. The source code is available. •freely modifiable and redistributable software

Open Source Software
Not exactly the same class of software as free software. Some licenses are accepted that may be considered too restrictive, and there are free software licenses that are not accepted. However, the differences in extension of the category are small. Nearly all free software is open source, and nearly all open source software is free.

Public Domain Software that is not copyrighted. If the source code is in the public domain, that is a special case of non-copylefted free software . Some copies or modified versions may not be free at all. An executable program can be in the public domain but the source code is not available. This is not free software, because free software requires accessibility of source code.

Most free software is not in the public domain; it is copyrighted, and the copyright holders have legally given permission for everyone to use it in freedom, using a free software license.“Public domain" is a legal term and means, precisely, "not copyrighted". Software that is not copyrighted. If the source code is in the public domain, that is a special case of non- copylefted free software . Some copies or modified versions may not be free at all. An executable program can be in the public domain but the source code is not available. This is not free software, because free software requires accessibility of source code. Most free software is not in the public domain; it is copyrighted, and the copyright holders have legally given permission for everyone to use it in freedom, using a free software license.“Public domain" is a legal term and means, precisely, "not copyrighted".

Copylefted Software is free software whose distribution terms do not let redistributors add any additional restrictions when they redistribute or modify the software. Every copy of the software, even if it has been modified, must be free software.

Non-copylefted Free Software comes from the author with permission to redistribute and modify, and also to add additional restrictions to it.

Access to these items enables students, teachers and families “a one-stop “shop” for end users, clinicians and open-source developers to meet, exchange notes, promote new ideas, develop new software and download reliable open-source AT software.”

9A1

I use Zoho all of the time along with Google Maps. I usually get k-12 students to find their house and write about their experiences...what they see and how GPS and satellites help us in our global world. For the learning disabled students we use Zoho downloads as was to collaborate on assignments. Additionally the Notetaker is great to help them with gathering ideas and information. Zoho Planner helps them organize their lives...something that would have helped me with my busy life this week. I am a proponent of open source software which if anyone is interested can view a webinar that I gave last week with Johns Hopkins Center for Technology in Education. The URL is a wiki :) http://matnwebinars.pbwiki.com/

8B1

How would a paperless class change your role as a teacher?
I'm already there. For students, submission of assignments is always electronic. I loose paper items :( They get lost in the stack.

How would paperless classes change learning? How would you measure learning in a paperless class?

The support for my thinking was stated in the article about the Paperless Class. In the article it was stated that “Studies have shown that the most effective learning takes place when a student develops an emotional attachment to the work,” said Meyer. “If I’m using a program that can stimulate more senses, then the opportunity for emotional involvement is greater. The more they learn, the more it stays with them.” (Retrieved November 8, 2007 from http://www.columbia.edu/cu/record/archives/vol26/vol26_iss10/2610_Paperless_Course.html ).
This thought promotes the aspect of teaching that we cannot forget about any learning whether face to face or online...it's mandatory to include to the best of your ability multisensory teaching tools to connect to all of our students.


Would a paperless space make it easier or harder to build a learning network? Why?
It's all in what you are used to and hopefully one would employ Quality Matters standards in their creation of an online learning environment.

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How has this shift affected your teaching practice so far?
It's fantastic to pool all of the available resources. The richness of multisensory teaching can now be at your fingertips...literally :)

How do you expect it might affect you in the future?
My time at the keyboard may be increasing. I actually want to begin doing more voice activated controls for fun and to save on keyboarding. This process will actually save time since we speak faster than we type.

Have your views changed since you started this course?
Yes...the use of technology for all learning now is mandatory!

How can you use technology to facilitate this shift in your own classroom?
Use of technology is a prerequisite not an option for any course that I will teach in the future.