Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Technology in Special Education
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPnlC5K-CzA
(link to video)
I found this video very interesting and helpful as a future special education teacher. It is clear to see that the teacher is much happier using this new technology compared to what the students were working with before. By adding these technologies in schools across the nation we are only helping our students and our society become more educated. Using these technologies allows students to learn at a much faster rate which in return means that they will be learning a lot more over the course of their school career's.
What I like most about this video is how you can tell that her students really enjoy their new technologies. Technology opens up a whole new world for students with special needs and they are excited to have these technologies. These technologies are here to help the students so why not let them learn in the easiest way possible. This video also does a good job of showing how engaged the students get around technology, most all children are fascinated with the computer so why not let them use one, especially if it is going to help them.
(link to video)
I found this video very interesting and helpful as a future special education teacher. It is clear to see that the teacher is much happier using this new technology compared to what the students were working with before. By adding these technologies in schools across the nation we are only helping our students and our society become more educated. Using these technologies allows students to learn at a much faster rate which in return means that they will be learning a lot more over the course of their school career's.
What I like most about this video is how you can tell that her students really enjoy their new technologies. Technology opens up a whole new world for students with special needs and they are excited to have these technologies. These technologies are here to help the students so why not let them learn in the easiest way possible. This video also does a good job of showing how engaged the students get around technology, most all children are fascinated with the computer so why not let them use one, especially if it is going to help them.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Google Doc's
Previous to my CEP 452 class I had no experience with Google doc's, actually I have never even heard of them prior to this class. So far out of all of the technologies that we have went over Google doc's are by far my favorite. As a future teacher I can see myself using them in for many things. For example, if I were in a classroom where each student had a computer they could all log onto one Google doc and instantly be able to share their thoughts with the whole class without even saying anything. Google doc's also allow teachers to further evaluate students who have an issue with speaking in front of the class as we know that not all students will be comfortable talking in front of the class but with Google doc's they don't have too, all they have to do is type. I could also see myself using Google doc's for a group editing assignment; here i would have them all look at a document and make corrections and comments on the paper posted. Parent conferences could also work in a Google doc, you could have parents post questions on the doc which will allow the teacher to answer at his/her convenience.
I also enjoy how easy it is to use, it uses pretty much an identical from as Microsoft Word. I think that most people are afraid to try new things such as Google doc's because they think it will be to hard to figure out. I would say that most everyone who has used a computer on a regular basis has a basic understanding of how to use Microsoft Word. Google doc's are a testament to how easy technology can be, you just have to be willing to try new things. Now that was introduced to Google doc's it makes me wonder what other technologies I will come across.
I also enjoy how easy it is to use, it uses pretty much an identical from as Microsoft Word. I think that most people are afraid to try new things such as Google doc's because they think it will be to hard to figure out. I would say that most everyone who has used a computer on a regular basis has a basic understanding of how to use Microsoft Word. Google doc's are a testament to how easy technology can be, you just have to be willing to try new things. Now that was introduced to Google doc's it makes me wonder what other technologies I will come across.
Monday, October 18, 2010
IEP's in Special Education
I read a blog posting from Eudcation CEO today and found some of her comments interesting. It was nice to see that other teachers are struggling or confused about using IEP's. We went over how to write an IEP in CEP 451 last semester but it is still confusing to me. Like EducationCEO said in her blog, it is impossible to put all of her tips down in one blog because there are so many thing that need to go into an IEP and seeming how ever student is different it makes it that much harder. She also talks about how important it is to know the laws of special education. Every special education teacher should have a firm understanding of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), this will do nothing but help your students and give them what they deserve. It is a shame that some schools dont even know how to treat a student with a disability. Students with disabilities need to be treated fairly but without a teacher who knows the laws IDEA there is a big possibility that wont happen. So if you are a special education teacher I suggest you do yourself a favor and read up on how to write a proper IEP and make sure you know your students rights through IDEA.
Monday, September 27, 2010
What do you think about digital texts? What does the future hold?
I think that digital texts are an amazing idea. This opens so many more possibilities for students when it comes to reading. One form of digital text that has been around for a while is the audio books. I have had experience with audio books ever since I can remember, my father has a long commute to work each morning and listens to audio books on his way to keep him entertained. I remember when I was little I always wanted to listen to my books on a tape, mostly because my dad was doing it though. Another example of a digital book is using a "text to speech" program. This allows you to type in a text and the program will read the text back to you. This is a very helpful program to use for someone who is blind, slow reader, or someone who just doesn't want to read the text.
As for the future of digital books I think we have a long way to go. When I look at technology today I can't help but think of whats next. Eventually I believe technology will overtake most forms of paper which will in return effect digital text. People will become more comfortable reading from a computer screen than from a book and we will eventually see books become less and less. A perfect example of how technology has already affected digital text is the Ipad. The Ipad clearly resembles the same size as a normal size paperback book and being able to access all of the books on the internet or through an application gives students easy access to any book without even visiting a library. I think my thoughts are pretty clear on how I think technology will eventually take over most of the classroom and digital text is just a minor example of how technology will do this.
As for the future of digital books I think we have a long way to go. When I look at technology today I can't help but think of whats next. Eventually I believe technology will overtake most forms of paper which will in return effect digital text. People will become more comfortable reading from a computer screen than from a book and we will eventually see books become less and less. A perfect example of how technology has already affected digital text is the Ipad. The Ipad clearly resembles the same size as a normal size paperback book and being able to access all of the books on the internet or through an application gives students easy access to any book without even visiting a library. I think my thoughts are pretty clear on how I think technology will eventually take over most of the classroom and digital text is just a minor example of how technology will do this.
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