iPads in the Classroom

      This week I had the chance to explore iPads and the educational apps that are available for them. I took an in-depth look at five different apps and analyzed two of them using two different evaluation forms.
        The first form is called the "critical evaluation of a content based mobile app." The second form is called the "evaluation rubric for iPad apps." I felt that the first form was much easier to use and fill out. This type of form would also be beneficial for other educators to read and look at because the information was so detailed. The first form contained information such as; content area of app, price of app, levels of Bloom's taxonomy, components of app, summary of app, and rating of the app. I felt that this gives a detailed overview of the specific app that is being looked at and analyzed. I would use a form like this when referring an app to another teacher or even a parent. It is easy to follow and contains so much important information.
       The second form which is actually a rubric, contains less information. This rubric just looks at the curriculum content, feedback, user friendliness, motivation for students, and authenticity. All of these categories are in the first form. This rubric does not allow for information about the title, specific content area, price, rating, or Bloom's taxonomy. I feel that this rubric is not as beneficial and is much wordier then the first form. It does not provide educators with the proper information when analyzing an app. I would choose to use the first form.
       The five apps that I took a look at are Story Builder, Sign 4 Me, First Then, iPrompts, and Living Safely. Each of these apps allows student to work on a specific skill and to grow more independently in the classroom. Story builder gives students a chance to look at a picture of a situation with text about the scene and a question about what is happening. The students then have the chance to answer the question and record what they have said. Sign 4 Me gives students the chance to type in a word and then visually watch the correct way to sign the word. This is great for learning new signs and for reviewing old ones, even for teachers. First Then allows teachers and students to create a daily classroom schedule. The schedule can include word prompts and pictures. iPrompts allows teachers and students  to create visual picture cues. These cues can sometimes use words and help to promote a student's independence in the classroom. The visual cues allow students to better understand tasks and what is being asked of them. The last app I looked at was Living Safely. This app allows students to learn about safety topics and how to be safe. Each topic has a step by step list of ways to be safe and reminds you of specific things to remember about being safe.
       Overall, I enjoyed exploring all the different kinds of educational apps that are out there and available to students and teachers. I feel these apps help to enhance learning and give students the chance to become more independent learners in the classroom.

Creating a Website

       This week I had the chance to create a website using Weebly. I was surprised to see all of the templates they offer to people. First, I had to choose the template I wanted to use and then I was ready to begin. Creating a website was not as difficult as I had expected. I figured there would be many challenging aspects but using Weebly made everything fairly simple. Weebly allows you to choose the number of pages, the type of text, and the images you want to include. From there you type in the information and add the links you want your page to connect to. I think that Weebly makes creating a website simple and easy, as long as you are aware of the information you want to put into the site.
       Overall, I feel that creating a website is something I can do in the future. I know I have much more to learn when it comes to creating websites but with time and practice I should have a well thought out and professional website for my classroom.

Assistive Technology Research Paper

   
    For my research paper, I decided to write about assistive technology in schools. I took a look at assistive technology in and out of the classroom and all that goes into getting the technology. I decided to do research on the roots and history of assistive technology, as well as the current state of assistive technology. I found out how many types of assistive technology there is available for students who have a learning disability. I especially enjoyed learning about how a student's individualized education plan comes into play when trying to get assistive technology for that student. I then took a look at how assistive technology and educational technology in general has changed over the years. Educational and assistive technology offers so much for students and having researched the topic makes me feel more comfortable understanding and using this technology. 

       

     Through my experiences in the classroom and working with students, I believe that assistive technology is a beneficial resource for students who need assistive support to strengthen and increase their learning ability in school. I have seen first hand how wonderful assistive technology devices are and would encourage all schools to look for and provide all the assistive technology services they can. Assistive technology helps to adequately support and guide a student’s learning in the classroom. It is a substantial and sufficient tool that will give students everything they need to succeed in school and in life.

      I think that the use of assistive technology will allow students to become more independent learners and it will give them more confidence in the classroom. Assistive technology is apart of a student's right to free and appropriate education. All students should be given the chance to do well in school with the appropriate tools and resources. I think that assistive technology is an adequate learning tool for students to use.

Learning Disabilities

       The F.A.T. Workshop series on Youtube, was a very powerful and eye opening series to watch. It allowed for the audience to experience and get a feel for what it is like to have a learning disability. It shows the anxiety, frustration, and tension that students with a learning disability experience everyday.
       There were many parts of this series that stood out to me. First off, the idea of sarcasm in a classroom and how that can truly affect a student with a learning disability. The man in the video mentioned how simple sarcasm can be forgotten within minutes for most students and teachers, where as a student with a learning disability will remember the comment for the rest of the day. Many of these students are afraid to comment or volunteer in the classroom because they are afraid of what the teacher will say and of what the students will say. They also may be scared to not get any feedback at all.
       Another part in the series that stood out to me was how students with learning disabilities take many more steps to process a question. The students will hear the question and then separate each word so it makes sense. This will allow the student to process the question and come up with the correct answer. The struggle here is that, the processing takes time and all the other students are 10 questions ahead. An idea to help with this, was when the man talked about standing in a specific part of the room so the student knows when he or she will be called on and can prepare themselves to answer a question. The other students will not know this is occurring but the student with the learning disability will feel more comfortable and confident.
      One of the last points I found to be interesting was when the man talked about how students feel if "I cannot see the teacher, then the teacher cannot see me." This makes the students feel as if they can hide from being called on. I think it is important that teachers work with students with learning disability to make them comfortable in the classroom.
       Overall, this series inspired me to become more knowledgeable of all the students in my classroom. Most of the teachers in the video wanted to give up after a few minutes of the experience. Just imagine having the learning disability for life. Teachers must become aware of their students needs and help them in a way that makes them feel comfortable and does not involve every other student.

Visual Leaners

      Students who are visual learners need some form of visual when learning new or current material. This type of learner will need pictures, visual cues, symbols, and less text. It is important to remember that not all visual learners will learn the same and use the same visual aids. Some students will need different types of visual aids and cues to learn and absorb the material. What works for one student might not work for another student who is a visual learner. Another thing for teachers to remember is when working with visual learners, you must always plan ahead and have every lesson prepared for these types of learners. A teacher may ask the whole class to take notes on the lecture, where as a visual learner may be given a graphic organizer to fill out with picture cues that go along with the lecture. Teachers need to ensure that they are planning for all types of learners in their classroom.

       When using technology for visual learners, it is important to remember that technology might not be easily accessible that day or it may not work the way you want it to. Teachers should ensure that they have the activity also in print form for the students just in case. Also, when using technology students should recognize what types of programs and tools work best for them. This can include; using outlines, graphic organizers, pictures only and pictures with text. Think about the way each student learns and be prepared to teach to that. The technology and visual aids should only supplement the lesson not be the entire lesson.
      A way to use technology for visual learners can include; using inspiration software, web 2.0 tools, and other online resources such a board maker studio. Inspiration software allows teachers and students to create graphic organizers and picture webs to enhance the student's learning and allow support. Web 2.0 tools offer many sites and programs that will allow students to learn in their own way and at a pace that is comfortable to them. These tools will give students who are visual learners the help they need to be successful in the classroom. Lastly, board maker studio is a program that allows teachers to create visual picture cues, with or without words. These cues can be turned into stories or teaching aids when presenting a new topic. I have had personal experience with this program and I think it is a great tool for visual learners in the classroom.
      Visual learners give teachers the opportunity to explore all the web based tools and see what is out there to supplement student learning. There are so many free tools and software that is available to students and teachers. These learners will learn to use the programs that are available to them and to become more independent and confident in there learning in the classroom.