Suzanne Martini is a college student with cervio polsi at the University of Washington. Without her assistive technology, she would not be who she is today. Her speech recognition software has enabled her to complete college-level papers in a timely manner, eliminating the need for typing. Even simple technologies such as cell phones can be looked at as a lifeline assistive technology.
Introducing the technology at an early age makes a huge difference for children in need of help.
Individualizing assistive technology is one of the biggest enablers. It allows for the individual's wants and needs to be satisfied, and also gives the student a self-empowering feeling of getting a say in what he or she learns that day. Josh's example of showing an interest in books and the "super talker" device they used allowed for a giant improvement in his communication skills.
Giving every kid a chance to actively participate through using assistive technologies has been evolving just as much as mainstream technologies, if not more. From performing arts to learning how to effectively communicate, assistive technology gives people who are physically or mentally disabled a chance to live the dreams they have in life. The level of technologies is virtually limitless, almost as limitless as the dreams and aspirations of the people who use them.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
Jigsaw Classroom Tool
Using the Jigsaw method in a classroom that has 5 computers would be rather tricky. Clearly computers are major benefit when used properly and when students are kept on task. Groups would have to be formed that would accommodate the 5 computers sparingly for each group. One thing that could be done is to have students use multiple resources at the same time and have the computer usage regulated between all the students equally. Or you can designate one student from each group to be the 'computer kid' for the day, or even designate two 'computer kids' for the day for each group that resort to the computers when something is needed.
There are many different factors involved in deciding what would need to be done, I would focus on keeping it fair and fun for each student.
Advantages to this Jigsaw technique would include, necessary cooperative teamwork, students governing themselves (making sure everyone is accountable for their own work and make it known that their work also contributes to the whole group). This could also be a good way for more advanced students to help students who are falling behind.
Some disadvantages might be that the more advanced students would not care about the failing students, it might cause discrimination of some students if not monitored closely. That also might cause some favoring if the teacher doesn't have the right mindset conducting this method.
Overall I see this method a fairly decent tool for the classroom and incorporating group projects. This is a major thing to prepare for in the real world, you can't succeed on your own in most situations. This tool is a great way to emphasize the importance of the individual in group work and prepare students for real life situations.
There are many different factors involved in deciding what would need to be done, I would focus on keeping it fair and fun for each student.
Advantages to this Jigsaw technique would include, necessary cooperative teamwork, students governing themselves (making sure everyone is accountable for their own work and make it known that their work also contributes to the whole group). This could also be a good way for more advanced students to help students who are falling behind.
Some disadvantages might be that the more advanced students would not care about the failing students, it might cause discrimination of some students if not monitored closely. That also might cause some favoring if the teacher doesn't have the right mindset conducting this method.
Overall I see this method a fairly decent tool for the classroom and incorporating group projects. This is a major thing to prepare for in the real world, you can't succeed on your own in most situations. This tool is a great way to emphasize the importance of the individual in group work and prepare students for real life situations.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Classroom of the Future
I find these videos fairly accurate with our modern technology. Other that the overall appearance of the monitor and keyboard, the functionality of the technology is close to par with today's. Video chat, voice recognition, and internet databases all play a role in our technology.
I think they put the integration of technology and the classroom together very well. Although we are not entirely at that level, yet... There was a thing on the news yesterday about replacing teachers with online courses, requiring students to complete two of their high school courses online. Many of the teachers were saying that the replacement of teachers with computers was a terrible idea. I feel the same. Students need someone there with them to fully understand the situation. I believe there is a lot of emotion involved with teaching, and you just can't get that from a computer.
I think they put the integration of technology and the classroom together very well. Although we are not entirely at that level, yet... There was a thing on the news yesterday about replacing teachers with online courses, requiring students to complete two of their high school courses online. Many of the teachers were saying that the replacement of teachers with computers was a terrible idea. I feel the same. Students need someone there with them to fully understand the situation. I believe there is a lot of emotion involved with teaching, and you just can't get that from a computer.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Who is Alan Mulligan?
That question has never been easy for me to answer. When I try to think of how to describe myself I tend to find myself trying to think about what others would say about me or what others have said about me.
I have had people tell me I am funny (whatever that means). I know that I like to make people laugh, but it is never in an attempt to make myself seem funny. I typically use my wits when communicating with people, and that typically causes people to laugh because I say things they are not expecting and do not know how to react.
I had a boss tell me once that I am standoffish. I guess I can agree with that. I hate getting involved with other people's business and I avoid any kind of drama at all expenses. Unless I see a need to intervene when someone is completely helpless.
I am a natural born observer and I have a photographic memory (with some things). I can't memorize a book and recall page numbers and all that jazz, but I can do complex math problems in my head. I also like to use my memory to make up complex deep "quotes" by finding a word I like and complimenting it with a series of words. Typically I have to pause the process to look up definitions of words that I come up with to make sure I am expressing the right idea. I always find myself using words that I have no idea the meaning off, but usually they work in the context that I use them.
Some things about my life I find worth mentioning, I graduated high school when I was 17 and joined the Marines shortly after turning 18 in boot camp. I have been to over 25 countries traveling with the military. I lived in Okinawa for 2 years. I got the opportunity to climb Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima.
I got married after being in the Marines for 5 years and am now attending Boise State as an elementary education major. I hope to be able to teach children that there are no limits to their abilities. With all of the studying I am doing in the fields of quantum physics, mathematics, history and how corruption has concealed most of the truth from all of those subjects, I hope I can restore some truth in the educating of children and not to get them started off on the wrong path of thinking in terms of fear in a limited society.
I have had people tell me I am funny (whatever that means). I know that I like to make people laugh, but it is never in an attempt to make myself seem funny. I typically use my wits when communicating with people, and that typically causes people to laugh because I say things they are not expecting and do not know how to react.
I had a boss tell me once that I am standoffish. I guess I can agree with that. I hate getting involved with other people's business and I avoid any kind of drama at all expenses. Unless I see a need to intervene when someone is completely helpless.
I am a natural born observer and I have a photographic memory (with some things). I can't memorize a book and recall page numbers and all that jazz, but I can do complex math problems in my head. I also like to use my memory to make up complex deep "quotes" by finding a word I like and complimenting it with a series of words. Typically I have to pause the process to look up definitions of words that I come up with to make sure I am expressing the right idea. I always find myself using words that I have no idea the meaning off, but usually they work in the context that I use them.
Some things about my life I find worth mentioning, I graduated high school when I was 17 and joined the Marines shortly after turning 18 in boot camp. I have been to over 25 countries traveling with the military. I lived in Okinawa for 2 years. I got the opportunity to climb Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima.
I got married after being in the Marines for 5 years and am now attending Boise State as an elementary education major. I hope to be able to teach children that there are no limits to their abilities. With all of the studying I am doing in the fields of quantum physics, mathematics, history and how corruption has concealed most of the truth from all of those subjects, I hope I can restore some truth in the educating of children and not to get them started off on the wrong path of thinking in terms of fear in a limited society.
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