This Is It! The time has come to say goodbye! I am amazed by all the things that I learnt to do in the past three weeks. Assistive Technology does not scare me anymore. I am pumped about the idea of utilizing different apps and software in my daily teaching. In the upcoming academic year, my priority will be to make sure that all my students are engaged in their learning.
Three weeks ago, I did not know how to blog. I had never heard of Kurweil, Co-Writer, and Paper Helper.Three weeks ago, I was not considering buying an iPad or even letting my students use their iPod touch or iPhone during class. Today, I am happy to report that I can see the many advantages of assistive technology in the classroom. My job is to educate my students by any means (legal) necessary.
The most valuable lesson I learnt in this course is not to take my students ability to read and write for granted. The reading and writing analysis assignments we had to complete for the course opened my eyes to the complexities behind both task. I will have to be particularly conscientious about this fact at the school I will be teaching at in September. Many of my students are non-Anglophone. English is their second or third language. It will be fascinating to see how they are going to fare in my French classes. I hope to find effective French Apps and software to make their learning of another language less intimidating.
First Words International HD
Living Language French (US$19.99)
Kurweil (July 16, 2012)
What an incredible tool. I just wish that the HRSB would put more money into buying software that will improve learning. Students cannot learn effectively in schools that do not have the necessary tools/programs to help them. I do not care how much it cost. Teachers or parents should not have to use their personal time to fundraise moneys to purchase programs that will enhance students’ learning. Kurweil is effective, and the Board knows it. Are they lying when they (HRSB officials) say that all students can learn or do they only want certain students to learn?
I like Kurweil 3000 because it provides various reading, writing and studying tools to students who are not performing well because of learning disabilities. My favorites are the read aloud and bubble notes. IPP students (Social Studies) would be more independent if they could use the read aloud built in dictionary.
Benefits of Kurweil
Text to Speech
Digital documentation
Dictionary
Word recognition (can input words from text into a dictionary)
Etc.
What can be done with Kurweil
1) Create a visual dictionary
2) Keep track of reading fluency (words per minute)
3) Tests/Quizzes (Reading Comprehension – one of my favorite
4) Store documents in the Universal library
5) Read test questions aloud
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Universal Design for Learning (UDL): is an educational framework based on research in the learning sciences, including cognitive neuroscience that guides the development of flexible learning environments that can accommodate individual learning differences.” (Wikipedia)
When I read the definition of UDL the article Supporting Struggling Readers in Secondary School Science classes came to mind. Reading comprehension is not just happening in English Language Arts classes anymore- it made its way into science classes. Curriculum makers and teachers alike have no other choice but to find ways to make learning accessible to all (LD and non-LD).
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This class is definitely going to help me improve my teaching next year. Technology can be scary at times (for me), but it certainly can help improve students’ learning. Another tool at the disposal of teachers and students is: Udltechtoolkit. Below is a list of my top 5
1) Character Scrapbook:This tool can foster creativity in students while reinforcing writing and reading skills. Whit the Character Scrapbook, students can write short sentences (10 things they know about the character they created). This tools can help build up students’ vocabulary (use of descriptive words). This software is fun and engaging.
2) ReadWriteThink Webbing Tool: This tool is similar to inspiration, but much easier to use (fewer visual distractions). ReadWriteThink Webbing will help students organize their ideas prior to completing a specific task. Who said that graphic organizer had to be complicated in order to be effective. This tool can help students who are visual learners and/or have difficulties organizing their ideas (brain to paper)
3) Glogster: Is an amazing tool. I learnt about this tool last summer and utilized it to create some of my assignments. Glogster help students create poster without having to use Bristol board. It is a better version of Power Point (personal opinion). Glogster allows students to input (audio and pictures). Many students do not have the ability or interest to create effective poster (not artistic). Glogster does it for them.
4) FotoBable: This tool can be use by students who have difficulties relaying what is on an image in the written form. FotoBable includes talking-photos or slides. Teachers can also use it to give out instructions or daily announcements (visual and audio)
5) YakiToMe: This tool includes text to speech. It is available in languages such as English, French or German. Students can download audio or podcast (MP3 compatible) into the program. Finally, students or teachers can use the text readers to convert text to speech. I do like the fact that students can read and share their text (work) with others. This tool is FREE.
The writing process is extremely demanding, and complex has the reading process. Students must follow a series of steps if they want to be effective writers. As alluded to in a previous blog … not all students learn the same. Personally, I do not enjoy writing because it requires a way to much brain energy. Unlike many of the other students, in this course, my brain contains various languages and ways of conveying information. French was my main mean of written communication for twenty plus years. It was and still is difficult for me to transmit what I am thinking and want to say in English. Everything sounds right in my head until it reaches the paper (typed format). A basic assignment such as writing a two page film review becomes a two to three day affairs (3-4 edited version of one assignment). In order to keep up with the English writing I had to rely on various tools such as the dictionary, thesaurus, spell check and grammarly.com. I cannot image, based on what we have been learning thus far about the writing process, how LD students feel when confronted with any writing task. I am so glad that there are so many Assistive technology tools (Apps and software) that LD students and/or EAL students can utilize to improve their writing skills. Students want their voice to be heard. Unfortunately, many of them are not heard because they do not have effective writing communication skills.
During class, today, I do not understand why some people believe that using programs like co writer is cheating. How can program or software makes one less intelligent then one who do not require assistive technology? I often use grammarly.com before I submit any written work. Does it make me a cheater? I do not think so! Grammarly does not write my papers for me. This program tells me where my weaknesses are and helps me find, most of the time, alternative ways of saying what is on my mind. Co writer does the same for LD students. Prior knowledge and the ability to decode, select and organize information are still required.
What I would like to learn?I would like to know how to decode (analyze) students’ hand writing and mine. In the past, I often assumed that some of my students wrote in illegible ways because they did not know how to spell words properly. They probably assumed that I would overlook the words that I could not read. These kids would often lose points because their poor writing skills did not allow me to understand what they were trying to say (text clarity is part of the rubric). I should have allowed these students to rewrite their text (in class) using the computer or voice to text app.
This activity was a significant eye opener. While looking at several reading comprehension Apps, one has no other choice but to realize that nobody learns the same way. Students in one class can be at different stages of the reading process. It is becoming more and more crucial for educators to find alternative ways to teach reading. Reading should be enjoyable … not feared. In the PowerPoint below, one can learn about 11 Apps (technology) that can engage all learners in their learning.
The most frustrating part of the presentation was not the long wait, but the anxiety that took over me when I had to use the Professor’s Mac laptop. Mac does make me nervous!! It would have been best to try the Apps before today's presentation. Unfortunately, my partners and I do not have IPad. I think it is time for the other tablets creators to update their Apps and keep up with Apple. I would like to know what other tablets (i.e. Blackberry playbook or Samsung) can do to help LD students be successful learners. Many students need to use technology to be engaged in their learning. I need to familiarize myself with the various technological tools (not just Apple) that can help improve my delivery of curricula.
Webinar: New Apps in Action for LD/ Power Point Link
Here is a list of the two Apps I am looking forward to learning more about (based on today’s presentations)
1) Dragon Dictation: I did like the fact that the verbal input will be converted into text. This App can make it easier for students to quickly record their thoughts (recall deficit).
2) Maps: This App is fantastic. I wish I had known about it when I was teaching the five themes of geography (Social Studies). I like the fact that one can quickly view where a building is located and its surroundings.
The action of blowing one’s nose is not as easy as it looks. One follows various processes (unknowingly) to execute one basic action or skill. One needs to use different parts of their brain. I am so glad that I do not have to think about the entire different steps one should follow prior to, during and post any actions that one makes in the span of a day. It will be too exhausting. My able-bodied self often forgets that many other individuals do not have the ability to complete basic tasks/skills without assistance or cues. An individual who suffers from Alzheimer may not remember what tools to use when they need to wipe their nose. They might revert to letting the mucus run down. I am grateful that I am able to read and write without too much difficulty. I am grateful that my brain is intact. I am grateful that not all bodies are able because it teaches empathy for others and acceptance of diversity.
It is so unfortunate that this course only last less than three weeks. I am surrounded by so many valuable information (teaching tools) but, I do not have to time to digest and experiment with all of them. I enjoyed today’s webinar on Fine Motor Skills. Many of my former students would have benefited from Apps such as Write Pad, Touch and Write or Dexteria. The students I am thinking about cannot write quickly or properly. I could not figure out half of the things they would write on paper. Their hand writing is sloppy (information output is incomprehensible). In many cases, I would suggest to these students to type their work and submit it a day or two late. With others, I would have to sit next to them to write down what they wanted to say (weak motor skills). To type their text on the computer would have taken too much time.
Next year, I do intend to let students use their iPod Touch or iPhone (if they have one) to utilize some of the App I mentioned above. The one I will most likely use first is the Write Pad. This App can be use in different languages such as French, English and Spanish... just to name a few.
My top 3 Apps (Fine Motor Skills)
1) Write Pad (Cost: $9.99)
This App is ideal for students with poor written output. Students can convert their handwriting (cursive or print) to text). A stylus or finger can be used with the Write Pad App. Another positive element of the Write Pad App is that it does include word prediction. This App is perfect for Junior High School students.
2) Dexteria (Cost: $4.99)
The Dexteria App can be used with the iPod Touch, iPad or iPhone. This App can support students by increasing motor skills and writing abilities. Users have the option of using their fingers or a stylus with the Dexteria App. The use of a stylus or fingers is perfect when one is trying to develop dexterity, finger sequencing and movement control.
3) Touch and Write (Cost: FREE)
Users can learn their numbers, letters and words with the Touch and Write App. Like the other App listed above, the Touch and Write App reinforce writing skills in young learners. A high frequency word list is available on this App. Users can also input their own word list on Touch and Write. Finally, Touch and Write is engaging, fun and taps in students’ creativity. This App helps learners with their hand eye coordination while reinforcing vocabulary skills.
During the keynote address, I could not stop thinking about the complex relationship teachers have with parents. Personally, I would be extremely happy if my encounters with parents were limited to parents- teachers interview. Because of past negative experiences I have erected a wall between me and parents who challenged my ability to teach their child. According to some parents, I was too strict, and my French was hard to understand by their child. Me, the only Francophone teacher in the school was apparently not able to speak French properly. I let my inner frustrations make me believe that it is almost impossible for teachers to interact positively with parents (family). In the past few years, I have made a more conscientious to maintain a certain level of communication with certain parents. I made sure to contact parents whose kids were at-risk academically (learning disabilities or not). When I had time, I would make some positive calls home (more enjoyable).
I do realize that open communication with parents is extremely valuable. However, I can seem to understand why so many parents simply did not make an effort to contact me. Why do I always hear and see the parents of students who are performing well academically? It is a parent’s job to care about their child’s academic success. Before today’s presentation, I did not realize that the reason why so many parents with at-risk children did not want to meet with me or any other teacher could have been a result of one of the followings:
1) lack of mobility
2) their voices are ignored by teachers and administrators
3) low socio-economic status (cannot afford to miss time from work)
4) felt intimidated by teachers and resources specialists, etc
Families of disabled children have a lot to deal with on a daily basis. They can be overwhelmed and exhausted for the most part. To attend another meeting to discuss their child may be the last thing on their to-do list.
During the morning presentation, Mrs. Dyke told us that the place that one calls home (Location) can influence the way teachers think about their job and their students. I do have to agree with her. In the past fifteen years, I had to adjust my teaching based on the audience (students) in front of me and the location of the school. For example, in one of the schools I taught at, I would censor a lot of information in textbooks because I was teaching in a Middle Eastern country. I had to obey the rules even though I did not agree with them. Still today, I sometime have the sad feelings that I compromised my students’ education. I did not teach them all they needed to learn.
Mrs. Dyke also acknowledged what I have been thinking for a long time: “Urban curricula do not make sense in a rural setting.” Yes, there should be some uniformity in the way Nova Scotia students are assessed. However, that does not mean that all students should learn the same materials. Curricula should be relevant to students’ daily realities.
"Bedroom Community"
Schools do not receive the same funding Students learning is affected
This workshop was quite intriguing. I did not know the full meaning of Social Capital prior to today. Based on the information presented during the workshop, I can safely say that social capital equates to the social interactions ones has with others. The more interactions and connections one has the higher his/her social capital. Student's successes and failures are closely connected to their access to outside resources (social capital). Many students and parents do not know where to go and who to talk to in times of need. They have a limited social capital. This could be influenced by their cultural values, language, income and gender – just to name a few. Mr. Ouellette’s presentation made me realize that many students are at a deficit because they cannot access the same resources so many others can. To be successful in schools is so complicated! There are so many factors that can disconnect students, parents, and school communities. I am glad that I have so many people I can rely on or contact when I need added support. Wish it was the same for many of my students and their families.
To read is not easy as one, two, and three. There are many processes or steps that one must take before he/she can even start reading printed text. To read can be as complex as planning a wedding. There is a lot to do prior to the significant event (wedding day) or reading task. Today was the first time that I stopped to think about what one needs to be able to read a basic text. As a perpetual learner, I did not realize that many external and internal factors could influence one’s ability to read. For example, a child academic success on a reading assessment can be affected by his/her prior knowledge, cultural background or daily life realities. Today’s class made me better understand why so many of my students do not fare well on reading comprehension assessments. I need to find an effective way to assess my students reading abilities with formal and informal assessments. Today’s class made me see why I still struggle to understand certain English texts or guidelines. Just like many of my students I have not acquired all the background information that one needs to be an effective reader. Maybe the many Apps on the Ipad will help my students, and I improve our reading comprehension. Only two days into this course and I can tell that technology will help me help my students become effective learners.
QR CODES
Sorry for sounding repetitive, but I seriously have to get an Ipad. That little tablet is simply a god sent resources to learners living with a learning disability or not. Quick Response codes and EBooks are making learning accessible to all. Both Apps are interactive and allow students to decode information at their own pace. Many of my IPP students would have benefited from having easy access to a resource like QR codes. For example, they would have quickly found information on the web if they had a QR code. No need to look at pages of non-important web sites. It does mean more work for the teacher (i.e. find resources that students will have to use), but it will give students a sense of independence.
Why Do People Read?
I think people read to gain knowledge, and in some cases escape from reality. In my case, I only read because it is part of my life as a Graduate student. I lost the passion for reading for pleasure the moment I started University (Undergrad). My life has been about reading students’ work or course related materials.
Quotes about Reading
“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” - Sir Richard Steele
“Reading furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read ours.” - John Locke (1632 - 1704)
“Reading is a basic tool in the living of a good life.” - Mortimer J. Adler
My anxiety level is starting to rise again. I am not a technology person. I feel so inadequate every time that I stumbled to understand technical terms or task that everybody else seems to get. I am a woman of the old ages - paper and pencils are just OK with me. The good thing is I am also up for a good challenge. I will have to kick my fear of technology in order to do well in this course. I hope that my enhance knowledge of technology will improve my teaching methods. Today’s class captivated my mind. There is so much that I do not know. I am open to learning how to blog and use different Apps with my students. Eventually, I will have to make the time to familiarize myself with the various technologies present in this society. Technology is here to stay whether I like it or not.
Earlier in the class, we were asked to think about the following: “The Ipad, Iphone and iPod touch are disruptive technologies”
My understanding of the quote is that the emergence of Ipad, Iphone and Ipod has disrupted the traditional way of learning, teaching and communicating. The academic success of students is depending more and more on the easy access to technology. A child with limited dexterity would benefit tremendously from the use of a voice over app to record ideas and answers to written questions. Schools are not keeping up with modern technology, and many students are suffering because of it.
I learned a lot of new things today. I had the opportunity to use a fantastic App call Pic Collage. My partner and I did encounter some difficulties while using the program, but overall we were able to see the benefits of using it with students. Pic Collage can eliminate the use of Bristol board when presenting research. This App is user friendly and visually appealing. Most importantly, Pic Collage can engage students with various learning abilities in their learning. This program reminded me of photo story and glogster (used by my students this semester). I will allow my students to use of Pic Collage in lieu of a Power Point presentation.
Pic Collage
1. Create a photo journal
2. Research an influential person in history
3. Informally introduce a classmate at the beginning of the year
4. Timeline of events
5. Keep track of information learned in a unit (picture web)
6. Show understanding of globalization
7. Show step used to prepare a new dish (recipe cards)
8. Teach & learn new vocabulary (visual dictionary)
9. Matching activity (images and words)
10. Record moments of happiness in a school year or life
I really want to have an Ipad! Why did I waste my money on a BlackBerry Playbook? I am looking forward to integrating more technology into my teaching next year. Wish me luck!!
