Over the course of the semester, I have learned so much about how technology can be used in the classroom with students of various needs. We covered topics on virtual world accessibility, instructional technology, assistive technology, low tech and high tech products, bookmarking, ergonomics, and the list goes on and on. I have bookmarked alot of the sites. I feel that I have a "bag of technology tricks" that I can take into the classroom as I graduate and become a first year teacher. During the semester, I found out two things about myself.
1. I need to become more up to date about technology. There's so much that I didn't know about (ex. using PowerPoint as an interactive curriculum, using Kurzweil 3000, various bookmarking sites, just to name a few).
2. There is alot of technology out there that we can use to enhance our students' learning (ex. Boardmaker, Photo Story, Interactive Whiteboards, just to name a few).
Some powerful words that I have heard during the semester were "Technology is not a privilege. It is a right." and "Technology is not about the stuff. It's about the people." After taking this course, I have learned that there are alot of technology out there that we can incorporate into the curriculum. Even with this wealth of existence of technology, there are still countries, neighborhoods, schools, and homes that do not have access to technology. We need to work on providing access to technology to all students. It is also important to remember that technology is not just another extra expensive item that the school may be reluctant to provide. It is a tool that is integrated into the curriculum to meet the needs of the individual students and to help enhance their learning opportunities.
I would like to end with the quote by John Dewey - "If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow."
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Top 5 Interesting and Fun Resources
Here are my Top 5 interesting and fun resources that I have encountered during the semester. Check them out and add them to your bookmark.
1. Animusic - http://www.animusic.com/
3. Edutopia - http://www.edutopia.org/
4. eSchool News - http://www.eschoolnews.com/current/
5. We are Teachers - http://www.weareteachers.com/web/corporate
Guide to Instructional Technology
Instructional technology is the use of a variety of teaching tools to improve student learning. It isn't just computers and computer softwares, but, any tool that is used for teaching and learning. According to Eutopia.org, "In order for effective technology integration to occur, four key components of learning needs to take place. They are active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real world experts. Effective technology is achieved when the use of technology is routine and transparent and when technology supports curricular goals." (http://www.edutopia.org/)
Some examples of instructional technology that we discussed in class were Interactive White Boards, PowerPoint, Boardmaker, Bookshare, Kidspiration, Photo Story, and Kurzweil 3000. It was so fascinating to learn about all these various technology that we can be incorporated into the curriculum. I have seen Smartboards, but, haven't ever got a chance to use them, so it was really exciting to get a tutorial in class. It provides a variety of ways for presentation, expression, and motivation. I had so much fun playing around with it in class. Also, I have always thought of PowerPoints solely as ways to do presentations in front of classes or in business environments. I have never thought of using it as this exciting interactive tool for classroom curriculums. I will definitely be using it in my future classes.
Please check out the following resources if you are interested in more information.
Resources:
1. Interactive White Board (ex. Smartboard)
- Teq - http://www.tequipment.com/resources/
- Abilities! Kornreich Technology Center - http://www.abilitiesonline.org/KTC/whatshappening.aspx#itp
- Smart products - http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-US/Products/SMART+Response/SMART+Response/default.htm
2. PowerPoint
- PowerPoint in the Classroom - http://www.actden.com/PP/
- PowerPoint Tutorials - http://www.internet4classrooms.com/on-line_powerpoint.htm
- Scoring Power Points - http://www.fno.org/sept00/powerpoints.html
- PowerPoint 2000 Tutorial - http://www.fgcu.edu/support/office2000/ppt/index.html
- Of PowerPoint and Pointlessness - http://www.wired.com/culture/education/news/2002/09/54675
3. Boardmaker
- DynaVox Mayer-Johnson - http://www.mayer-johnson.com/education/training/recorded/
- Boardmaker Tutorial - http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=78937
- Making a Boardmaker Overlay - http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=28098
- Weather Overlay with Boardmaker - http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=29153
4. Bookshare
- Introduction to Bookshare - http://abilitiesonline.na6.acrobat.com/tqb9gzw.wd5pnn/
- National Instructional Materials Access Center(NIMAC) - http://www.nimac.us/
- Don Johnston - Read: Outloud - Bookshare Edition http://www.donjohnston.com/products/rol_bookshare/
5. Kidspiration
- Inspiration Software - http://kidspiration.com/
6. Photo Story
7. Kurzweil 3000
- Kurzweil Education Systems - http://www.kurzweiledu.com/kurz3000.aspx#q1
- Abilities - Nathaniel H. Kornreich Technology Center - http://www.kornreich.org/KTC/onlinetraining.aspx
Guide to Assistive Technology
According to the definition proposed in the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, "Assistive technology are products, devices or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that are used to maintain, increase or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities."
Assistive technology products can enable people with disabilities to:
Assistive technology products can enable people with disabilities to:
- accomplish daily living tasks
- assist them in communication, education, work or recreation activities
- help them achieve greater independence and enhance their quality of life
- help improve physical or mental functioning
- help prevent the worsening of a condition
- help improve a person's capacity to learn
Some examples of assistive technology products include:
- Telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD)
- Speech recognition software
- Text-to-speech software
- Spell checker
- Closed captioning
- Ergonomic keyboards
Resources on assistive technology:
- RehabTool.com - http://www.rehabtool.com/at.html
- Assistive Technology Boogie - http://www.inclusive.com/AT_boogie/at30.swf
- Adapting Classrooms for AT Users: Challenges and Solutions - http://www.kornreich.org/Webcasts/AdaptingClassroomsForAT.aspx
- Form Pilot - http://www.colorpilot.com/formpilot.html
- National Assistive Technology Research Institute (NATRI) - http://natri.uky.edu/index.html
- NATRI - How Assistive Technology Resources Can Go Awry - http://natri.uky.edu/resources/reports/awry.html
- Assistive Technology: Opening Doors to Independence - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2G1U6U3zh8&feature=player_embedded
Monday, December 7, 2009
Reading, writing, and learning. Need help!
Kurzweil 3000? Kurzweil 3000? hmmm.... I heard of this before. Over the past summer, I worked with a friend who is blind. I met with him on a regular basis and helped with organizing and sorting out various handouts and reading materials and putting it into a format that he is accessible to him. I used Kurzweil 3000 to scan the documents and then I saved it into a word format, where I went through the documents to make any edits to the text. Sometimes, the scanned document didn't quite translate very smoothly when there were small smudges, tables and charts, and other visuals. That's when I had to go into major text editing mode. After the document passed the test(in terms of being accurate), it was time to send off the final product. Depending on what he wanted, I would either have it embossed or emailed to him as an attachment. He seemed to prefer having it sent as an email attachment. He uses the screen reading tool called JAWS(Job Access with Speech), which converts all the text on the Windows system into speech. More information on JAWS can be found on the following link: http://www.afb.org/prodProfile.asp?ProdID=117&SourceID=49.
So, during the summer, I was exposed to the Kurzweil 3000, but, in a very limited aspect as I only used it to scan documents. During this semester, I learned of all the tools available on Kurzweil 3000 as it is a software that addresses the reading, writing, and learning challenges that students face. Struggling readers, individuals with learning difficulties, and English language learners would greatly benefit from using this software. My professor provided us with the Kurzweil 3000 -30 day free trial cdrom, so, I decided to try it out. The software provided many tools such as a voice that read the text, highlighter, text boxes, electronic post its, etc. It's a great way for students to learn how to use note-taking strategies. Students can complete worksheets on the computer. The following are pictures of an adapted worsheet with the use of Kurzweil 3000.
I made text notes in the blanks for students to write their names and to write numbers as their answers. I also made a bubble note to provide a reminder instruction. In question number 4, it states "James needs 40 crayons. Circle 40 crayons in the picture." So, the question is "How do the students complete that question? Is it possible?" The answer is "Yes, it is possible." After playing around with the toolbar and using the help feature, I found the answer. You have to add a zone. I went to scan --> zone editor --> add zone --> placed a box around the area where the boxes of crayons were. Guess what? I was able to complete the question. I think this is an excellent tool that can be used as both an instructional technology and an assistive technology!
So, during the summer, I was exposed to the Kurzweil 3000, but, in a very limited aspect as I only used it to scan documents. During this semester, I learned of all the tools available on Kurzweil 3000 as it is a software that addresses the reading, writing, and learning challenges that students face. Struggling readers, individuals with learning difficulties, and English language learners would greatly benefit from using this software. My professor provided us with the Kurzweil 3000 -30 day free trial cdrom, so, I decided to try it out. The software provided many tools such as a voice that read the text, highlighter, text boxes, electronic post its, etc. It's a great way for students to learn how to use note-taking strategies. Students can complete worksheets on the computer. The following are pictures of an adapted worsheet with the use of Kurzweil 3000.
I made text notes in the blanks for students to write their names and to write numbers as their answers. I also made a bubble note to provide a reminder instruction. In question number 4, it states "James needs 40 crayons. Circle 40 crayons in the picture." So, the question is "How do the students complete that question? Is it possible?" The answer is "Yes, it is possible." After playing around with the toolbar and using the help feature, I found the answer. You have to add a zone. I went to scan --> zone editor --> add zone --> placed a box around the area where the boxes of crayons were. Guess what? I was able to complete the question. I think this is an excellent tool that can be used as both an instructional technology and an assistive technology!
More info about Kurzweil 3000:
- Kurzweil Education Systems - http://www.kurzweiledu.com/kurz3000.aspx#q1
- Abilities - Nathaniel H. Kornreich Technology Center - http://www.kornreich.org/KTC/onlinetraining.aspx
Dream Deferred
Back in the old days, during high school, in my English class, I heard this one poem. You might have heard of it. It is called Dream Deferred by Langston Hughes. Here is the poem.
Dream Deferred
- Langston Hughes
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore -
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over -
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
The poem provided such great visuals in my mind, so, I decided to make a photo story out of this poem.
Photostory is a free Microsoft application that allows users to have a "show and tell" presentation with digital photos added with narration, effects, transitions and background music. You can download the application at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/PhotoStory/default.mspx
Check it out.
Dream Deferred
- Langston Hughes
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore -
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over -
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
The poem provided such great visuals in my mind, so, I decided to make a photo story out of this poem.
Photostory is a free Microsoft application that allows users to have a "show and tell" presentation with digital photos added with narration, effects, transitions and background music. You can download the application at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/PhotoStory/default.mspx
Check it out.
It was quite fun making this photo story. I felt like a creative director!
The Beach & The Flu
Back to the virtual worlds - The Sequel. I decided to take a short vacation at SecondLife with my good old buddy, Banana Beorn. I just came for a relaxing time at the beach, just to watch the waves and listen to some good music (no dance battles this time).
Maybe, do something creative perhaps? I decided to make my masterpiece "The Pink Doughnut".
I've been getting weekly Whyville Times Newsletters, so, I decided to go check out and see what's happening these days. On my home page, the first thing I see is....... the Whyville Flu Report! Oh boy, 17,097 citizens were infected by flu this year! I need to hurry up and get to the City Hall and get vaccinated!
That's me. Hopefully, I will get through this flu season.
Maybe, do something creative perhaps? I decided to make my masterpiece "The Pink Doughnut".
I've been getting weekly Whyville Times Newsletters, so, I decided to go check out and see what's happening these days. On my home page, the first thing I see is....... the Whyville Flu Report! Oh boy, 17,097 citizens were infected by flu this year! I need to hurry up and get to the City Hall and get vaccinated!
That's me. Hopefully, I will get through this flu season.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
