Time for Reflection

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."

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/

2. FreeRice - http://www.freerice.com/index.php

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

• Photo Story - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/PhotoStory/default.mspx
  

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:

• 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

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!

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.

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.

Tell Me More, Tell Me More (about Ergon and Nomos)

Here are some very useful websites regarding Ergonomics:

• Cornell University Ergonomics Website (ergonomics for computer station) - http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/ErgoTips2002/home.html


• TypingPal Online (what to do & not do) - http://www.typingpal.com/Ergonomics/


• ErgoWorks (products for kids) - http://www.askergoworks.com/kids.aspx


• Laptop Laidback (product to place laptop in a reclining position) - http://www.laptop-laidback.com/


• Heads Up (product to help keep head up) - http://www.head-sup.com/

I have a friend who lies in her bed and balances the edge of her laptop on her stomach and watches various tv shows. So, when I saw Laptop Laidback, I immediately sent an email to her and just stated, "Perrrrrrfect gift for you, buddy!"

Are you here Ergon and Nomos?

Whether you are a fashion designer, lawyer, or a graduate student, it is important to create a comfortable work environment, both for the physical body and the mind, in order to become more efficient and productive in the work you do. The following are pictures of a graduate student's computer work station, more specifically, my work environment. Let's take a close look at my work environment and examine how ergonomics friendly it is.



This is an overall picture of where I frequently use my laptop. I used to take it on trips to the library and classrooms, but, due to its current illness of “blanking out when completely folded”, it is a bit risky to travel these days. Therefore, it is more restricted to this setting.

The bookshelf seems to be chaotic with a lot of things, but, there is actually a system in place. The first floor is arranged with items I use more frequently (on a daily basis) and as it moves on up to the second and third floor, the items are used on a less frequent basis. The first floor (eye level when standing up) consists of textbooks I am using for the semester, supplies (ex. tape, stapler, staple remover, white out), and books/movies I have borrowed from the local library. The second floor (within arm reach) has picture albums, frames, cds, and a mini clock. Lastly, the third floor (need to stand on my chair to get the items) consists of the previous semesters’ books, binders, and some snacks (ex. the bag of Doritos). I decided to arrange the items in this manner because it is convenient and also to avoid engaging in strenuous physical activities as I reach for an item that I use on a daily basis.



Let’s take a closer look at my desk. I have papers(things I need to do), large supplies (ex. 3 hole puncher, electric sharpener), pencil holder, post its, laptop, wireless mouse, external hard drive, bag of goldfish, cup of water, candy, cellphone, and a home phone. On the wall, I have several post its with reminders. Right behind the home phone, I have a long set of purple post its with a list of numbers for friends who live on campus. Whenever the phone rings, I have to stretch my right arm out to reach for the phones. Since I need to do my work on my desk, I try to keep my desk free of clutter or piling up with things.

As you can see, I don’t have a document holder, and therefore, I am in constant motion of looking down and looking up, which is straining both my neck and eyes. When I am sitting in front of the computer and doing work for hours and hours, I take off my contact lense and put on my glasses because my eyes get tired very quickly. That’s when I resort to reading papers on my comfy bed.



As I engage in my daily work, I am usually sitting with my back touching the back of the chair, but, my feet are not placed nicely on the floor. Instead, I am sitting with both knees close to my chest as if I am about to do a cannon ball in the swimming pool. Or, I have my right knee propped up with my right arm resting on it, while my left leg is sitting in a criss cross apple sauce position by itself. I know~ it sounds odd, but, it is comfortable.

As I use my laptop, I feel this pressure on my shoulders and this awkward curvature positioning of my hands as I type away. I prefer to use my wireless mouse (instead of the one on the laptop) and as I scroll away with my middle finger, it feels a bit odd because the middle one is the only one that I am moving back and forth.



I have thrown in this picture on purpose to show you the more ergonomics friendly environment. This was actually my cubicle in my previous work. What do you notice? The chair is very comfortable with a curvature for the back and arm rests, along with wheels on the bottom to move easily around the work area. The monitor is centered with an ergonomic friendly keyboard and a wireless mouse. The phone is positioned at very close reach. There is a recycle and trash bin underneath the desk. The copier/fax machine is not visible in the picture, but, it is placed on top of the desk.

By the way, ergon and nomos are Greek words for work and natural laws, thus, when combined creates ergonomics.

The Golden Bookmarking Site

What do you do when you find a website that you really like? In my case, I clicked on the yellow star on the top with the words "favorites" next to it (on Internet Explorer's toolbar).

Over time, my favorites section grew larger and larger, so, I had to start organizing and making folders and subfolders to categorize the various websites. I had folders for everything from entertainment, music, shopping, school, art, and the list went on and on. Then, one day, I had to get my computer reformatted and guess what happened? All my favorites just went down the drain. The funny thing is I don't remember anything I had in my favorites. I know there were probably about 50 websites in there. The favorites button played a purpose of collecting all the websites that I liked, but, I rarely went back to see the websites again because it was just hard to go through the list and find the specific websites (even though they were separated into categories).

I haven't been really using the favorites button after I got my computer reformatted, which was about a couple months ago. I may be experiencing PTSD(post traumatic stress disorder) from losing ALLLLLLLLLL my favorites.... There are only about a handful of websites that I use on a regular basis that I can easily remember, which include: Gmail, Google, Facebook, Teachers College, Youtube, Craigslist, Hulu (to watch Dollhouse and Glee), and a couple other school related websites (ex. Blackboard, Moodle, Blogspot,etc.). Whenever I open my Internet Explorer, the first thing I see are two windows - one for gmail and one for google. For the school related websites, I have them all lined up neatly on my toolbar. Therefore, there was no need to resort to my favorites button.

For the class assignment, I had to check out various bookmarking websites. There are actual websites that bookmark and gather all your favorites in one convenient portable manner. Therefore, all you have to do is just log on and start saving all your favorites in there instead of trying to remember if you saved your favorites at your work computer or your home computer. One of the course instructors posted a very informative video which provided a step by step instruction to access the following bookmarking websites:

• Kaboodle (http://www.kaboodle.com/)
• Clipmarks (http://clipmarks.com/)
• Diigo (http://www.diigo.com/buzz/hot)

However, when I actually went on Kaboodle and Clipmarks, it just felt foreign and difficult to navigate. Kaboodle seemed to have too many things on there that I wasn't interested in and I just felt confused and irritated.

Then, I went to Diigo and it was "the cherry" on top of my ice cream. It was the golden bookmarking site that I was looking for. It was simple, well organized, and satisfied my needs. It had the simple texts and simple colors (nothing fancy or flashy) and everything was laid out in such an easy to use manner. I really liked the tags, snapshot, preview, and share buttons.

Just to give you a comparison, if Kaboodle is like MySpace, Diigo is like Facebook. We all know Facebook is awesome! I have also checked out the famous delicious site(http://delicious.com/) and it was another bookmarking site that fell under my positive experience category.

I liked how it was laid out in a very simple layout similar to that of Diigo. I liked how I was able to import my websites that were in the favorites button. It would have been nice if I knew about this before I had to clean my computer. I also liked how it showed the date when the bookmark was added and the number of people that have bookmarked it. I will definitely be using Diigo and Delicious.

Feden vs. Luckstone: The Dance Battle

This week, the topic is virtual worlds and how accessible it is for everyone. Through the course I am taking, I was introduced to the following two virtual words:

Whyville (http://www.whyville.net/smmk/nice)

and

Second Life (http://secondlife.com/).

I checked out both websites, made avatars, and explored the different functions. I thought Second Life was particularly more fascinating because of the more realistic 3-D figures and features of the virtual world. After I made my avatar and explored the place a bit, I was getting bored because it felt like I was in a world by myself! So, I called a friend (Feden) and told her to meet me at TC Educator island. We met at the TC main entrance, went to Everett Cafe (no food..), and played around with the different communication options (ex. cry, laugh, "looking good"). We were having too much fun. Then, Feden suggested that we go over to the beach, so, we flew over there. That's when things got more exciting. We took turns sitting on the dancing ball, turned on the Liyana music, and just started dancing. It was so much fun! Check out the video.

More info on Liyana: Liyana is a band composed of 8 members, with varying disabilities, who engage in Afro-fusion style music, which is a blend of Gospel, Reggae, Pop, Folk, and Zimbabwean shona music. If you want to hear more of Liyana, check out http://liyanatour.com/index.cfm.

Just for fun, I have added another video of the Feden vs. Luckstone Dance Battle (part 2)!

Stay tuned for next week's Second Life's Got Talent! :*)

To Do or Not To Do, That is the Question

Over the past week, I have spent long periods of time pondering on a new and innovative invention, yet, all of the things that I could think of were already created. I just couldn't think of anything. You can say that I had the case of the inventor's block (similar symptoms of a writer's block).

Then, I thought about what I would benefit from. I am a huge fan of writing "To Do" lists. I am the person that needs to write everything down right away or else I feel that I will forget about it. After I write everything down on an 8 1/2in. by 11in. sheet of white paper, I feel organized and at great ease. The only issue is that I have to always carry around the letter size paper in a large bag everywhere I go.

Therefore, I thought about the "On the Go, To Do List." It's a small sized index paper whole punched on the top center and placed around the ring of the key chain. All I needed was a regular sized index card cut in half and whole punched on the top. As things come up, I can quickly take out my keychain with my "On the Go, To Do List" and start jotting down what needs to be done.

It has finally arrived....What everyone has been waiting for.... I now present to you.....The Magnifying Glass!

Hello everyone! Welcome to my very first blog - The Magnifying Glass! In this blog, I will use a magnifying glass to take a close look at how technology is being used in the field of special education. Please feel free to ask any questions or leave any comments.