Article Assessment 2

Assistive Technologies for Reading
By
Ted Hasselbring and Margaret Bausch
Overview:
Assistive technology can help students with learning disabilities struggling to master grade-level work in inclusive classrooms. It is staggering to learn that approximately half of the six million students receiving specialized services for an identified disability are learning disabled. Studies have shown that assistive technologies are far more commonly used with students who manifest physical or sensory disabilities than those with learning disabilities.
Hasselbring and Bausch describe two very interesting computer software applications that support learning disabled students in reading material at grade level: Read & Write Gold and READ 180. Both have produced amazing results.

Reference Points:

1. Read 180 strengthens students' reading experiences and skills by supplying "anchor videos" giving overall background for various topics.
2. Read & Write Gold uses synthetic speech to read text aloud while a student watches the text scroll on a computer screen, and includes features to help hesitant writers compose.
3. “Instructional technologies are mere vehicles that deliver instruction but do not influence student achievement any more than the truck that delivers our groceries causes changes in our nutrition.” (Richard Clark, 1983).
4. Improved learning for all students depends on the quality of the instruction. Currently, students with special needs are being educated in inclusive classrooms where they are expected to perform grade-level work but not always given specialized support.
5. Teachers are searching for ways to educate students with disabilities more effectively. New technologies make it possible for students with disabilities to learn from good instruction.
6. When assistive technology is used creatively and skillfully, it can help any student achieve results never imagined.

Significance:

Since technology is just about everywhere, and in every classroom, teachers need to become more aware of the possibilities. They can do this by reading articles like this, networking with colleagues, and experimenting with students. Sometimes, you won't know until you've tried a certain technology on a struggling student. It might take time and patients for some people to adapt, but in the end the reward of seeing the light bulb go on is priceless.

Article Assessment 1 (Spring 09)

The Overdominance of Computers
by
Lowell W. Monke

Overview:
We have just discovered the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the possibilities of technology.
My generation (Gen X) had the opportunity to experience the evolution of breakthroughs first hand. The increase of technology in our lives is generating many question relating to educating the next generation. Questions like: How can we maximize the computer/internet to be a beneficial tool?
What ages do children begin to learn how to efficiently use high-tech tools?
Lowell thinks that before young students actually use technology, they should acquire social skills like: self-discipline, moral judgment, and empathy in order to use technology effectively.
Monke states that computers/internet are powerful tools that require self-discipline that young children and adolescents don’t yet possess. He claims that in order to mature and to fully understand what they view on computers, students crave human contact experiences. Monke believes children need to experience social nuances that give them more insight to real life situations in order to have the skills to differentiate from cyber reality. He does not want to banish computers from schools, but to be more conscious of use, and possibly limit the duration they are used. Lowell advocates slowly integrating technology into classrooms after elementary school and focusing more on it during the last two years of high school. Continue Overview

Education Philosophy

My personal philosophy about education is an ongoing process. I don't think it will ever stop evolving because every life experience gives me a new perspective that opens many doors.
I enter with an insatiable desire to learn more about human nature and a child like curiosity that accepts things the way they are in this moment.
I enjoy sharing my experience with others and feel that everyone we meet has something to teach.
The actual role of a teacher is a shifty experience because I believe we are all full time students of life on this floating phenomena called Earth.

Energy Project Reflection

I recently did a research project on the use of Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL) and have discovered mixed feelings from my results. I have learned that by switching just 3 incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs, my savings increases almost right away. Also, the amount of energy it takes to keep CFL on is much less, thus less of a strain on our environment and non-renewable resources.
With this in mind, I hurried to the store and shelled out the extra 6-8 dollars for three 20 watt fluorescent bulbs. I was a little perplexed at the sturdy, child proof packaging, only to find out later the reason they are so carefully secured. After reading that if one accidentally breaks in the house you must evacuate for 10 minutes, I began to think twice about my new experiment and sticking with my wasteful incandescent bulbs. Nonetheless, I went on to find out that mercury vapors are much less in some brands than others. Also, I tried to stay positive by hoping someone will invent a way to recycle CFL before mine are spent in supposedly 10 years.

I enjoyed the process of my search. My feelings about switching went from thinking this is going to be a win win situation to, "wow, what a bummer" after reading about what's inside. I'm glad to see some companies reducing mercury amounts in their bulbs, but it still seems like a giant conundrum. I guess other countries are switching over as well, and it is predicted by some that incandescent bulbs are on the way out completely soon. I only have more questions now, than before I bought CFL. The move to convert to a more efficient lighting is well intended, however the long term negative effects might trump the initial savings of CFL.
Here is my Pesentation on You Tube.

I think I did pretty good for the first time ever using i-movie.
I spent a lot of time trying to get the sound just right.
The possibilities are endless though. It made me want to add some music, or effects,
but I tried to stay focused and get the message out there. Some of my strengths were:
Creativity
I sounded convincing and sincere
Good speaking pace
I was confident
Some of my weaknesses were:
Timing and audio glitches
transitions between ideas
the amount of time it took to put together
I tried to be a perfectionist
I made a mistake with my numbers audible near the end

Overall, I enjoyed learning how to do these technical applications.
If I were to do anything different, I would be more creative with photos, effects,
and music. My presentation would be more personalized.
Nonetheless, it has expanded my awareness and opened new doors I look forward to exploring.
Now, I'm going to try and make a music video with my new found skills and possibly tie it into my philosophy project.

Article 3 Assessment/ Tools for the Mind by Mary Burns

Overview: In Tools for the Mind, Mary Burns states that now is a good time to reassess the current application of technology within the schools. Computers have definitely evolved over the years, but so has
the way people use them. Since the early 90's the internet has become a ubiquitous mind tool, but to use it to our benefit (expanding our students critical thinking skills), Burns believes we must first learn how to use it properly. To promote a higher level of thinking teachers must utilize spreadsheets, databases, geographic information systems (GIS), computer-aided design programs, and simulation software programs according to Burns.

Reference Points:
1. By the 90's people thought computers would be utilized as tools for a higher level of critical thinking.
2. There are no statistics that link student technology use to improved learning
3. Administratiors and educators are monitoring the value of computers as instructional tools.
4. Technology can take over passive learning. Students can be empowered by discovering information for themselves.
5. Professional developments can be used to give teachers technical skills, but administration needs to find more ways to help teachers how to use technology to enhance student learning.
6. Many districts lack the following:
* on-site technical support
* long term professional development in technology integration
* sufficient hardware and software
* sufficient instructional time for inquiry-based
* Technical gurus to help teachers understand how to use computers
* computers in general
7. Spreadsheets, databases, GIS, computer-aided design programs, and simulation software programs are tools that encourage higher thinking levels.
8. Power Point and Word applications, commonly used in classrooms are used for simple cognitive tasks.

Reflection: Yes, I think technology needs to be implemented into our schools as much as possible. However, this will cost money many districts don't have. Right now the district I work in lacks in special education. I'm sure they are bending laws left and right by not providing services to students that qualify for specific services. It's all about the money and where administration wants to focus that money. Do they want to boost technology? Well that means funding staff training as well. Maybe teachers could receive CEU's for attending trainings. Or, could administration try to get more grants to fund technology? This way, they could focus budget funds on hiring more teachers to reduce class sizes, and making sure they are abiding by laws in regards to special education.

Article Assessment 2

The Educator's Guide to the

Read/Write Web

Will Richardson

Overview

Will Richardson's article does a spectacular job on depicting the role digital technology plays in our everyday experience, if we so choose. Through publishing personal ideas on blogs, collaborating ideas using information websites referred to as wikis, and broadcasting radio programs using podcasting, teachers and students perspectives of information exchange is forever expanding at exponential rates.

Richardson emphasizes that being literate in todays world requires much more than reading and writing. Continuously polishing skills like editing and quickly identifying online sources, as well as making judgment calls on the authenticity of web based information is key in order to extract useful knowledge.

Reference Points:

1. A blog is basically a journal that is available on the web. The activity of updating a blog is "blogging" and someone who keeps a blog is a "blogger." Blogs are typically updated daily using software that allows people with little or no technical background to update and maintain the blog.

2. Wiki means quick in Hawaiian and is a website that anyone can edit at anytime Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia. The information is policed by anyone interested in posting.

3. An RSS (Really Simple Syndication) Feed, uses an aggregator to collect news and postings from newspapers, blogs, and libraries. You can read them just about anywhere.

4. Social bookmarking sites have made it possible for users to copy not just website addresses, but websites themselves into folders. You can also view the websites that other members have saved. It's a neat way to share resources with people in similar fields or with similar interests.

5. A useful social bookmarking site is furl-net

6. Create a radio program and broadcast it for all to hear on the internet using podcast

7. NPR Podcast directory

Reflection

I think it's great that the internet is playing a larger role in todays education process. It's kind of a free for all, a chaotic masterpiece. For this reason, I believe my efforts to help guide my students to find useful resources like: wiki, blog, podcasting, and other outlets will minimize the time spent on sifting through the vast www.

The internet is here to stay and I have fully accepted its' usefulness. I've also realized some of my students have a better grasp and higher comfortability level when using this ubiquitous information machine. So, I'm OK with reversing the role of student teacher when appropriate.

Compact Fluorescent Lighting PowerPoint

Compact Fluorescent Lighting is an interesting topic these days. So I decided to embark on a project that could save me a few dollars, and maybe even help out the environment.
Since I live well below the poverty line, I could only afford 3 compact fluorescent light bulbs to begin my experiment. It was all I needed to discover the savings I could expect after 1 years use. After many hours of devoted internet research, I found that by switching out my 3 incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs, I could save enough money to treat my fiance to a modest dinner and her favorite flowers.
Then, I began to wonder how much money could be saved if many people decided to embark on this experiment. To examine my study on the compact fluorescent light bulb check out my POWERPOINT.