Blog # 6

How can technology facilitate communication? 

Picture Link: http: //www.hutui6.com/data/out/41/68528329-communication-wallpapers.jpg

 

Technology facilitates communication by creating options for students to communicate more easily. Technology also increases independence because it allows the student to communicate without the help of an adult. Students can use communication boards, text to speech and speech to text software, email, text messaging, video chat, to allow them to communicate in ways that are not traditional and allow them to interact with peers. This also allows them to express ideas and participate in class more readily.

How can UDL be applied in teaching students who are deaf and blind?

It is important to include all of your students in your planning and execution of lessons. This includes those with sensory impairments such as visual and hearing. Their is a growing amount of resources and tools that can allow this to happen. 

Universal Design for Learing can be applied in teaching students who are deaf and blind by providing:

    - Options for perception 

          1) Visual displays can be adjusted in size and color for students with visual 

               impairments.

Left Picture Link:

   http://www.geek.com/gearlog/images/magnifier.jpg 

    Right Picture Link: http://www.nelowvision.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/transformer_panel-300x227.jp

  2)  Audio can be amplified to ensure students with hearing impairments can listen 

               to what is going on in the classroom.

Picture Link: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/f1/52/63/f1526329099cc89764f082f8c9d04cc7.jpg

    - Expression and communication

          1)  Through the use of technology students with visual and hearing impairments can communicate and interact with peers, teachers, and material more successfully. This allows the development of independence and relationships enabling students to thrive. Students can text, blog, audio record, make videos, etc. to complete projects and to communicate with peers.

Picture Link: http://www.pathstoliteracy.org/sites/pathstoliteracy.perkinsdev1.org/files/uploaded-files/smartboard_girl.jpg

 

An AT tool for working with students with sensory impairments.

      The Roger Inspiro Phonak is an assistive listening devise for students with hearing impairments. It includes a wireless microphone that connects to a hearing aid and amplifies the speakers voice while blocking distracting noise. It is easy to use, the teacher simply wears the microphone and it connects with most hearing aids worn by the student with simple and familiar Bluetooth technology!

      This devise can be easily implemented in the classroom. During instruction, the teacher can use the microphone. It can also be used by the other students when answering questions or presenting their work. This device is great because it increases involvement in the classroom (by allowing the student to hear what is being taught, directed, and asked) and is discrete because microphones are very common in classrooms today. 

      More information on this device can be found on the link below: 

https://www.phonakpro.com/us/en/products/wireless-accessories/roger-inspiro/overview-roger-inspiro.html

 

Blog #5 Selecting Apps

The process used when selecting APPS 

Picture Link: http://jeanklearnsonline.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/9/3/13937800/4035742.jpg?1395157259

When selecting apps the following should be considered:
1) Use a team approach 

              * Collaboration is imperative to ensure that everyone working with the child can    

                 share what they believe the student's needs are, how they can be  

                 accommodated, what apps they think will work, and if those apps are working  

                 once they have been used.

              * Teams can include general education teachers, special education teachers,  

                 parents, the student, administrators, physical therapists, occupational therapists,  

                 speech and language pathologists, and any other person who has a role in the 

                 student's education.

       2) Use the SETT Framework 

              S-Student: Focus on the student's need

                   * What are the student's abilities and interests?

                   * What are the student's needs? 

                   * Decision making should always be student-centered.

                   * What worked for one student may not work for a different student.  

             E-Environment

                   * Where will the app be used?

                        - School, home, community

                   * Is the app or AT mobile or will there be multiple devices among the different 

                     locations?

             T-Task 

                   * What task does the student need to complete?

                         - Read, write, speak, take a test, participate in activities

                   * What steps does the student need assistance in to complete the task?

             T-Tool

                   * What app will meet the criteria determined by the team?

      3) Trial Run

              * Have the student use the app in his or her natural environment

              * Sometimes what appeared good on paper is not a right fit for the student.

     4) Provide necessary support

             * Train student, parent, and all individual working with the student on: 

                     - how to use the app.

                     - what to do if the app is having technical difficulties.  

     5) Continually assess the apps adequacy                  * Is there a new technology/app that can better meet the need?

                 * The students needs, environment, and tasks can change (the app that worked 

           originally may not meet the new need) 

Additional questions to consider:

  a) Does the app meet the needs of the student?

  b) Does the app meet the current objective and standards being taught?

  c) Are there limitations to the app's features?

Reliable resources for selecting APPS

•  The following link is a blog that provides ways to evaluate apps including a downloadable rubric. It also provides links to other useful resources on selecting apps:  

http://www.ipads4teaching.net/critical-eval-of-apps.html

• The link below is a blog made specifically for selecting educational apps. It is organized and lists specific apps and what their purpose is. This blog makes decision making easy.  

http://appsineducation.blogspot.com/

• Richard Byrne provides tutorials, videos, and lists of apps and ways to select appropriate apps in his blog found on the following link: 
  www.freetech4teachers.com 
  
  

Dell, A.G., Newton, D.A., & Petroff, J.G. (2017) Assistive technology in the classroom: Enhancing 
       the school experiences of students with disabilities (3rd Ed). Boston: Pearson. ISBN: 
       9780134170411