Journal #9: "First Graders with iPads?"

Getting, S., & Swainey, K. (2012). First graders with ipads?. Learning and Leading with Technology,40(1), 24-27. Retrieved from www.iste.org/Store/Product.aspx?ID=2515

Summary:

In reading Sarah Getting and Karin Sawainy article I was fascinated at the outcome of first graders using iPads. When the idea was first brought up many were skeptical, for the idea revolved around placing expense technology in the hands of first grader. Yet results don’t lie, after completing the first year with iPads test scores were higher and teachers noticed students spending more time on tasks (TOT.)  Teachers also learned that iPad could be used within the award system, behave and you will be able to work with iPads. On the downside of things the teachers found the iPads had little resources due to the idea being fairly new. They also stumbled upon issues with the technology staying up to date. I really liked how Sarah and Karin also gave a list of apps that would work great in the classroom. It really helps teachers build a better network of sources and activity’s. I have high hopes that with more support of iPads with in the classroom will prove to be a benefit and help heighten the learning curve.

Q: Would you use the iPad in your classroom?

 Having worked with the iPad in a special needs classroom, I fully support and will use the iPad within my classroom if able too. Having a hand held, touch screen device is a wonderful tool with the classroom. It would allow me as a teacher to have flexibility to move around the class allowing each of students a chance to interact with the app. 

Q: What other problems do you believe the iPad could cause within the classroom?

One of my biggest concerns is that iPads will lead to students using them for other purpose. For many high schools, Youtube, Facebook, and other social networks have been band from school computers. With iPads also giving students access to social networks I am afraid will cause students will no longer use the iPad for learning. 

Journal #8: Adaptive Technology

NETS IV: Promote and Model Digital Citizenship

Communication

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ACC) is a method of communication used by individuals with language disabilities. AAC is for individuals who are unable to use verbal speech yet are cognitively able. In using Low Tech and High Tech tools helps achieve AAC. Low Tech is a tool used that does not require any technology or batteries. An example of a No/Low Tech tool that I would use within the classroom would be a Choice Board. A Choice board can be homemade or bought online. In using symbols and/or pictures students can pick and choose and place them onto the board. This allows students options when communicate the languages of operation. Teachers can also use the Choice Board when asking a question allowing the student to have a visual as well. 

When using a High Tech tool in the classroom I would use a Super Talker Progressive. A Super Talker Progressive is a word generator that allows students to communicate with the help of a computer generated voice. With using pictures the tool can adjust to the needs of the user which will be quite useful in their day to day life. With the right training, the Super Talker Progressive can give a AAC user the liberty to communicate with no difficulties.

Accessibility

Input devices for students with special needs are devices that help students overcome their disability and come in the form of either hardware or software. Good examples of hardware are keyboards and headphones where an example of software is auto spell check. In using hardware in a special needs classroom I would use a SimplyWorks For iPad. How a Simplyworks For iPad works is it gives the student better access in using a iPad. Being completely wireless allowing the child access to a easy power button, joystick and keyboard. With this tool being compact it will be easy to use and store within the classroom. As for the software tools I would use in the classroom I would use a communication software.

Using Tobii Communicator a ACC software platform will allow my students to communicate with in the classroom. The Tobii Communicator is designed to convert text and symbols into clear speech. This software also allows you to control devices and appliances in the surrounding area. Having these tools in the classroom will enhance the learning experience for the student as well as the teacher.  

    

Journal #7: Personal Learning Network.

PLN which stands for "Personal Learning Network" is a collection of resources that help teachers in their career. The PLN allows individuals to share information and engage with one another. In using the PLN helps new teachers build a network of information on classroom ideas and educational matters. Some of the PLN tools that I have used are Twitter, Diggo, and The Educators PL. In using these tools has helped me chat with more experienced educators on matters like using technology in a special needs classroom. With these three tools alone I am unlimited with ideas on using technology for this up coming year.

One of the first PLN's I used was Twitter an online social network. By communicating through a text based message system allows one to share and discuss common interests. By using Twitter I was allowed to follow other professional educators who I felt could expand my PLN. I chose to fallow @edutopia to find what works in classrooms; @wereteachers for it will give me support on all types of social networks, @educationweek to find primary sources on America's education, @lapetiteacademy due to them focusing on early education, and @forteachersonly to receive teaching tips. In addition I also used Twitter to engage in a live chat, #cistudy on the topic of "Back to School." The chat was held on Sunday August 5 at 5pm. Having never took part in a Twitter chat i had  a hard time keeping up. I found myself confused as to who was taking to whom and what they were talking about. Though i may have looked as if I took no part in this chat, I was fully engaged in trying to understand and absorb all the information presented. I am hoping to take part in another chat #ntchat this week, praying it will be easier to fallow and understand.
Another PLN I used was Diigo. Diggo is a social bookmarking tool that allows the user to not only bookmark but highlight text, add personal comments, and included tags. With using tags allowed me to organize and share my bookmarks with other Diigo users. I chose to fallow five Diigo users; Tom Whitby, Tim Lauer, Nikki Robertosn, Tim Heck, and Susan Glassett. Choosing Principles, teachers and the founder of PLN I feel they will be a great assets in launching my teaching career. I also chose to tag handful of educational blogs; Teacher Challenge Blog, We are Teachers Blog and Michelle Special Education Blog. Tagging them with PLN helped me in jump starting my PLN.

Last is "The Educator's PLN" a digital discussion forum I used in my PLN. Being a online form allows educators to share resources and network. In using this form I came across a blog called "Wordle - Creating Word Clouds." In reading this blog I learned how to make a word cloud. It shared with me that Word Cloud allows me to change the color, font, layout and choice of language. Allowing me to receive the html I can embed my Word Cloud in a website or blog. With learn this great tool shows me just how amazing and useful "The Educator's PLN" in helping me become a great teacher. 

Journal #6: Ten Reasons to Get Rid of Homework

Spencer, J. (2011, September 19). Ten Reasons to Get Rid of Homework (and Five Alternatives). Retrieved from http://www.educationrethink.com/2011/09/ten-reasons-to-get-rid=of-homework-and.html 

Summary: Homework has always been a hot debate in Education. John T. Spencer who wrote the article Ten Reasons to Get Rid of Homework finds the topic to be quite simple. There should be no homework. John argues that homework main purpose in teaching students good working habits is actually creates bad habits. Kids need to have fun in John's eyes and after school is the time to climb trees and ride a bike. With his five alternatives which involves homework being optional, he believes that the key is not to grade these assignments. Another alternative is to push the idea that learning comes naturally. By parents allowing their children to engage in something simple as the skate park will allow their child to learn and grow in all the ways needed to succeed in life.

Five Alternatives to Homework
1. Allow students to create their own project sharing with the class their interest and hobbies outside the classroom. Have them share with the class how this interest/hobbies helps them within the classroom.
2. Allow kids to invest in their community. Have them either do community service or share with the class how they give back to the community outside of school.
3. Have students write about their daily lessons at the end of class, allow them to share with the teacher and students what they liked and what they did not understand in class. Allowing them to reflect on the material presented will give the teacher a better understand of were each student is in his or her class.
4. Have the students share with someone at home what they learned in class, see if they can teach and quiz the family member/friend on the material.
5. Teach the students how to research. By researching an important historical figure students will dress up and stay in character for the day. Allowing them to be creative and have fun.