Assisted Technology

    Interactive white boards have greatly affected how I deliver instruction. I use the Promethean Board all day, every day. It allows me to engage my students visually and kinesthetically. Advances in technology also changed the way students experience learning in and out of the classroom. The Boardmarker data base is extensive and extremely helpful for special needs students. My autistic students rely on the pictures for comfort of knowing what to expect next, communication, and clear expectations of desired behavior. I utilize many of the educational and learning tools to increase knowledge and skills, for example mind mapping (wordle.net); virtual vocabulary games (ewordgames.com); and electronic flashcards (coolmath4kids.com).  One way that I have had success with sensory technology tools is for students to create a picture story. Last year, my second graders researched different habitats. They recorded facts, such as climate, plants and animals that live there, and other interesting information about six different habitats. We then went to the computer lab and students selected clip art images (I had placed LOTS of options in folders to limit choices and control time) and inserted into a Picture Story format. Students then had to select fonts, colors, and backgrounds for the images. They typed the name of the habitat on each slide. Finally, students used individual microphones to record the facts into the photo story. Their favorite part was viewing the final product and hearing their voices on the computer! As a treat, I emailed each photo story to their parents for the whole family to enjoy such an involved project. The feedback I received was very positive. Many of the photo stories were forwarded to extended family members and friends.
      I was unaware of the all the resources and software available for assisted technology in the classroom. In my teaching experience, I have not had the opportunity to teach a physically disabled student. This chapter taught (especially Table 13.1) of all the different ways assistive technology can be incorporated in the classroom. This chapter made me feel a little bit like I was in the dark about the various needs of some children.
    After reading the information in chapter 13, I realize the many opportunities to further incorporate technology into my instruction, especially in writing. Technology is constantly improving, therefore it is important that I keep proficient in technology. In this day and age, I strive to learn the technology WITH my students rather than playing catch up to them.