Journal 9

NETS-T II

Getting, S., & Swainey, K. (2012). First graders with ipads?. Learning &leading with technology, 40(1), 24-27. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading.aspx

Sara Getting and Karin Swainey are first grade teachers who decided to introduce iPads into their classrooms.  The article, “First Graders with iPads?”, explains the benefits and troubles they faced along the way.  They set out to “determine if using iPads would help increase reading achievement with our two lowest reading groups during the 2010-2011 academic year in Minnesota.” (pg. 24)  They found that the benefits far outweighed the risks.

They found that students that usually have undesirable behavior were highly motivated while using this new tool.  This tool provides a new and exciting way to learn.  For example, the first grade teachers used google earth for a lesson on global awareness.  They were able to show the students the regions they were discussing in class.  By seeing the place where dinosaurs used to roam, the students were excitable.  Another example they shared was how they used the Voice Memos app to record students reading.  They would pass the iPads around the classroom so the students would listen and follow along as their peer read.  They would guess who’s voice belonged to who.  It was a great game and a lot learning came from it.

In order to keep the staff aware of how the iPad worked, there were training sessions that offered iPad basic skills.  There were also areas of frustration.  Of course, they couldn’t escape the always changing and never ending technology problems.  Also some apps were very noisy which was distracting for the class. 

Despite some minor problems, the benefits outweighed the problems.  The students were very collaborative.  They naturally offered help to each other with the different apps and improved on their reading.

Question 1: Was there any changes in socialization during recess or free time?

I would think after looking at a computer all day, children would either be more social or less social, I was just wondering which one.  I know I am a little delirious after my eyes have been on the computer for long periods of time.

Question 2: What were the parent views of their first graders going to school to play on iPads?

I have a feeling some parent wouldn’t understand, until they say results, the point of iPads.  Their kids come home and play video games all day, why should they do the same thing at school?

 

Journal 8- AAC

NETS-T IV

Communication

AAC Augmented and Alternative Communication- includes all forms of communication (other than oral speech) that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. People with speech or language disabilities use AAC to communicate what they are not able to themselves.  ACC can be low tech, such as picture and symbol communication boards, or high tech, such as electronic devices.  Overall, AAC is used to enhance communication, expression, and social interaction.

Unaided communication devices are an example of a low tech AAC.  This can include gestures, body language, facial expressions, and more.  Unaided communication could be used to ask and answer questions in the classroom.  It can be used to communicate a student needs to the teacher.  If a student isn’t severely handicapped, this can be an easy and effective way to communicate in the classroom.

An example of a high tech AAC is the EyeMax system.  This product is used by people who have complex communication needs.  It allows them to speak with their eyes!  By focusing on a letter of detail of the system the person can type out words and participate in educational games/activities.  This device is makes communication quicker and more effective.  Because” vocabulary is organized consistently across communication pages”, it makes it easier to compose a message.  This would be a great system to have in the classroom for a Special Education classroom in order to communicate more effectively.

Accessibility

An input device is any device that enables someone to put information into a computer.  Many people use a mouse and keyboard as input devices, however there are more accessible devices for people with special needs.

 

An Ergonomic Keyboard is a keyboard shaped in a way to provide the least amount of stress on a person’s hand movements.  It has two-way tilts, inbuilt wrist rests, split angle key layouts, and more.  It is designed to reduce the pain and effort of typing.  This would be very beneficial in a classroom because the user could use the keyboard for longer and therefor communicate for longer and learn more.

U Connect is an app for students with low mobility.  Using your finger you connect the dots on the IPad.  Along with U Connect, there are many other apps on IPads for students with disabilities.  I observed a Special Education class that was utilizing these applications on their classroom IPads.  It’s a great activity to help mobility and learning.






Sean

Kristin