Week 12.2
Level the playing field!
This week we had the opportunity to meet at the NEAT Resource and Education Center in Hartford. We were able to discuss assistive technolgy and how these types of tools can be a crucial support to students in their classrooms as well as their everyday lives. It can truly level the playing field and create opportunities for many students to succeed. Although, I was unable to share everything I wanted with you, I'm hoping you could share your thoughts and observations with me. I'm interested in hearing about your experience; what was most meaningful, what you wanted less or more of, if you were aware of these types of services or supports and do you know anyone who assistive technology might benefit?
Thanks for being a part of class on Tuesday! I feel so strongly about getting our students the tools they need to be successful!!!
Nicole,
ReplyDeleteFor the short time I was there, I was extremely impressed at the large scale of tools available that can help our students. I am definitely into the tools that are "free." I think that the resources you have presented to us thus far are actually implementable. Sometimes, or most of the time depending on the perspective, many of the tools that arise in education are burdensome or logistically difficult. I would definitely be interested in any PD that NEAT offers. The speak software I thought was wonderful since I have many students who lack writing and other literacy skills but compensate through auditory processing.
I'd also be interested if there are any science programs that offer differentiated tools on the website etc. I'd also like to have a SmartBoard day to learn if there is any other way I can use my SmartBoard that is new and innovative. I have quite a few colleagues who are interested in having you come in and demonstrate some of the technologies.
See everyone Tuesday!
MCC
I, too, would be interested in attending PD sponsored through NEAT! I have found that this is one of the first education classes I've taken that has exposed me to a variety of accessible technologies that allow for appropriate differentiation in the classroom.
DeleteI definitely agree that attending a PD or workshop by NEAT would be awesome! And that would also be a great way to get the word out about the various resources that they have to offer! I also think that a SMARTboard day could definitely be helpful; while I am pretty comfortable with SMARTboard, they are always coming out with new tools and technologies, plus it would be great to explore more ways to use the SMARTboard for student interaction and individual student use and accommodation.
DeleteChelsea
I feel I'm going to be better prepared when I finish my certification/master's degree when I get my own classroom because of this class. Many teachers will tell you they are unprepared to educate students with special needs in the regular education classroom. They haven't received training in their teacher prep and they have received little if any professional development from their schools. Reading about or being lectured on assitive technology that can be used to level the playing field is one thing but actually getting to experience it is invaluable. I can deeply appreciate the ease of use and benefits of what you've showed us. I would have loved to see more, although I understand the time contraints. I would have liked to do the PPT prior to the class so we could have spent more time with hands on activities.
ReplyDeleteHow true it is that many teacher prep programs do not incorporate technology as a significant facet of the program. One of my student's parents asked me just the other, "Do you think this 'technology fad' will stick around?" I have a sneaking suspicion that it will. As educators, we need to get with the times!
DeleteJen, I agree that this class is teaching me so many ways to modify instruction to help all students succeed in school. I know a lot of teachers who shy away from technology because they are nervous about it; they don't quite know how to use it. I'm so glad I took this class so that I can incorporate some of these wonderful teaching tools into my own classroom.
DeleteThough I am not a teacher I have to agree that this class has taught me many creative ways to help children succeed. I benefit from this class by being able to pass the information on to friends or co workers that need resources for the classrooms or their own children. I know that for me I have exposed my own children to some of the cool apps and programs we have learned in class.
DeleteL.BUnker
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDuring my teacher certification program, we discussed the notion of allowing for multiple "entry points" in any given lesson. By "entry points," I refer to the augmentations we make in process, product, or content that allow for a diverse body of students to demonstrate mastery of learning objectives. Prior to enrolling in this class, technology was vaguely mentioned as a tool with which to achieve said goals. Unfortunately, without any type of formal instruction, I was wary of experimenting with any type of unfamiliar technology. (Remember, us teachers are supposed to be the “experts!” How embarrassing, I thought, to make a mistake in front of my students…) Now, I have finally been presented with tangible resources that I can easily and readily access, along with a burgeoning willingness to at least TRY! NEAT will now become another one of the resources that I can seek out and/or recommend for students and their families.
ReplyDeleteOne of the most important messages I took away from our visit was that, contrary to what some of my fellow educator and/or parents suggest, assistive technology does NOT taint a student's current abilities by providing him/her with some sort of artificial advantage. Instead, these tools allow students to effectively access content and demonstrate learning objectives despite challenges that may previously have hindered them from doing so. The amount of frustration I felt in the two or three minutes I attempted to read the short passage from a science textbook, was nothing compared to the embarrassment and disappointment that a child with dyslexia encounters when forced to decipher words that resemble a foreign language. As educators, we need to consider the underlying purpose of our instruction and then determine the types of product(s) or process(es) that demonstrate evidence of mastery.
Nicole, I’m curious to know which local districts utilize any of the writing and/or speech programs you presented us with. I’d also like to learn more about the iPad apps that allow non-verbal or semi-verbal students to better interact with the people around them. Recently, I began a discussion with a close friend about the logistics of using a communication device with her son who is verbal, but struggles to retrieve words and whose speech is often unintelligible. I’d like to think that this app could significantly improve his peer-to-peer interactions, but we wonder a) whether he would be able to use the device given his impairments, and b) if this particular device could limit his current speech. I'll be curious to hear your feedback. Thank you for introducing us to the world of assitive technology!
One thing that struck me during our visit to NEAT was hearing that many people (especially educators) don't know about NEAT and all of the tools they have to offer in education. It struck me because even after just 2 hours of being there, I was amazed with all of the things Nicole was able to show us. One thing that sticks out to me still is that device a student who is immobile from the neck down could wear on his/her head to type on the on-screen keyboard. It's truly amazing how many different technologies are out there now so that all students can have an equal opportunity to participate in different activities.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Jen said above. I would have liked to spend more time in the computer lab experimenting with the variety of programs that are now available for teachers and students. It would be so great if more teachers knew about all of these technologies because I think they are making a huge difference in the world of education.
It sounds like I missed out on a great trip. However I have to agree that Neat offers so many options for different learners to learn. It should be mandatory for all teacher, superintendents, principals, etc. to get familiar with Neat and all it has to offere so they it can then be implemeted in schools to help all students of all backgrounds and disabilities.
DeleteBunker
I definitely agree with you Diana. I have seen many students, schools, and families who could definitely utilize these tools at NEAT but their biggest challenge was either now knowing how to get them or limited budgets.
DeleteChelsea
I am a strong believer that a teacher/educator is one of the most important professional in life, in the world. Where would the children be without educators. With that being said, since educators are underpaid, I feel that educators have the right and should be granted to right to keep up with technology at whatever cost. They are the ones that are preparing our children for the future and the children are a representation of them in a way.
ReplyDeleteBunker
I realize that we are all not created equal. But does that mean that we can not achieve the same goals, like bright futures, better leaners and better educator. What Neat does it exactly that, give more options to individuals so that they can succeed. How cool is that. No matter what your level of functionaling is, Neat can provide you, a tool that fits you perfectly, that you can really use and that works as well. I love it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nicole,
Bunker
Bunker
Nicole, I too want the students to have tools that they need to succeed. Im wondering if we would also have to teach parents how to advocate for those tools. I offen see how hard it is for parents to advocate for their children in a regular PPT meeting for basic learning instructions. Im wondering how will they be able to advocate for the more advanced tools for thier child. I feel that if parents are not updated or educated they just get looked over. Soooo Frustrating.
ReplyDeleteBunker
I wish more people understood that assistive technology levels the playing field. Many people, students, teachers, and parents may believe it is not fair for some students to be allowed the use of assistive technology. Although, as we move more and more towards inclusive classrooms, it does not make sense to have students with special needs in general education classrooms if they cannot fully participate as their classmates can. IF technology is available that will allow a students to participate and have a more meaningful and educational experience, it would be foolish NOT to take advantage. We should not have students in inclusive classrooms just so we can say they are in the general ed classroom for 80% of the day. I can't imagine how I would feel as a student with special needs or as a parent of a student with special needs if I knew there was technology available for me or my child and that it could significantly help them but was not being used. We have all of this great technology, but now we need to work on making it more affordable because sadly, cost is a huge issue.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Jen! If we truly want to embrace the aims of inclusive education, then assistive technology should be a resource that students and teachers utilize.
DeleteI really enjoyed being able to explore at NEAT, particularly the different software programs in the computer lab. The students I work with could definitely benefit from programs that read and/or write for you on the computer as many of them struggle with speech, handwriting, and reading comprehension. As our classrooms are 100% special education, I hope that such programs will someday make their way into our schools, but with budgets and so many districts to confer with before students can utilize these things, it can definitely be a challenge. I would hope that organizations such as NEAT might be able to encourage further accessibility and utilization of these materials for schools and districts so as to better level the playing field for the students that can really benefit from using them.
ReplyDeleteChelsea
I too enjoyed all the software we were able to play around with. I hear where you're coming from Chelsea regarding school budgets. Working in an outplacement setting the budget is very limited and it a shame that students who would benefit so much from anyone of the programs we were shown don't have acess to such.
DeleteAnna
Chelsea I agree with you. It was great getting to experiment with some of the programs at NEAT and I wonder why teachers do not know more about them. It seems that schools would want to put money into these types of resources that would help to level the playing field for so many. I can't believe what a valuable resource NEAT is and yet it seems that so few people have heard of it. I am so happy to have had the chance to explore it and to learn about it and I plan on passing the info. on to as many people as I can so they know what is available to them.
DeleteNicole thank you for this opportunity.
Tina
I really had no idea what to expect going to NEAT last week. When I first walked in I saw so many things that I have never seen before and I was eager to find out what many of these things did. I was surprised to see that there are so many different tools people with disabilities can use to help them with everyday things. There were some things I had an idea of what they did. I was very glad to have one of the workers, I forgot his name, answering questions about some of the things they had there.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part of class was when we went to the computer room and tried out some of the computer programs. I really wish we had more time to play around with more programs. There were some things that I thought would be very useful in the school I work at. My autistic student sometimes writes things in papers and answers questions that does not make any sense. He will not read over his work because most of the time his hand writing is too messy for even him to read back. Other times he will read it back and he will believe it sounds good when it reality it does not many sense at all. If he had the program where you type the words and you have the option to hear it back it would help him overall in any kind of writing situation.
Melissa R
I had a great time learning about the resources that NEAT offers and checking out the software. One thing that was news to me was that the Dragon software can have multiple profiles. We had the software installed on a computer for a student who no longer is on our roster and now that I know multiple profiles can be set up I am going to speak to the administrator about having the program be utilized vs. just sitting on the computer.
ReplyDeleteAnna
I loved the NEAT experience! What was the most meaningful part for me was being able to experience how difficult a simple task may be for a student with LD. As someone who doesn't have a disability, you don't really experience the difficulties a student with LD may experience. The simple activity we did gave me an insight as to what an LD student may experience.
ReplyDeleteI ENJOYED the various programs that we were able to play around with. In fact, for my Coordinating Seminar I was assigned to complete assessments and write up a report with our findings and recommendations. I included several assistive technology recommendations because after playing around with a few, I thought they would be helpful for the student I assessed. I loved the Solo 6 software and the use of co-writer. If the student was able to have a membership for bookshare, context would be much greater to grasp and understand. Assistive technology is a great way for students to find it easier to learn.
I agree Rubi - participating in the activities did help me to realize what a student with disabilities are going through. It really hit home that as busy as we get with all the many facets of teaching, we need to slow down to make sure we are involving all students in the learning. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteI agree Rubi. It was great to see how something like Solo 6 could be so beneficial to so many students. It's hard to imagine how little things that we take for granted have such a huge impact on learning. I can't imagine having such a hard time reading as it is one of the joys in my life to be able to pick up any book for pleasure or otherwise and access the information without thinking about it.
DeleteIt would be so great to have a program like Solo 6 up and running at our school.
Tina
Going to NEAT was a great experience and really hit home as to how we need to make sure ALL students have access to learning. We are taught during our education as teachers to make sure that we differentiate our instructions. By doing this we will include all students within our inclusive classroom. NEAT opened my eyes to a world that would allow all students to have that access. The one thing that I discussed with the head of the Education Department was the fact that I felt my training on how to include all students in the learning, was lacking. Much of what I will learn will have to be on the job training. The NEAT experience helped me to see what options are out there for our students. For example, in our dept. we teach culinary. We have one student that is in a motorized wheelchair. NEAT allowed me to go back to school have a discussion with my colleagues about how we can help him become more involved in the classroom. This conversation lead to talking with the Special Ed teachers. The outcome is that the student will be getting a tray, adaptive spoon for helping with mixing, and other adaptive utensils to aid him. Verbally he does not speak much but when we told him what we were doing and what he would be able to do, he was so happy. Those are the moments that are worth it. And thanks to this visit I was able to bring this back to him.
ReplyDeleteI loved visiting NEAT. I am really amazed at all the resouces available. I also like learned about different types of assisted technology. I would have liked to spend a little more time using the programs and looking at different assisted technologies available. I also found it very educational, I didn't realize even something as little as a pen grip could make a big difference for a student.
ReplyDeleteThis hit close to home as I have three people, two in my family and a friend who are paraylzed. I almost feel guilty that we didn't know of all the resources available to them.
Friends of mine have a son who recently became paralyzed, last summer at the beach he hit his head the wrong way under water and is not paralyzed from the chest down. He is only twelve years old, and they have been struggling with bills and getting the appropriate equipment for him. It is a very sad situation and I am glad I was introduced to NEAT, I will be informing them about it. I know they cannot bring him anywhere because they do not have a vehicle to drive him in. Any little bit will help.
Also my step father is paralyzed on his left side due to a stroke, unfortunetly he lives in a nursing home now but his quality of life is not what it could be.
Next my Grandmother who is 83 is paralyzed from the waist down, I have been spending this past week visiting her, and it is a lot of work! I wish I had access to NEAT while I'm here, there are some many things that could make her life so much easier. She is doing well and tries her hardest. I know there are better resources for her and my step father to use to make their lives easier but I still don't know exactly what would be best for them. There seems to be a lot and it can be a little overwhelming for someone who isn't very educated on this topic. I need to do more research, but visiting NEAT was a great start. Thank you for the oppurtunity!
Danielle