Note to Barb and Anita: You have paved the way for me to become a lot more techno-savvy. I kept most of my comments on the ‘notes’ app on my IPhone. After each session I emailed the information to myself. Very Cool! Thanks ladies.
Here are summaries of two sessions that I attended at the ASCD conference in San Francisco last week.
Session One - Cyberbullying – William J. DeMeo, Cincinnati, Ohio
Latest research indicates that students will spend 7.5 hrs with technology each day
Acronyms such as “PAW” - parents are watching are used by our students,
Some students have written derogatory remarks about teachers. In USA interruption of student learning was the key to the court cases won by educators.
Presenter recommends that we use the Toothpaste model, prevention.
Here are the ten measures that the presenter recommends for school to take.
1 formally assess to see if problem at my school
2. teach that all forms of bullying unacceptable
3. Specify clear rules; Post signs and posters in the school
4. Use peer mentoring
5. Consult your school attorney BEFORE incidents occur
6. Create a comprehensive formal contract
7. Implement blocking/filtering software
8. Cultivate a positive school climate
9. Educate your community
10. Designate a ‘Cyberbullying’ expert at your school
Session Two – Mobile Applications for Learning – Helen Mowers & Shari Ehly, Killeen, Texas
(Barb and Anita – Sure appreciate that you both taught me how to find and use the Apps. These skills
made it possible for me to keep up with the presenters in this session.)
Introductory Fact: Cell phones more common than other types of phones. According to the presenters, even
most of the students from low socio-economic areas of USA have cell phones. (I plan to determine
how many of junior high students at my school own IPods and IPhones).
Although most of the Apps that were suggested were for IPods/IPhones, several of the Apps were exclusive
IPads. Now I really want to get an IPad!!!
The presenters have a great way to get demographic information about the attendees. They had each
participant download the App “Red/Green” that, with a touch, lights up the screen either red or green. Once
completed information on a sheet we changed the screen from red to green. Mowers and Ehly suggested
that the App could be used for true/false questions. When they asked for suggestions from the participants, I
said that a student could use the green to indicate that he or she was feeling calm and ready to work and the
red to give the teacher or PSA that he or she is having difficulties controlling his or her emotions. (I will try
this idea out with a student tomorrow morning.)
The Apps that I discovered and liked include
• red:green - free
• iMovie -great for school reports $4.99
• Bump – free
• Apps4Kids – free
• Outside - $2.99 (although I can only get Halifax info)
• Audioboo – free
• Spellbound NJ Lite – free
• Miss Spell’s class – free
• Chicktionary 300 – free
• Cartoon Studio – free
• StoryPrompts - $0.99
• The Elements - $0.99
• BrainPOP – free
• NASA – free
• Anatomy Lite – free
• SoundLevelFree – free
• TeachersPick - $0.99
• Minecraft WE - $2.99
• Human Body Facts $0.99
• TED mobile – free
• Office Yoga – free
• Mitosis – free
• Grammar Girl - $1.99
• SkyView Free – free
• Bookworm - $2.99
• World Atlas by National Geographic - $1.99
• Discovery News - free
The presenters also explained how they use the iTunes U – they especially like the K 12 categories of the Maine Department of Education. University of Florida also have several books downloaded.
The chance to attend the ASCD conference was the opportunity of a lifetime. I was especially fortunate that it was held in San Francisco this year.
Thanks for reading my blog.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Episode Eleven – The One Where Cathy Uses Her Nose to Write
“The hand that turneth the knob, opens the door” – Anonymous
One of the biggest challenges I experience as a program/behavioral support teacher is the implementation of assistive technology for all the students who will benefit from its use. Along with the students and teachers do not see the advantage of learning how to use various devices and programs, often people are afraid that they will make too many errors. But as to quote a First Nations saying “The greatest mistake you can make in life is to continually fear you will make one.”
During the AT 5173 class on March 22, I had the opportunity to experience the challenges face by a person who requires a head switch to operate a communication device, specifically a Head Mouse – Sensor on dot. Although the switch opens up a world of communication that would otherwise be unavailable, it was not an easy skill to master. Without a doubt, I would need to increase my patience if I was to effectively employ a Power Link but I like to believe that the incentive of vastly improved communication would inspire me to become more proficient.
I thank the other member of my class for enlightening me about 20 effective ways to employ a Power Link.
1. Pencil sharpener
2. Popcorn maker
3. Light
4. Toaster
5. Electric Stapler
6. Turn on a Fan – (eg. dries glue)
7. Hair Dryer
8. CD Player with read aloud story
9. Overhead projector
10. Score board (eg. To indicate soccer ball)
11. Fitness equipment
12. Ice crusher
13. Blender
14. Electric Piano (Switch ensemble)
15. Plug in Disco Lights
16. Turn on Appliances such as washer, dryer and dishwasher
17. Light Bright
18. Timer
19. Music for musical chairs
20. Massager
While creating Individual Program Plan (IPP) Goals that include the use of a power link switch one should consider:
• Cause and Effect
• Experience and Senses
• Socialization
• Completing the Task
• Increasing Communication Opportunities
The IPP team will need to be creation and provide the opportunities for user and staff training to use the devices.
Thank you for reading my blog.
One of the biggest challenges I experience as a program/behavioral support teacher is the implementation of assistive technology for all the students who will benefit from its use. Along with the students and teachers do not see the advantage of learning how to use various devices and programs, often people are afraid that they will make too many errors. But as to quote a First Nations saying “The greatest mistake you can make in life is to continually fear you will make one.”
During the AT 5173 class on March 22, I had the opportunity to experience the challenges face by a person who requires a head switch to operate a communication device, specifically a Head Mouse – Sensor on dot. Although the switch opens up a world of communication that would otherwise be unavailable, it was not an easy skill to master. Without a doubt, I would need to increase my patience if I was to effectively employ a Power Link but I like to believe that the incentive of vastly improved communication would inspire me to become more proficient.
I thank the other member of my class for enlightening me about 20 effective ways to employ a Power Link.
1. Pencil sharpener
2. Popcorn maker
3. Light
4. Toaster
5. Electric Stapler
6. Turn on a Fan – (eg. dries glue)
7. Hair Dryer
8. CD Player with read aloud story
9. Overhead projector
10. Score board (eg. To indicate soccer ball)
11. Fitness equipment
12. Ice crusher
13. Blender
14. Electric Piano (Switch ensemble)
15. Plug in Disco Lights
16. Turn on Appliances such as washer, dryer and dishwasher
17. Light Bright
18. Timer
19. Music for musical chairs
20. Massager
While creating Individual Program Plan (IPP) Goals that include the use of a power link switch one should consider:
• Cause and Effect
• Experience and Senses
• Socialization
• Completing the Task
• Increasing Communication Opportunities
The IPP team will need to be creation and provide the opportunities for user and staff training to use the devices.
Thank you for reading my blog.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Episode Ten - The One Where Cathy Realizes a Broader Definition of Assistive Technology
It is a personal goal of mine to gain more comfort and confidence with technological equipment so as to help each of my students utilize assistive technology. Through the process I am looking at assistive technology with a much broader lens. As a result my objective is being met. Serendipitously, I have had a lot of fun.
In fact, I have come to realize that I have been taking advantage of assistive technology throughout my entire life. Perhaps I can now justify my extravagance when I purchased my KitchenAid appliances - my hands do not hurt after I prepare meals and desserts anymore. I can hold my head up high whenever I get my stepping stool to reach my shoes on the top shelf in my closet, wear my reading glasses to read the newspaper, use my orthotics to avoid foot pain and place my lanyard around my neck to keep my keys close at hand. No wonder I really enjoyed learning about the various ideas fellow students came up with for using dollar store items as assistive technology items for their students. I have already implemented ideas that I received from the presentation during our last EDUC 5173 class. Thank you to everyone for inspiring me to approach assistive technology in a much better way.
Throughout this winter I have had the opportunity to learn through different types of webinars. As you already know, I am going to San Francisco to participate in the ASCD annual conference. As a means of offsetting the high conference fee, I forwarded my name as a volunteer at two sessions. On the night of March 10, the ASCD conference volunteer coordinator trained us through a Webinar. It was exciting to join the approximately 50 other people throughout the world who participated. I have come to appreciate that this method of instruction is a good fit for me and my preference towards visual learning. (Learning in the comfort of my own home is a beautiful bonus!). I must say that I liked the Eluminate system that Barb used in earlier this semester better since I could see her and also download documents easily. (It was more difficult to make a personal connection with the ASCD presenter) Without a doubt, I would love to have further opportunities to use Eluminate again.
Thank you for reading my blog.
In fact, I have come to realize that I have been taking advantage of assistive technology throughout my entire life. Perhaps I can now justify my extravagance when I purchased my KitchenAid appliances - my hands do not hurt after I prepare meals and desserts anymore. I can hold my head up high whenever I get my stepping stool to reach my shoes on the top shelf in my closet, wear my reading glasses to read the newspaper, use my orthotics to avoid foot pain and place my lanyard around my neck to keep my keys close at hand. No wonder I really enjoyed learning about the various ideas fellow students came up with for using dollar store items as assistive technology items for their students. I have already implemented ideas that I received from the presentation during our last EDUC 5173 class. Thank you to everyone for inspiring me to approach assistive technology in a much better way.
Throughout this winter I have had the opportunity to learn through different types of webinars. As you already know, I am going to San Francisco to participate in the ASCD annual conference. As a means of offsetting the high conference fee, I forwarded my name as a volunteer at two sessions. On the night of March 10, the ASCD conference volunteer coordinator trained us through a Webinar. It was exciting to join the approximately 50 other people throughout the world who participated. I have come to appreciate that this method of instruction is a good fit for me and my preference towards visual learning. (Learning in the comfort of my own home is a beautiful bonus!). I must say that I liked the Eluminate system that Barb used in earlier this semester better since I could see her and also download documents easily. (It was more difficult to make a personal connection with the ASCD presenter) Without a doubt, I would love to have further opportunities to use Eluminate again.
Thank you for reading my blog.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Episode Nine - Part Three - The One Where Cathy and Cathy Visit the Dollar Store
Our Top 10 Finds at Dollar Store
1. Sand Paper
2. Suction Plate
3. Pick Up Tool
4. Egg Timer
5. Bubble Wrap
6. Remote Control
7. Magnifying Glass
8. Plastic Bucket with Holes
9. Large Clothes Pins
10. Electric Stapler
Episode Nine Part Two - The One Where Cathy and Cathy Visit the Dollar Store
Task B
Adaption of dollar store materials to invent an assistive technology tool for your student
Milieu - school or home
Personality – student who has fine motor challenges with the inability to use his arms, grasp, and draw.
Task – allows student to hold and use a crayon, facilitates colouring and participating at home and with his peers in classroom art tasks.
Technology –modified crayons
• The modified crayon shape creates an art tool that can be effectively used by the student who has fine motor challenges with the inability to use his arms, grasp, and draw.
• This technology allows him to hold and use a crayon, facilitates colouring and participating with his peers in classroom art tasks.
• The economical cost and simple instruction allow for additional crayons to be prepared for the student to use at home or other locations.
• To prepare this technology, regular crayons were melted using a miniature cupcake pan in 265 degree Fahrenheit oven for about ten minutes. Once cooled at room temperature followed by a half hour in the freezer, the newly-shaped crayons pop out easily.
Episode Nine Part One - The One Where Cathy and Cathy Visit the Dollar Store
Task A
Ready made Technology
Milieu - school or home
Personality - child with fine motor problems, attention issues, and lacks motivation for proper hygiene, cognitively delayed.
Task – grasping a tooth brush and brushing teeth for adequate (3 minutes) amount of time.
Technology – suction based tooth brush and three minute hour glass timer.
Tooth brush and Three minute timer:
• Favourite cartoon character design motivated children to brush.
• Vacuum holders support tooth brush stand on the surface of walls or glass (easier to pick up).
• Hourglass indicated the right time for brushing, neither too long nor too short. The three minutes of flowing sand will help children form good brushing habits.
• Makes brushing fun!
Episode 8 - The One Where Cathy Learns About More IPod Apps
Last Thursday night we were treated to an informative Eluminate session that provided us with more information about suitable IPod apps to compensate for our students' learning challenges. Among the benefits of Eluminate learning is the perspectives that we received through the messages that were displayed from teachers employed in other parts of Canada. Without a doubt, I am a fan of the Eluminate classroom and look forward to enrolling in courses that utilize this technology.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Episode 7 - The One Where Cathy Views Other 5173 Students' Blogs
This afternoon I took the opportunity to view the blogs of my fellow EDUC 5173 blogs. I learnt so much! First, everyone has her own personal take on assistive technology; an indication of our professionalism. Next, I discovered diverse applications of Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Finally, I discovered additional ways that I can help my students through the use of assistive technology. As I reflect upon my afternoon I feel the satisfaction of knowing that my time was well spent. I tip my hat to everyone for your great blogs.
Episode 6 - The One Where Cathy Loves Wireless
I love the wireless that we installed in our house last weekend, I spent the last week searching, downloading, emailing and much more - so much fun! Completing last week's blog assignment was an absolute pleasure. ( The last time I made that statement about an university course assignment was during my food science days at Memorial University when my class learnt how to properly smoke arctic char.)
I selected the video "Assistive technology - Alice Murphy" because it highlights the necessity for every educators to embrace methods that will help all of our students.
Thanks for reading my blog.
P.S. Expecting to be challenged with next week's assignment - using items from a dollar store to create and personalize assistive technology.
I selected the video "Assistive technology - Alice Murphy" because it highlights the necessity for every educators to embrace methods that will help all of our students.
Thanks for reading my blog.
P.S. Expecting to be challenged with next week's assignment - using items from a dollar store to create and personalize assistive technology.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Episode 5 - The One Where Cathy and her Students Continue to Love IPod apps
When I purchased my IPhone 4 last summer I had no idea that I would use it as a teaching tool, and such a great learning aid. But the biggest pleasant surprize is the huge role it plays in my EDUC 5173 course. I have never had so much fun completing assignments! And, my students are thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to use the IPod apps. This is a true win-win situation!
One of my students has used my school's IPod to help her meet the math outcomes outlined in her IPP, specifically adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing single digit numbers. IPod apps that have helped her develop math operation skills include Fashion – Math, Addition Game, Add the Cats, Greater Than, Kid Genius, Rocket Math, Kids Math, Basic Math and Kids Math Fun. She also likes to use the IPod calculator too. Now I am looking forward to discovering more apps to support her as she applies her math operation skills to help her shop, cook and launder her clothes.
By the way, my first blog entry explained my fear of technology. Looks like I am getting a little more comfortable with computers and IPods. I added WiFi to our high speed internet this weekend. Now my IPhone 4 will be even more fun.
Thanks for reading my blog.
One of my students has used my school's IPod to help her meet the math outcomes outlined in her IPP, specifically adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing single digit numbers. IPod apps that have helped her develop math operation skills include Fashion – Math, Addition Game, Add the Cats, Greater Than, Kid Genius, Rocket Math, Kids Math, Basic Math and Kids Math Fun. She also likes to use the IPod calculator too. Now I am looking forward to discovering more apps to support her as she applies her math operation skills to help her shop, cook and launder her clothes.
By the way, my first blog entry explained my fear of technology. Looks like I am getting a little more comfortable with computers and IPods. I added WiFi to our high speed internet this weekend. Now my IPhone 4 will be even more fun.
Thanks for reading my blog.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Episode 4 - The One Where Cathy (and her students) have Lots of Fun with the IPods
Wow! IPods are amazing. My students (under my supervision) and I have been enjoying the use of the IPod lent to us by Barb. From transitioning from activity to activity to learning to form sentence correctly, the IPod holds apps that meet the needs of so many of my students. And, I must confess that I also enjoyed many moments checking out the apps myself and also took the opportunity to practice creating cells in the Proloquo2Go app. My students and I especially like these apps - Bug Squash, Fluid 2, iSentence (Sentence Builder), Math Bingo, and Pocket Frogs.
Upon reflection after listening to our guest speaker, Kerr, last week I have come to realize that several of my students of yesteryear were not recognized for the true intelligence that they possess. Although there is very little chance that I will be involved in the further education of these students of my past, I vow that I will do everything that I can to help my present and future students achieve to their full potential. I expect that technology such as IPods and IPads will play a major role in enhancing in their education.
Thanks for reading my blog.
Upon reflection after listening to our guest speaker, Kerr, last week I have come to realize that several of my students of yesteryear were not recognized for the true intelligence that they possess. Although there is very little chance that I will be involved in the further education of these students of my past, I vow that I will do everything that I can to help my present and future students achieve to their full potential. I expect that technology such as IPods and IPads will play a major role in enhancing in their education.
Thanks for reading my blog.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Episode 3 (Update) – The One Where It Was Cathy versus the IPods
As promised, here is my report about the apps that I found to help various learning and behavioral challenges.
‘Scene Builder’ was my choice for an app that can be beneficial for a student with ASD and sensory needs since it can inspire a child’s imagination. I decided to download the car mechanic version. The user is required to buy items from the warehouse that will be used in the autoshop. It is especially good for students who need a little bit of entertainment. Other sensory apps my student like are ‘Water Globe’ and ‘Drops – an Electric Fluid Toy’.
‘Tap-to-Talk’ provides a communication devise that can help meet the needs of a non-verbal student since it can be accessed through direct selection. The app has a free started album but additional selections come with a small cost. With guidance and practice a child could become proficient with this app as a communication tool.
MLD ‘Multi-Lang Dictionary’ works nicely as a text-to-speech device for students who have handwriting and spelling issues although it is designed as a language translator. Words, phrases and sentences that students write can be read back to them.
‘Zombies vs. Literacy’ is a fun way for a student to improve his or her literacy levels and counteract dyslexia. One of my students loved it as he used this morning. The Zombie works his way across the bottom towards the brain as the student reads words as they appear on the IPod screen. The brain is safe from the Zombie when the student reads the words correctly.
As I searched for a calculus app, I came across ‘Wolfram Calculus Course Assistant’.
Knowing that I took my last calculus course during my second year as a Memorial University (many, many years ago), I decided to consult a first year engineering student for advice. Quoting Brad “Two of my favorite are called ‘Formulas Free’ and ‘Graphing Calculator’. Formulas Free has tons of formulas and can be very useful plus it's free!! Graphing Calculator is very useful when doing the graphing section of calculus because it allows you to enter the equation and it will show you the graph and gives you the values you need to calculate. It just helps to see if you’re going in the right direction when working on some of those lengthy problems. It does cost $1.99 but they often put it on sale for free.” I actually downloaded these apps without cost on my IPhone. Maybe I will be inspired to practice my math skills.
‘8 Planets’ entertained me with its activities, especially the matching game. It would be a wonderful supplement to any science unit about the solar system. One of my students loved it when he had the chance to try it out today. The app costs $2.99 but a light version is also available.
‘Autism Aide Visual Scheduler’ has a heftier cost ($9.99) than most of the apps I reviewed. Nevertheless it is a very nice way to create a visual schedule for students who require organizational support. I suspect one of my students will find this app to be very beneficial with her tendencies to being a visual learner.
‘Magical Me’ contains happy, calming stories read by lovely-voiced lady. The mystical music also helps to create a serene feeling. This app would help counteract anxiety felt by a young student as he or she rode the school bus. It can be downloaded with a cost of $2.99. I had originally selected ‘Undersea’ but the screen went blank as one of my students was using it today. I will keep my eyes open for an ‘Undersea’ update in the near future.
‘Fashion Math’ is one of my favorite apps to use with children who need a little boost to master basic math skills. Students are rewarded with options to change the clothing on a model as they answer questions correctly. Two of my female students absolutely love this app. One of the girls, who is in grade nine, patiently taught a much younger student to use the app with great success.
‘ABC Alphabet Phonics’ appears to be an appropriate app for a younger student to use as a method to enhance his or her phonetic awareness. This free app includes brightly coloured pictures that illustrate objects that start with each letter of the alphabet. Flashcards can be customized allowing the teacher to make the app even more user friendly.
As I end this blog entry, I am pleased to report that the program support IPod worked beautifully today. Maybe I am getting more technologically adept. On this very positive note, I bid you farewell.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.
‘Scene Builder’ was my choice for an app that can be beneficial for a student with ASD and sensory needs since it can inspire a child’s imagination. I decided to download the car mechanic version. The user is required to buy items from the warehouse that will be used in the autoshop. It is especially good for students who need a little bit of entertainment. Other sensory apps my student like are ‘Water Globe’ and ‘Drops – an Electric Fluid Toy’.
‘Tap-to-Talk’ provides a communication devise that can help meet the needs of a non-verbal student since it can be accessed through direct selection. The app has a free started album but additional selections come with a small cost. With guidance and practice a child could become proficient with this app as a communication tool.
MLD ‘Multi-Lang Dictionary’ works nicely as a text-to-speech device for students who have handwriting and spelling issues although it is designed as a language translator. Words, phrases and sentences that students write can be read back to them.
‘Zombies vs. Literacy’ is a fun way for a student to improve his or her literacy levels and counteract dyslexia. One of my students loved it as he used this morning. The Zombie works his way across the bottom towards the brain as the student reads words as they appear on the IPod screen. The brain is safe from the Zombie when the student reads the words correctly.
As I searched for a calculus app, I came across ‘Wolfram Calculus Course Assistant’.
Knowing that I took my last calculus course during my second year as a Memorial University (many, many years ago), I decided to consult a first year engineering student for advice. Quoting Brad “Two of my favorite are called ‘Formulas Free’ and ‘Graphing Calculator’. Formulas Free has tons of formulas and can be very useful plus it's free!! Graphing Calculator is very useful when doing the graphing section of calculus because it allows you to enter the equation and it will show you the graph and gives you the values you need to calculate. It just helps to see if you’re going in the right direction when working on some of those lengthy problems. It does cost $1.99 but they often put it on sale for free.” I actually downloaded these apps without cost on my IPhone. Maybe I will be inspired to practice my math skills.
‘8 Planets’ entertained me with its activities, especially the matching game. It would be a wonderful supplement to any science unit about the solar system. One of my students loved it when he had the chance to try it out today. The app costs $2.99 but a light version is also available.
‘Autism Aide Visual Scheduler’ has a heftier cost ($9.99) than most of the apps I reviewed. Nevertheless it is a very nice way to create a visual schedule for students who require organizational support. I suspect one of my students will find this app to be very beneficial with her tendencies to being a visual learner.
‘Magical Me’ contains happy, calming stories read by lovely-voiced lady. The mystical music also helps to create a serene feeling. This app would help counteract anxiety felt by a young student as he or she rode the school bus. It can be downloaded with a cost of $2.99. I had originally selected ‘Undersea’ but the screen went blank as one of my students was using it today. I will keep my eyes open for an ‘Undersea’ update in the near future.
‘Fashion Math’ is one of my favorite apps to use with children who need a little boost to master basic math skills. Students are rewarded with options to change the clothing on a model as they answer questions correctly. Two of my female students absolutely love this app. One of the girls, who is in grade nine, patiently taught a much younger student to use the app with great success.
‘ABC Alphabet Phonics’ appears to be an appropriate app for a younger student to use as a method to enhance his or her phonetic awareness. This free app includes brightly coloured pictures that illustrate objects that start with each letter of the alphabet. Flashcards can be customized allowing the teacher to make the app even more user friendly.
As I end this blog entry, I am pleased to report that the program support IPod worked beautifully today. Maybe I am getting more technologically adept. On this very positive note, I bid you farewell.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Episode Three - The One Where It Was Cathy versus the IPods
A steep learning curve represents my work with IPods this week. I am certainly feeling a lot more proficient with my IPhone 4 but there is still a humongous amount of knowledge for me to attain. After that excellent learning experience last Tuesday night, I enthusiastically continued my quest for the ten IPod apps that Barb had assigned for us. I should have just found the apps and left it there. But that would be too logical and sensible, so ever-avid me had to make sure that the apps were downloaded on my IPhone. My plan was to see them each of them work for myself. Attribute this choice to my determination (or, as my family like to call it, stubborn streak).
Apparently I am not keeping up with this technological world. You see, I do not have Wi-Fi at my house. Consequently, I decided to add and update apps using my high-speed cable internet connection. My inexperience was evident on Wednesday when I clicked on to ITunes, found the apps that I wanted to add and presto – my IPhone went blank resulting in the loss of everything on it. (I actually blame the computer I was using since it decided to crash midway through the synching process.) After freaking out and using a vocabulary rich with unmentionable words, I decided to call it a day with regard to my IPhone. Mother Nature was on my side on Thursday when we were treated to a second snow day. I awoke afresh and started to tackle my IPod app challenge. I decided to use another computer and the decision instantly paid off for me. Watching my IPhone pick up the apps was a thing of beauty – and relief for me. Thanks goodness the apps reloaded for free! Some of the apps would not load without a Wi-Fi so I decided to leave them for Friday morning when I returned to school. I actually waited until later in the day since my school’s staff was participating in an accreditation meeting and our very limited bandwidth was required by the co-chairs.
As I have previously stated in other blog entries, I am technologically challenged. So it should come as no surprise that my school’s program support IPod is also causing me problems. In fact, I have not been able to download 22 app updates. The lack of success using my school’s Wi-Fi prompted my decision to so to bring it home with me this weekend and attempted to use my good computer. I am sure that you will not be shocked that luck evaded me again. Barb and Anita take heed – I am bringing the IPod to our class and Thursday and seek advice from both of you.
You would think that I have developed a hatred for IPhone and IPod but the opposite is the case. I love the handy little techno gadgets even more as time goes on. I suspect that the same area of my brain is affected as that of a parent adoring his or her child who displays challenging behavior.
By the way, I found ten apps that I like so far – Scene Builder, Tap-to-Talk, Multi-Lang Dictionary, Zombies vs. Literacy, Wolfram Calculus Course Assistant, 8 Planets, Autism Aide Visual Scheduler, Undersea and ABC Alphabet Phonics. I am hoping to get a great panel of experts, my students, to try them out tomorrow. If things go as planned, I will post the results tomorrow night.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. Happy IPodding!
Apparently I am not keeping up with this technological world. You see, I do not have Wi-Fi at my house. Consequently, I decided to add and update apps using my high-speed cable internet connection. My inexperience was evident on Wednesday when I clicked on to ITunes, found the apps that I wanted to add and presto – my IPhone went blank resulting in the loss of everything on it. (I actually blame the computer I was using since it decided to crash midway through the synching process.) After freaking out and using a vocabulary rich with unmentionable words, I decided to call it a day with regard to my IPhone. Mother Nature was on my side on Thursday when we were treated to a second snow day. I awoke afresh and started to tackle my IPod app challenge. I decided to use another computer and the decision instantly paid off for me. Watching my IPhone pick up the apps was a thing of beauty – and relief for me. Thanks goodness the apps reloaded for free! Some of the apps would not load without a Wi-Fi so I decided to leave them for Friday morning when I returned to school. I actually waited until later in the day since my school’s staff was participating in an accreditation meeting and our very limited bandwidth was required by the co-chairs.
As I have previously stated in other blog entries, I am technologically challenged. So it should come as no surprise that my school’s program support IPod is also causing me problems. In fact, I have not been able to download 22 app updates. The lack of success using my school’s Wi-Fi prompted my decision to so to bring it home with me this weekend and attempted to use my good computer. I am sure that you will not be shocked that luck evaded me again. Barb and Anita take heed – I am bringing the IPod to our class and Thursday and seek advice from both of you.
You would think that I have developed a hatred for IPhone and IPod but the opposite is the case. I love the handy little techno gadgets even more as time goes on. I suspect that the same area of my brain is affected as that of a parent adoring his or her child who displays challenging behavior.
By the way, I found ten apps that I like so far – Scene Builder, Tap-to-Talk, Multi-Lang Dictionary, Zombies vs. Literacy, Wolfram Calculus Course Assistant, 8 Planets, Autism Aide Visual Scheduler, Undersea and ABC Alphabet Phonics. I am hoping to get a great panel of experts, my students, to try them out tomorrow. If things go as planned, I will post the results tomorrow night.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. Happy IPodding!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
First Eluminate Live! Class
This is my first Eluminate Live! class and I quite like it. I was a little apprehensive about using the technology but so far so good. Hope it is working for everyone else in the class.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Episode Two - The One Where IPods Reign
Today my school was blessed with the presence of the Queens of SSRSB Technology. Both Barb and Anita assessed students to determine the most appropriate assistive technology to facilitate their learning. Barb let me play with her IPad - I especially enjoyed the puzzle app. Before leaving my school, she suggested a wonderful strategy to help one student communicate his knowledge - the student will create a blog. Without a doubt, he will quickly become more proficient than me. This will benefit me since he will be able to provide ideas to improve my own blog. (Throughout the years my students have proven to be good teachers.) Anita also spent time with technology-challenge me. She helped me add a video to my blog and showed me a great trick to creating Co:Writer topic dictionaries. I already showed the trick to several students this afternoon. Thanks to the ladies for taking the time to visit New Ross and working with our students.
For me the highlight of last week's class was learning about the power of the Proloquo2Go app on an IPod. So cool! Students who previously were not able to express their thoughts become like King George VI - they too have a voice. Like most assistive technology suitability and proper training is required to prepare Proloquo2Go for each student.
Several models have been followed by professionals to match a person with the most appropriate technology. For instance, fatigue or discomfort will most likely result in reduced usage. The MPT (Mileau Personality Technology) model balance aspects of a subject's environment with the assistive technology to determined the best tool for the task. The SETT (Student Environment Tools Task) Framework is used by most school boards. Simplier is better is a core belief of this model. The HAAT(Human Activity) Model differs from the school model in that it has a medical perspective.
Now I am going to attempt to add a video to my blog all by myself. You will know that I succeeded if you see a video at the start of my blog.
Thanks for reading my entry.
For me the highlight of last week's class was learning about the power of the Proloquo2Go app on an IPod. So cool! Students who previously were not able to express their thoughts become like King George VI - they too have a voice. Like most assistive technology suitability and proper training is required to prepare Proloquo2Go for each student.
Several models have been followed by professionals to match a person with the most appropriate technology. For instance, fatigue or discomfort will most likely result in reduced usage. The MPT (Mileau Personality Technology) model balance aspects of a subject's environment with the assistive technology to determined the best tool for the task. The SETT (Student Environment Tools Task) Framework is used by most school boards. Simplier is better is a core belief of this model. The HAAT(Human Activity) Model differs from the school model in that it has a medical perspective.
Now I am going to attempt to add a video to my blog all by myself. You will know that I succeeded if you see a video at the start of my blog.
Thanks for reading my entry.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Episode One - The One About Cathy's Fear of Technology
Through the years, technology has proven to be useful to me and, at times, helped me to avoid or even get out of some pretty yucky situations. Please understand - I was denied the opportunity to use a calculator until I entered university and started my teaching career in a small school without as much as a photocopier. So it is fitting that at this moment (23 January 2011) to confess that rather than being a computer geek I am actually a "Technology 'Fraidy Cat". From simple machines to fancy-dancy computers, all technology can sense my apprehension. In fact, I am convinced that my new IPhone 4 actually feels joy and happiness watching me have my many, many meltdowns. But I will conquer my fear of technology this semester with the help of our professor and my fellow EDUC 5173 learners. Looking forward to seeing all of you on Tuesday. (I'll be the one continuously seeking Barb and Anita to came over to my work area and help me.)
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