Episode Twelve - The One Where Cathy Attends the ASCD Annual Conference in San Francisco

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.

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.