Assistive Technology!!

This social network has over 550 members. It is a source of information and support within the area of assistive technology. It provides members with ideas of how to incorporate assistive technology into the classroom so that all students can succeed. The assistive technology varies, from software programs and fancy technology, to simply adaptions such as enlarged writing utensils and using different colored paper to attract more learners. Not only is this network a good source of information, it is also a forum for teachers to reach out and ask for support. Members post questions related to assistive technology. By doing so, knowledge is shared among members. Also included are links to related networks on ning, such as a network for Retts Syndrome, literacy and differentiated learning. Check it out... .assistive technology. Awesome network!

Learning is like swimming in a deep ocean. The power of learning is unlimited, just as the power of the ocean is awe-inspiring. It is impossible to swim deep enough to uncover all that the ocean has to offer. It is equally impossible to uncover the true potential of the mind. Siemens (2005) writes, “that learning is largely unknowable, that is, we can’t possibly understand what goes on inside a person.” Similarly, no matter how deep we swim, we can’t possibly understand all that the ocean has to offer. “The mind is a black box. We don’t know what goes on inside.” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTgWt4Uzr54&feature=PlayList&p=3E43054A8703F57A&index=) The same can be said for the ocean.

Driscoll (2000) defines learning as “a persisting change in human performance or performance potential…[which] must come about as a result of the learner’s experience and interaction with the world” Environmental influences can either positively or negatively impact the ocean. Pollution, excessive fishing/trapping, and global warming damage the oceans in ways unseen by the naked eye. Reducing waste, recycling, limiting water usage and ocean clean up crews help to strengthen and support our oceans. In comparison, learning is influenced both positively and negatively by environmental factors. Parents, teachers, peers, home life and everyday experiences have a profound impact on learning, both positively and negatively. The impact can go unnoticed or unseen for years, but once impacted, it is difficult to undo.

Within the ocean are millions of species of plants and animals. Many species depend on each other for survival. These symbiotic relationships can be related to the dependency of learners on each other. "Experience has long been considered the best teacher of knowledge. Since we cannot experience everything, other people's experiences, and hence other people, become the surrogate for knowledge." As learners we rely on others for knowledge, similar to the many symbiotic relationships found within the ocean.

Three ways I would like to use blogs inside the classroom...

1) I teach students with severe and profound disabilities. I would love to create a classroom blog with what is being taught inside the classroom, photos, homework, assessment information, field trip reminders etc. so that the parents can be more involved and feel like a part of the classroom. In addition, having parents go to the site with their child is a good way for parents and children to discuss the school day. It opens up the communication and engages students.

2) I love the idea of a book club. Students with severe and profound disabilities have limited opportunities to communicate with their peers due to major speech impairments. Creating a book club with books read in class is a great way to engage the students, have them answer yes,no questions about their opinion on books, and communicate with their peers/classmates. 

3) With regards to communication, I would love to link with other classrooms, so that my students can communicate with peers from around the world (with and without disabilities). My students are so isolated. They rarely get the opportunity to interact with peers outside the classroom. I would love to set up a "pen pal" situation for my students to interact and communicate with other classrooms.

Powerful video!!

Very powerful video......PLEASE watch!! Thanks Kathy for sharing it with me!!

This is my boyfriend Tommy and I on a recent trip to North Carolina (at an alligator reserve)

This is my nephew Mason, I adore him!!

This is my puppy Ginger. Even though she is almost 11 years old, she will always be my puppy!!