Module 3/Meaningful Learning with Technology
As I was going through the reading for this week, I felt a little overwhelmed in the amount of technology out there. I was also overwhelmed in the amount of it that I had no idea what it was. I finally decided to take a deep breath and to take one week at a time.
I decided to concentrate primarily on the social studies learning types at the Wiki site, even though I’m currently working on my special education license. I thought that the Wiki site was a good starting off point in organizing all the activity types before moving on to Educause 7. I especially liked the presentation and publication links on this site.
The two technology tools that I chose to do for next week was Google Earth and Google Jockeying. Google Earth could be used over a wide array of subjects and grade levels and Google Jockeying offers a dynamic and fun way to move the classroom from a potentially boring lecture format to one based more on cooperative learning. As of this writing, I’m still thinking about what my other four tools will be.
I would appreciate any ideas from other teachers of technological tools that they use in their own classroom.
January 30th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Hi Randy,
I’m glad you brought up special education. One thing I wish the book would have talked more about was technology for special education students. I think it would have to be its own separate chapter; however, I think it does have a place among the other material. I am slowly becoming aware of a wealth of tools out there for these students; unfortunately, it is usually by word of mouth. Having a list and some ideas, presented in the same format as the text, would be great!
In my department, we utilize Zoom Text, a Kurzweil Reader, Dragon Naturally-Speaking, Access a File, MP3 players and several other tools. Every instrument comes with its own learning curve. I often feel like we are just scraping the surface of these technologies. Across the state, some of the colleges have started getting together annually to talk about the tools we are using and share ideas. It has been very helpful in finding ways to best accommodate our students and in enhancing their learning experiences. We all seem to agree that it is often difficult to find what’s out there.
Or, perhaps this text/class isn’t the best place for inclusion of special education technology. Maybe it is an entirely different topic in and of itself. I can see an angle to that as well. I wonder what others might think…?
Karen
January 31st, 2010 at 1:14 am
Randy, in regards to the question you left on my blog, yes, one area Ivy Tech specializes in is remediation. As an open access college, we also see many special needs students.
Thanks for the information about the adaptive technology course. I might have to look into that!
January 31st, 2010 at 4:47 am
Randy, I can say I was in the same boat when you mentioned what was out there. How the world has come to what it is today, I feel has to do with the technology presented. The only way you can take it in I think is one type of technology at a time. When you learn about it, think about it, think about how you would use it with whatever it is you’re doing, then evaluate it and move on to the next piece. What intrigues you, what sticks out to you, I think is important to think about. Jump with two feet is what I like to say a lot, you don’t know until you try it out, who knows, you may adopt it in your special ed. pieces and work somehow!!!
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Randy,
You are welcome to pursue exploration of adaptive/assistive technologies for this class. You can also think about how ordinary technologies can be used in special ed classrooms, too. I can easily imagine Google Earth in a special classrooms. Google Jockeying is more challenging and would likely be more suitable for a gifted/talented classroom than for some of the other special ed classes.