IT 365 Class Reflection

As I mentioned in my introduction, before taking this class I had limited skills using the computer and very little knowledge in being able to take advantage of all the Webtools it has to offer. I never before realize how I could use this technology to be a more effective and efficient teacher. After taking this class I now realize more than ever that this was a very weak area for me that I really need to strengthen and become knowledgeable in.

I never thought to highly of blogs before, but now I realize that this type of communication is a great way to connect to my students, their parents, and colleagues. I think emails are still a tool to have, but creating your own classroom website that others can see who you are and what you’re all about, takes communicating with others on a whole new level. I am on the few people that has never had a FaceBook account, and I am not sure if I going to go that far, but I do see the benefits for creating a classroom website.

Since I am majoring in elementary and special education, I will certainly benefit from the knowledge I have gain taking this class. Recently, I had to complete a Curriculum Adaptation Assignment for eight students with different types of physical disabilities. In every single one of the adaptations I made accommodations for, I was able use the information I have learned about Assistive technologies in accessing Microsoft Windows.

Concept mapping is another tool that I plan on using a lot as a teacher. I have always enjoyed using PowerPoint presentations, because it helps me to organize and present information in a format that I could separate and connect information on each slide. Concept mapping just takes this to a whole new level also. Since thematic units are going to be so much a part of my life, concept mapping is a great tool to use to in creating one.

I plan to incorporate everything I have learned with continued practice.  I understand that if I don’t build upon the skills I have developed taking this class, the chances are I will not likely to use them in the future. I don’t want to forget everything I have learned, I really want to be the kind of teacher that I have imagine myself to be, and utilizing technology is going to be essential to making that dream a reality. 

Assitive Technology

In order to meet the challenge for helping students with special needs gain access to the computer, software would have to be designed to accommodate students with physical and mental disabilities. Assistive software refers to a board range of Assistive technology products and computer hardware applications that make possible for individuals with disabilities to benefit from technology teachings and learning.

Assistive software, also known as adaptive software, is specifically designed computer programs to carry out specific functions use to enhance learning of individuals who are physically and mentally challenged. Along with specialized programs are Assistive technologies devices use to assist students with specials needs. These types of product, such as; special keyboards, joysticks, screen readers, speech recognition and others open the door for anyone to access the computer. 

On example of how Assistive software can be used in the classroom to benefit students who have trouble typing because he or she is challenged with some type of LD, is from the use of specialized keyboards that can be customized by using specialize types of overlay that can be customized for appearance and function. Abbreviation expander software programs can be used with word processing to customize to create, store and re-use of abbreviations for frequently-used words and phrases to ensure proper spelling

In today’s classroom, teachers need to be knowledgeable about Assistive technology. Children with a variety of disabilities are being included in the regular classroom and regular education teachers need to know how to accommodate these students. Windows offers a variety of ways in making accommodating to those who are visually, hearing, and physical impaired. There are contrast and mouse settings, screen magnifier, toggle keys, and sound adjustments available. These options allow teachers to design and customize authentic learning experiences and assessments for these types of students.

The NETS·S states:

"Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments. c. Customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources."

These are just some of the examples I did for this assignment: