The Case Against Assistive Technology:

Don Johnson, a concerned educator, writes an important rebuttal, on his blog, to those who have a case against assistive technology. He argues that as an adult he uses assistive technology everyday. He uses the calendar alert on his cell phone to help him remember appointments and items at the grocery store. "This is his, and other adult's, assistive technology device of choice for the moderately absent-minded. Me", states Don. He uses the calculator to solve multiplication problems. All of these items are acceptable "assistive technologies" that are available for those who need them. However, some people believe that using technology is an unfair advantage.

Don suggests that just as adults have access to technology to help make their lives easier, students with disabilities should have the right to use technological assistance which will help them be able to function more efficiently academically.

I am shocked that this is an argument! Students with disabilities have an unfair advantage that is not their fault. Whatever technologies are available to assist them with their learning is needed and should be welcomed by all.

Please be sure to read Don Johnson's short but important article about this subject.
What are your thoughts?

http://donjohnston.blogspot.com/2009/02/case-against-assistive-technology_23.html

Turning on Technology: Ferryway Elementary School

Turning on Technology: Using Today's Tools to Study Yesterday's

A field trip from Ferryway School, near Boston, to the nation's oldest ironworks is captured with the latest tech. Technology is integrated at Ferryway Elementary school in science classes. Students perform science experiements using technology. This video shows how technology can be integrated to help students solve real-world problems in the classroom using cameras, powerpoint presentations, and research from the computer.

These 5th graders learn information that wil help them become independent intrinsic learners. I think these students are having opportunities of a lifetime at school as they use technology!

However, you need principals and teachers who are willing to teach outside the box, and use cross curriculum when they are teaching. City schools do not give teachers or students the opportunity to teach in this manner. What are your thoughts?



http://www.edutopia.org/ferryway-school-saugus-ironworks-video

Interactive Learning Centers

Interactive Learning Centers

Interactive learning centers are great for students in school and at home. Teachers can use this center and others like it to help students become engaged in their learning experience. Interactive centers can be used during workshop activities in class.

Some students need more time and a different type of activity to master a specific skill. Interactive learning centers will be great resources for teachers and parents. Also, teachers can send the email address of the activity home with students which will give students an opportuntiy to practice after school.

This site is very inviting, however, it does not have all of the skills elementary students need in order to excel. Teachers and students may need to locate other interactive sites if their skill is not available. On this site you will find activities from pre-school through 4th grade as well as Advanced Math, Fractions, USA Capitals, and the Solar System. Also there are simple activates for Reading Maps and Reading Graphs. [/color]

http://www.geocities.com/EnchantedForest/8112