Digital Cameras

In one of my practicum classes, the teacher was telling me how every year she takes lots of pictures with her digital camera, and then puts all of the pictures onto a cd complete with music and gives them to each of her students so they can always have memories from third grade. It think this is a fantastic idea; it is neat and creative, but also something that can be treasured. There are also many more ways a teacher and their students can use digital cameras...for picture projects, etc. These are a great form of technology, and just like the video cameras, the possibilities are endless.

Video Recorders

http://edudemic.com/2010/06/43-surprising-ways-to-use-video-cameras-in-the-classroom/


When I was in third grade, we were assigned a video project. We had to give a book report in class in front of a camera, and then we were allowed to take the video home after it was graded. This is the first of many projects in school that required a video camera, and they were fantastic. These projects allow the students to independently learn how to handle a video camera and put together an a+ project. If I did them so much when I was in school, I can only imagine the ample amount of projects involving video cameras that they can be doing now!

Webquests

http://its.leesummit.k12.mo.us/webquests.htm

A fun activity that teachers can do with students of any age is a webquest. Webquests are mini projects that require the students to search the web and find answers to questions related to the lesson. These are great because the students are learning how to use the internet and the computer while being focused on the lesson and the facts they are trying to find. The webquest gives internet use a structured feel, which is great for both the students and the teachers.

Online Portfolios

http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech111.shtml

This website talks a lot about having portfolios online instead of on paper. I think this is a fantastic idea because this way, parents will be able to look at them as well as teachers, and they will be more intact and mobile. This technology is simply a way to save the progress, and I like it.

Twitter in the Classroom?

http://steve-wheeler.blogspot.com/2009/01/teaching-with-twitter.html

This blog consists of 10 different ways to use twitter in the classroom. At first when I was reading this, I was sure that these ideas would be completely absurd. But, after closer inspection, these ideas are pretty neat. The best one, in my opinion, is to follow a celebrity and create a report on what that person is doing. Twitter is a new technology that is mainly used for socializing, but I like how the teachers are taking a spin on it to make their class more real and with the times.

Computers in the Classroom

Although there are many new and advanced technologies that can be used in the classroom, we must not forget about the most simple, but necessary device...the computer! Apple and Microsoft both have kits that are made specially for the classroom. For example, Apple has carts full of computers, iPads, and even iPods. The carts include an abundance of one material so that every student can be using a computer, iPad, or iPod at the same time. The teacher can take advantage of this by giving assignments that require a computer and then give the students class time to complete it.

LANSchool

http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech_in_the_classroom/lan-school.shtml

The new software LANSchool, is a computer program used only by teachers. Through this program, teachers have the ability to share their screen with the class and even share them with individual students. This way the students can see exactly what the teacher wants them to see and there is no need to mess around with an ELMO or other old technologies. The LANSchool also allows teachers to monitor what their students are doing on the computers. They have the ability to black out their screens, block applications, and even lock keyboards while sitting at their own desk. This technology is fantastic because it eliminates the distraction of walking around trying to monitor students' computer behavior.

Reading Machines

For students with low vision, there are many assistive technologies that help them to see in and out of the classroom. Popular devices are the ones that scan objects and then read them aloud or show them on a computer screen. These allows the student to scan any item he or she cannot see well enough to read and then understand what it says. They are also portable so that they can be brought many places.

Assistive Technology for Blindness

There are many computer softwares that help a student who is blind. The most common is the Text to Speech software. These programs allow the book or computer document to be read to the student, so that he doesn't have to miss out while everyone else reads it. For example, there is a talking dictionary, a digital talking book player, and even a talking checkbook. Microsoft Word has also created a software that allows you to scan items and then listen to them being read from the computer. These many different programs will allow the students to learn in ways other than reading braille. They are also reasonably priced, which means that they can be more available in schools.

Speech Generating Devices

Speech Generating Devices are an assistive technology that is used with and for students that have difficulty communicating. Some devices are keyboard objects. These allow the students to type on them and then the keyboard will speak whatever the student types. Another device is a computer screen that has pictures on it. The student can touch the pictures to tell the teacher what he wants, how he feels, etc. When he or she touches the pictures, the computer will say it aloud. There are many different variations of these assistive devices, but they are all extremely vital to a students' communication, in the classroom and at home. I think these are fantastic, but unfortunately, they are also expensive. I hope that in the future, everyone will realize how important and awesome they are and the price will not be an issue.

Assistive Technology for Hearing Impairments

http://connected.waldenu.edu/special-education/physical-disabilities/item/901-assistive-technology-hearing-impaired

These forms of technology are made specially for children who have trouble hearing. Closed captioning is a technology that allows the teacher to type the lecture onto the bottom of a video or screen so the student can read it rather than struggle to listen. Another type is a cochlear implant that would allow the teacher to speak into a microphone connected directly to the student's ear. The final type is to use texting as a form of communication. All of these types of technology are excellent and they would definitely assist a student of all ages.

SmartBoards in Early Childhood Education

Today I observed a pre-school class and one of the stations the students had the opportunity to play with was the SmartBoard. It was made to be at their level and the students had the chance to write with the markers, choose pictures and interact with the technology. I like this device because it enables even young children to be involved with technology while also being able to learn on their own! I would definitely want to utilize this device in my classroom.

Phonetic Ear

http://www.slideshare.net/kmott/integrating-technology-in-a-special-education-classroom

This device is a headset that the teacher wears and is connected to multiple speakers that are strategically placed around the room. When the teacher talks through the headset, the students are able to hear the teacher from all different angles. This is a great tool for students who may be hard of hearing or students who have trouble focusing. When the teacher speaks through the headset the students are able to hear her loud and clear, and it helps keep the students focused.

Classroom Websites

http://www.edutopia.org/fantastic-super-use-technology
"From Curriculum to Communication, a School Imerses Itself in Tech"
-By Diane Curtis

This article talks a lot about the various types of technology used throughout the school, and although it is impressive, it is not very uncommon anymore. The schools in my town are extremely similar, but the teachers at Mary Scroggs Elementary School have struck gold. Teacher Kathleen Eveleigh created a website to be only used by her class. When they complete assignments or go on field trips, everything is posted on the website. This makes it as easy as a push of a button for parents/guardians to know what is going on in the classroom, and there is no gap in communication. This is a great idea because so often information gets lost in translation between the classroom and home. Parents can be updated about their child in the classroom, and this communication creates a new bridge of trust between the parents and teachers. I like it! :)

Week 1 Entries

http://www.edutopia.org/

I think it is a great idea for Special Education teachers to use iPods for help with communication. With the awesome iPod applications, the students can practice sight word communication and even social skills. The students would love being able to use technology in the classroom and they are also able to learn something, too!