REFLECTION
December 12, 2012
Tonight is our last class and we finished our
presentations.
Trisha
presented “S” (Grade 3)
Writing
·
paper port – she could record and didn’t
have to worry about the spelling
·
iWord Q – she speaks and it does the
writing.
Reading
·
Raz Kids – read books on line and it
assesses her comprehension
·
Tumblebooks – books that can be read
aloud (favorite author Robert Munsch)
Great to hear “S” excited about her learning!
Ann
presented “Jaden” (Grade 6)
It was nice to see Jaden tell us about himself and
what he likes and his experience with co-writer. Seeing his gymnastic ability was awesome! It is inspirational to see a student become
an optimal user of technology. You
really have opened his world and have given him a successful future. It is also interesting to hear that he has
apps that he prefers, and others he dislikes.
Independence is key!!!
Francine
presented “Jack” (Grade 1)
He has had a host of services in the past but still
waiting diagnosis. How sad it isto hear
that there are few iPads available in” Jack’s” school. I was very glad to hear his parents were
working to implement the use of an iPad at home. You brought a tear to my eye when I heard he
used proloquo to communicate he wanted a drink!
Isaac
presented “A” (Grade 7)
Assistive technology isn’t always about
electronics. Seeing him calming himself
in the swing puts everything in perspective.
Glad to see you have provided him with a voice through the iPad. We really take our ability to communicate for
granted. Based on “A’s” abilities, it
appears to be a hit and miss activity to find apps that suite his needs. I really like the choices of calming apps that
were introduced. I can see introducing
these to one of my students at CAMS. Isaac,
you are a special person! Thank you!
Traci presented the Early Literacy Intervention
Group (Grade 3)
I found it interesting to hear how you use the AT to
really focus on the remedial skills hat focus on the basics with students. Using Sand Tray seems to work well to focus
on particular letters and words. How
students learn to read really is an interesting process. For those who struggle it becomes a cumberson
process. Any thing you can use to help
them focus is useful. I love how the
stability balls let the kids be active yet remain focused.
Scott
“Ziggy” (Grade 5)
Sometimes it is hard to believe it can take so much
time to finally diagnose Learning Disabilities.
Seeing the char of her actual scores from her Psyc Ed puts her abilities
into perspective. Technology really will
be the key for her! Lap tops and
computers are helpful but the iPad really is the best choice, (easy to access,
large variety of apps). Scott was
correct when he said one frustration is the time it takes to learn apps and
teach them to the students and staff.
OVERALL COURSE
REFLECTION
This is the third Assistive Technology course I have
taken from Barb. It really is amazing
how technology can change in a short period of time. Some of the first forms of AT I was
introduced to include Kurzwell, write out loud and co-writer. I can remember being amazed at how these
programs could open doors for so many kids.
However, as an administrator, I struggled with how to put these tools in
the hands of students. The cost was more
than we could afford as a school. Even
with the obstacles, we did our best to support all students.
This course has been even more amazing than the last
two. The iPad and its apps have improved the
ability to learn for students who have challenges when it comes to learning. I will continue to ensure that students at
CAMS have the opportunity to use AT for their learning.
Merry Christmas Everyone!