Focus Question: How can teachers use technology to create universally designed classrooms?
Not every child is the same, and so one method for all is not applicable. It's hard enough being the only teacher for twenty different kids, but with the use of technology we can become more efficient in the little amount of time we have with each student. For example, but using computers to take tests on or to even read, we can allow head sets to listen and help sound out the words they have difficulties with. As teachers our common goal is for our students to succeed; but honestly the school day isn't nearly long enough to establish a rapport with each individual, to define their specific needs and to find what works best for them. That's why with technology we can adapt to our students based off what the results show. So basically if we use technology, we can universally establish an idea of how our students need to be taught, in order to learn.
I like this quote from our book: "The purpose of universal design in schools is "Full participation and access for students with disabilities while providing individualized options for all" (Hehir, 2005, p.99)."
Tech Tool: Extra large and online calculators.
Kids love different objects, or anything that can grab their attention, and the CC16 Extra-large calculator from Kikkerland is most definitely an attention grabber. I've learned it only performs the basic functions, (adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing) but as children that's all they really need. I feel as though this can be used as a universal tool for students because of the large buttons. Because of how large it is, this tool can be used by other students who don't exactly have control of their fingers, or are even visually impaired. Also this calculator can even spark other topics such as the origin of the "Calculator." I've also learned about the online calculators, featuring links to more than 22,000 calculation programs by Jim Martindale. This site has online simulations, and teaching modules.
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| Photo credit to 401(K) 2013 from Flickr |
To conclude, as our world is becoming more and more diverse, with unique individuals everyday, we can still rely on technology to be universal. Gone are the days of the "One size fits all" and here are the individual educational learning plans, focused on the specific individual; but because we just do not have enough time in our days, and enough days in the school year, we need technology. Although we can utilize technology for testing purposes, and evaluating a students level, we can not determine their performance unless we watch them every step of the way, technology just makes extra time for us to establish somewhat more of a rapport with our students.
Resources:
Textbook - Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2011). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. ISBN:10 0-13-159611-X, ISBN:13 978-0-13-159611-5
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Good summary and visual enhancements - makes you realize how difficult the role of an effective teacher. There is so much upfront planning for identifying individual student needs. Your post could benefit from more depth and also hyperlinking, especially the website referenced in the Tech Tool - hope you can accomplish that in your last chapter blog post!
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