Reaching Students Through Assistive Technology

     In our world, there are many students and individuals that have certain disabilities that leave them unable to live their lives as a "normal" human being would. They are often overlooked and pushed to the side when it comes to academics and extra-curricular activities. This is because the people in our society today think that individuals with disabilities cannot accomplish what everyone else can. That is the first mistake that people make. The next mistake is that schools and classrooms are not often equipped with the proper tools and assistance needed to help those with disabilities. Our world is evolving, and so is technology. With all these advances in technology, I want to help bring awareness of the lack of assistance there is for students with disabilities. 

     Today, technology is often incorporated into the classroom, in various lessons and activities. The age that we are now in is a technological age. Educators use technology to engage the students in what they're learning, so why not use it to help those in need? There are different tools and technology capable of assisting students with certain disabilities, but not many schools are educated on them, nor do they find the need to incorporate assistive technology into their curriculum. In the video "Stem and People with Disabilities," it shows the lives of different individuals who have disabilities, but have a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs. This video encapsulates how important it is for all individuals to have an opportunity to chase their dreams. 

     Students with disabilities have wants, needs, and even dreams, as all other human beings do. According to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, "assistive technology enables students with disabilities to compensate for certain impairments" ("How does Rehabilitative Technology Benefit People with Disabilities?" par. 2) Educators have a role in the growth and development of every individual in their care. Something as simple as modifying a lesson to fit the needs of all students can benefit those with disabilities. The video emphasized the importance of communication between the educator and the individual. If the teacher knows what exactly the student needs in order to succeed, they both can come to an agreement on how to achieve success. For students with disabilities, "the key to success in the classroom lies in having appropriate adaptations, accommodations, and modifications made to the instruction and other classroom activities" ("Supports, Modifications, and Accommodations for Students," par.1).

     My goal, after attaining my teaching certification, is to teach children with special needs. Despite the challenge that comes with this career, I believe the reward is bigger. As a teacher, I want to give my students their individual voices, and that is no exception for those with special needs. Many times, society tells these children that they are not good enough, or that they are not normal, and they grow up believing that they are not capable of fulfilling their dreams because of their disabilities. If I have the opportunity to help just one student with a disability overcome these negative stereotypes and achieve what is believed to be impossible, every effort towards my teaching degree would be made worth it. After completing ED110 Intro to Teaching, it has helped me to see how important it is to let disabled children interact with their “normal” peers. Being in a traditional classroom setting helps these students to grow and to experience what life is like, instead of being secluded. I have always imagined teaching my special ed students in a classroom of my own, but I never once thought about the fact that they should be in a traditional class setting. With the knowledge I have now, I plan on incorporating assistive technology into everything that I do, to benefit not one, but all of my students. 

References:

"How Does Rehabilitative Technology Benefit People with Disabilities?" Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Human and Development, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/rehabtech/conditioninfo/help.

"Supports, Modifications, and Accommodations for Students." Center for Parent Information and Resources, 8 Feb 2017, www.parentcenterhub.org/accommodations/.

Assessment of Technology Tools

Hafa Adai! Over the course of my experience in ED271, I have been introduced to many different technology tools. Some of these tools were ones that I was already familiar with, while others were completely foreign to me. In regards to those tools that I was already familiar with, this class has helped me to gain more understanding of each of them. My knowledge of technological tools has expanded, and I have included an assessment of eight of these tools. Click on the tool name to be brought to that specific website. I hope this assessment can be of assistance to you. Enjoy!

Moodle: 

Moodle is a learning platform used by educators and students to communicate with each other. Educators can post assignments, announcements, resources, grades and comments all on the same platform so that it is easier for students to stay on track. Students can submit assignments, take online tests, and message teachers privately through Moodle. The good thing about Moodle is that it can give immediate feedback to students. Moodle also keeps track of assignments due with calendar, containing all the assignment due dates a student has for all the courses the student is enrolled in through Moodle. Personally, my favorite things about Moodle is the calendar installed to remind me of upcoming assignments' due dates and the fact that Moodle sends email alerts to confirm when an assignment has been submitted. 

RATING: 5/5 

Chrome:

Google Chrome is Google's very own web browser, available on mobile and desktop computers, created to be faster, simpler, and more secure. In my opinion, Google Chrome is the fastest web browser, and my preferred web browser. This tool is used for searching on the World Wide Web (www) whether it be for educational purposes, to cure one's curiosity, or simply for entertainment. I used Google Chrome to search for all the icons of each of these tools assessed in this assignment. 

RATING: 5/5

Google Apps:

Google Apps, also known as Google Suite, are a suite of web-based messaging and collaboration applications that Google hosts on their own servers. Some Google Apps, such as Google Drive, Docs, Slides, and Classroom are often used for educational purposes. I have always used Microsoft to complete assignments, that is, until I entered high school. At Notre Dame High School, the Google Apps were greatly used in the classroom. Google Apps are beneficial to students and teachers when it comes to school because you are able to share your work with others using Google Apps. For example, when I have group projects, I share a Google Doc and occasionally Google Slides with my groupmates so we can all work at the same time. Google Apps automatically save progress when connected to the Internet so you don't have to worry about losing your work. Another great thing about Google Apps is Blogger, the App I am using to write this assessment. I was familiar with some of the Google Apps, but I was not familiar that Google had it's own blog platform. 

RATING: 5/5

LiveBinders:

LiveBinders is a free online bookmarking site that assists in organizing additional websites and resources one may like to save. LiveBinders makes it possible for educators, among many other people, to create binders filled with resources and share it among colleagues. I believe this tool is exemplary for students, as well as educators, to gain access to resources from other students and educators interested in the same things. When I was first introduced to this tool, I did not understand how to use it. That may just be due to my lack of technology knowledge. One thing that saddens me is that not all websites allow LiveBinders to save it in a binder. 

RATING: 4/5

Prezi: 

Prezi is an online software used to make presentations more visually pleasing and interactive. With Prezi, one is able to zoom in on a presentation, and jump from different ideas around the board. This presentation tool is more aesthetically pleasing than just using PowerPoint. By using Prezi, you may be able to engage the audience more due to the interactive trait of the tool and it's pleasing visuals. When I first learned how to use Prezi, it took some getting used to. Like Google Apps, Prezi allows for multiple users to edit the Prezi at the same time, making it possible for groups to work together to finish a project. I often work with my groupmates on Prezi. It is quite simple to use and gets the visuals on point every single time. 

RATING: 5/5

Quizlet:

Quizlet is one of my best friends. I absolutely love it. Quizlet is an online tool created to make learning and studying easier for any individual. You can create study guides for yourself or search up the study guides of others. It uses flashcards, different games, and practice tests to ensure that you aren't just memorizing the content, but actually learning. I have used Quizlet from the time I was in middle school until today. I find that it does indeed help me with my studying habits, as well as being incredibly simple to navigate and organize. I would definitely recommend this tool!

RATING: 5/5 

Wix

Wix is a website creator. It is a free service for basic operations, but users can choose to improve their website creations by purchasing  any of their premium plans. Wix is extremely helpful when it comes to creating personal or educational websites. The good thing about Wix is that it has free layouts/templates, communication tools, logo makers, and it is suitable for use on mobile devices. One thing I do not like about Wix is that it is quite time consuming, but that may just be due to the fact that creating a website takes time and patience.

RATING: 3.5/5

POWTOON:

Powtoon is an online animation software used to easily create videos and animated presentations. It is a simple tool that can be used by students and adults. Powtoon creates videos by using videos, imported images, music from the site, and voice-overs created by the user. This tool was helpful for me when I created a video presentation for one of my classes, but I did think the aesthetic of it all was a bit childlike. It did not have the professional finish I hoped for.

RATING: 3.5/5

References:

"About Moodle." About Moodle - MoodleDocs, docs.moodle.org/38/en/About_Moodle. 

"Google Chrome - Download the Fast, Secure Browser from Google." Google, Google, www.google.com/chrome/.

"What Are Google Apps? - Google Apps Learning Center." Google Sites, sites.google.com/a/georgiasouthern.edu/google-apps-fac-staff/getting-started/why-google.

Wiebe, Glenn. "LiveBinders." Teachinghistory,org, teachinghistory.org/digital-classroom/tech-for-teachers/25517. 

Staying Safe on the Internet

    The Internet is quite beneficial to many individuals, whether it's young students in elementary school, young adults in college, or any individual who needs help understanding something. The Internet can be used to communicate with loved ones, to search the World Wide Web (www), and even to learn a new language. However, there are certain dangers that come with using the Internet. These dangers include phishing and pharming, cyberbullying, textual harassment, and sexting. In this modern age, the Internet has proven quite useful and is used by many, even as young as toddlers. This is why it is important to educate students and children especially of the dangers of the Internet. The danger is that "while most stranger danger programs teach that strangers are scary and mean and want to hurt or abduct children, this contradicts the way collaboration occurs between strangers online" (Hertz, 2017). In other words, predators online know that children are told to beware of strangers and of mean hostile individuals, so many predators act nice online to gain the trust of the individual. 

    In the project assigned to us, different groups were tasked to research the different dangers of the Internet. The goal was to educate our peers on what the dangers are, how to prevent them from happening, and how to act if/when it happens to us. We were also tasked to focus on what teachers can do to educate themselves and their students of the dangers the Internet has if one is not careful. The four different topics were phishing and pharming, fair user practices and copyright issues, cyberbullying, and textual harassment and sexting. All these topics go together because they deal with the personal and private safety of every individual who falls victim to it. While listening to my peers presentations, I found myself surprised to learn many new things. I know the surface of all these dangers, but I never knew the depth and how each one can truly ruin an individual's life. I would not change anything about this assignment because it has been thoroughly thought about to properly teach future educators about the dangers of the Internet.

    When I become a teacher, I would like my students to have the ability to use all the different resources that are available for them, including the Internet. I plan on incorporating technology and the use of the Internet into my everyday lesson plan. I believe that, in this day and age, the use of technology is vital in engaging the students in what they are learning. If I want my students to use the Internet, I would need to teach them about online safety. As Mary Walton said, "All adults in a child's life have the responsibility to teach them about internet safety" (2017). I want my students to be safe and comfortable going online, and not have to worry about predators or scammers trying to infiltrate their personal and private security. To teach my students about online safety, I would engage in conversation with them first about what it means to be safe and whether or not they believe that there are people on the Internet who can cause them harm. As Walton suggested, I will get my students involved by creating a policy and having my students sign it (2017). I will show them videos and resources that explain the dangers that can be found on the Internet, such as an educational clip on BrainPop. 

    My group was assigned textual harassment and sexting. Textual harassment is the activity of sending text messages to mobile phones which insult or abuse people, while sexting is when someone sends a sexually explicit photograph or video of themselves via their mobile phone or online. We found that it is quite difficult to prevent textual harassment and sexting once someone has their mind set on it. We did, however, find a way to scare some individuals from sexting and textually harassing others. Sexting can ruin people's lives, especially the lives of teachers and individuals in authority and, most especially, individuals dealing with children. If a teacher is caught with sexually explicit images or content, their teaching license will be revoked and they will not be able to teach ever again. This definitely scared me, since I don't have to be the one sending sexual content. I can be framed and I would lose my license instantly. This is what we need to protect our future generations from, unjust violations of privacy.

    For this assignment, my group and I utilized the Google Suite Apps. When we were researching, we used Google Docs to add information simultaneously. We also used Whatsapp to communicate throughout the week. When our project was complete, we decided to use Wix to create a website displaying our findings on textual harassment and sexting. The website was extremely simple to navigate and made it easy for us to present our findings. This project helped me to understand the dangers of the Internet by researching it on my own as well as learning from watching my peers' presentations. I would not change anything in this assignment, but it would have been more effective to have the presentations face-to-face. Considering the circumstances, we did what we could. 

References

Hertz, M. B. (2017, September 28). How to Teach Internet Safety to Younger Elementary Students Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/internet-safety-younger-elementary-mary-beth-herts

Walton, M. (2017, August 31). Students and Online Safety: A Teacher's Guide - Stay Safe Online. Retrieved from https://staysafeonline.org/blog/teachers-guide-student-online-safety/

Cooperation and Challenges Faced

In the project assigned to us, we were tasked to find an online educational game to use in the classroom. The purpose for this was to evaluate and critique the game based on how well it assists the education of young students. the class was divided into groups of three or four to work together on this assignment. The first challenge that arose, in my opinion, was getting out of my comfort zone to work with my group. We all had different ways of approaching this assignment, and we had to work together to agree on how to choose and present an online educational game. After suggesting many games, we came to a consensus. The game selected was Shot Clock, a basketball game that allows students in the 2nd and 3rd grades to practice their mathematics. The game featured different types of mathematics, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

As a student, I never realized all the work that goes into creating a rubric for any given assignment. I am used to receiving rubrics, not creating them. This part of the assignment was especially difficult for me. I must admit that I didn't help much in creating the rubric. I was glad to see, however, how my groupmates helped where I fell short. Though I wasn't able to wrap my mind around making a rubric for my game, my groupmates helped me to understand what types of things we were looking for, such as understandable instructions, easy navigationHi!, visual appeal, and the benefits of learning.

When I become a teacher, I plan on using online educational games for most, if not all, of my assignments. According to Stanford panelists, "using games such as an online educational tool provides opportunities for deeper learning" (Mackay, 2013). Many people think that gaming needs to end as soon as a child is old enough to go to school, otherwise it rots their brains. Especially in the world we live in today, games in education is "not a matter of dumbing down," it is simply a way of engaging the audience, otherwise known as students, to learn. Students get very distracted at school and can get bored and tired of listening to the same things over and over again, but this is exactly why educational games proves beneficial. With something exciting, such as shooting a basketball into the hoop of the correct answer to mathematical problem, students will want to learn instead of dreading it.

Aside from using an online educational game, my group chose to use Prezi as a way to present our findings for our project. Prezi is much more interesting than using PowerPoint or another simple presentation tool. Prezi is more interactive and visually appealing, therefore, it grabs the attention of the audience more than the usual PowerPoint.

In the end, this assignment helped me believe in the purpose of online educational games. At first, I had my doubts about the effectiveness of games in the classroom and whether or not it truly benefits the student. After completing this assignment, I am now more convinced than ever that online games, along with online tools, help the student's desire to learn by engaging their interest with interactive and fun means of learning.

References:

Mackay, R. F. (2013, March 1). Playing to learn: Panelists at Stanford discussion say using games as an educational tool provides opportunities for deeper learning. Stanford News. Retrieved from https://news.stanford.edu/2013/03/01/games-education-tool-030113/

capture1admin. (2017, June 20). 5 Reasons to use Prezi for your Presentation. Retrieved from https://www.capture1.co.uk/5-reasons-prezi/