Assistive Technology

   This video clip was very interesting and is very important to consider when becoming a teacher. When working with many students and all learning at different pastes, techniques, or having different needs to take into account. Keeping technology in mind may be a great benefit not only to the teacher but to all the students you would care for. Now a days everything is progressing at a faster paste. So finding something to fit your classroom needs is possible.

   In the clip "Assistive Technology Enabling Dreams" explains the need for technology for children with special needs. There are students who also express how they would be without their equipment and how successful they are with it. Everyone deserves a chance to do what there heart desires and for these students a little technology goes a long way. Some are starting as young as preschool so they are exposed and get to find out what best works with there special needs. "Life can be extra-challenging... (Sheslow, 2011).

   As a teacher making sure to place accommodations and modifications into my lesson plan will provide my students with special needs a chance to participate and enjoy my class. In the clip (Ellis, 2005) modifications were made to the tools students used such as instruments, wheel chairs, and computer sources. In my classroom when working with students with special needs I would have to  find out what is the best way my student communicates when working on activities. His or her placement in the classroom and providing any additional tools he or she may need to complete the exercise with success. I would also keep in mind the task the student needs to complete. If it is appropriate in age, ability, and cognitively. 

   Personally I have not encountered any close friends or family who have used assistive technology yet. I have encountered wheelchairs that can be pushed. However when I am introduced to someone with the equipment I am more then willing to learn more about their needs and my role in assisting them further their education.

Works Cited

Ellis, A. (2005, February 2). Assistive Technology Enabling Dreams. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/assistive-technology-enabling-dreams-video

Sheslow, D. (2011, November) What's life like for a special needs kid? Retrieved from

http://kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/friend/special_needs.html#

  

Fishy Count Fun

Reflection

Our online educational game targeted preschool age children up to the first grade. The game content was based on math and is called Fishy Count (PrimaryGame, 2000-2012). Working on our online educational game was a great experience. I encountered many positive experiences in this group assignment compared to any other class I have worked in a group with. We did not have too many disagreements and helped each other out when we ran into any difficulties.

We worked together on deciding what game to use. There was a great amount of selection online. Since we agreed on an age group the game choices was a lot easier. As we prepared our rubric I had a harder time figuring out what should be on the rubric. I was not sure if we were going to grade the game or the students who worked on the game. It was cleared after we reviewed the examples and discussed our game. Since that this was my first time making a rubric, working with others provided a better understanding of what should be on a rubric and how the game should be rated.

Since I am in the early childhood field I really have benefited from this project. Working on this game provides me another resource I can introduce into my classroom. I will be able to familiarize my students with both math and the use of technology in my class. Even if there are some difficulties in finding the link I will be able to adjust as necessary depending on how familiar my students are with the computers. Providing the link directly to the game as we did in class will allow easy access. I can also provide students with steps in finding the game.  

Works Cited

PrimaryGame. (2000-2012). Fishy Count. Retrieved March 7, 2012. http://www.primarygames.com/math/fishycount/index.htm