Last Class

Overall this class has really taught me a lot about technology. I came in thinking I already knew how to use devices to help children communicate - but this class is not all about programming devices. This class opened my eyes to so many different forms of technology and Web 2.0 tools. I could not believe how much is out there. I think Janette's comment two classes ago, really struck home "read through airplane magazines, and always think of what could be best for your students." This line of thinking was definitely new to me! I had never thought - well the technology for my students doesn't have to be something that was designed specifically for that purpose - it could be something else that might have been intended for a different purpose, but now could serve another. It really makes the world of technology and what it has to offer, that much more accessible and larger.

I learned that participating in an online discussion can be just like sitting in class. I think before this class, I took other online classes where I would simply be required to post on a discussion board which really didn't feel like I was participating or a member of the class. However, when we talk on Adobe, and there is video incorporated, I definitely feel like online is similar to being in person.

Furthermore, we did a lot of group work. I learned to exercise my collaboration and cooperative skills. I think we learned that we can use technology to communicate and send ideas and meld them together. We really learned to work with a lot of different people with different experiences with technology - which was very helpful to people like me who are not very good with technology!

This class was great and I learned a lot. I feel like I have a really good toolbox for teaching now, and am equipped to view things as a challenge not an obstacle. I also feel like I can use anything to help me kids, which is really inspiring!

Digital Minds

This week we talked about how technology influences us, both negatively and positively. This reminded me of the interview of Dr. Keller. He explained that bundling technology forms in one package actually hurts people who need one single accommodation. For example, a phone that also accesses the internet, serves as a camera, and can play music is more expensive because it performs so many functions. However, what if Dr. Keller only wanted a phone to be a phone? Wouldn't it be cheaper if he was just trying to buy a simple cell phone that has no other functions? Furthermore, it's harder to find a phone that just serves as a phone!

When we think about dilemmas such as this one, it really makes us think about how technology affects us. Technology is ever evolving, and it reminds us of the age old question of: what is going to happen to our books? It has actually been really hard for me to find books for my reports as a graduate student. There is only one bookstore near me: Barnes and Nobles! Borders is out of business! And why would I go to B&N if I could order a book online on Amazon for a much cheaper price? But why even buy a physical copy of a book if google reader can digitze text? What is essentially the purpose of books? How about newspapers? I read the NYT online, and can't even remember the last time I read a real newspaper. What is this doing to our society? What is it telling us about ease of access of information? I remember when I played for the Maccabi Basketball Olympics, and my teammate and I were hosted by a family. When we were greeted the father said to us "I googled your families and I know all about you already!" He laughed - my roommate and I felt really uncomfortable. Is this acceptable? What is technology doing to our society?

To play devil's advocate, what about our students who benefit greatly from advancing technology? As far as student learning profiles - students like Sarah, need technology to communicate and participate! The SmartScan is essential for Sarah! More advancing technology would help her even more so in the future. For students like Jack, with ADHD, technology like the SmartBoard could seriously aid him in his difficulty to maintain attention. What can we develop in the future to help him?

When we consider other students, what about communicating with students all around the world? What about technology like Gchat, or AIM? These really help to make our world that much smaller. Whether or not this is a good or bad thing, is controversial, but I think it really helps to make people more worldly and united. I think the only way these technologies become bad is when people abuse them.

How can we find a balance? What can we do? Will this be an everlasting problem as technology continually advances? I personally have a laptop, an iPhone, and iPod, TVs with HD. I read NYT online and read most articles online. I don't consider myself too advanced technologically, but am I? What is "normal" these days for use of technology? I find myself preferring to text and email rather than make a phone call. How is this influencing my social skills? What can we do to remedy these issues?

Assessment Issues

This week we discussed issues with assessment. There are so many. In essence, I think it is very challenging to make a test 100% fair for every student to take. However, this is only what is legal and right. We have to consider what each child is able to do and what they really need in order to show mastery of that skill. The question in my mind arises about state testing. When we have state testing, or laws like No Child Left Behind, we are subtly encouraging teachers to "teach to the test." This is not always as full or fulfilling education children deserve or can have. If we only teach children to pass a test, what are we really teaching them? How is education unique, and how can we justify that what is on the test are the only essential items students need to know? Is this stifling both student and teacher creativity?

There is a line of thought where students are given choice and independence when selecting a specific unit of study within a larger unit. Student feel interested and ownership of their learning. Learning becomes unique and special. This cannot be achieved when we teach to the test, and when we are given strict curricula and guidelines of how to accomplish this.

This is especially applicable for special education students. What if we had a student like Sarah with CP, or a student like Michael with Aspergers? Would they benefit and get the most out of their education from a clearly defined curricula? Also, with hypothetical students like our learning profile students we have to consider testing accommodations. It is hard, because these accommodations aren't always provided even if they are listed on the IEPs. If it interferes with the skill they are being tested on, then they aren't provided. This makes me think the test should not require any accommodations to begin with, right? Shouldn't we be considering UDL always with our students? This is something that is challenging but that we need to accomplish.

Overall, testing is a tough issue. There are so many things we have to consider. Is it necessary? What things should we be testing? How do we determine that? If we didn't have testing, would some students not be educated at all? Is it really just a regulation tool for teachers? What about accommodations? Shouldn't UDL be used?