Judith+Ayyad

//**__Hi there! Welcome to my Home Page....Hopefully this page will offer some insight into the life of a potential teacher and offer some resources that can be valuable whether you are in the field or just curious about Wikispaces...__**//

As some of my fellow classmates have shared, using electronic forms of communication for learning was not a part of our educational process while growing up. It takes a bit of retraining the mind to rely on these forms of instruction. Up until just a few months ago, I was still writing all of my assignments on paper and reluctantly copying them into Microsoft Word. Now, thanks to this course and many required and elective technology explorations, some of my apprehension towards the world of technology has been alleviated. Technology can be your friend if you can learn how best to utilize it!!

Universal Design for Learning ensures that all students receive necessary accommodations. Implementing instruction specifically for individual students also involves technology when traditional methods cannot adequately or properly serve them. As an educator, keeping an open mind to alternative forms of instruction is vital to properly teach todays' students. By expanding their knowledge with various forms of instruction, it prepares them for school and beyond. I intend to continue my quest for a better understanding of how assistive technologies can create a richer learning environment for myself and others and to expand my experiences on how to successfully incorporate them into instructional delivery.


 * Here are some websites with useful information on technology integration:**

[|http://www.powertolearn.com]

This website offers links for teachers including lesson plan ideas. It also has a parent section with an emphasis on internet safety. Additionally, it has links for students and spanish speakers.

[|http://www.funbrain.com]

Offers teachers fun, educational games and activities for their students. It has an online gradebook option and links to other resources to help teachers in the classroom.

[|http://www.quia.com]

This site offers personal web space for teachers to customize software and build around and share course materials. It also offers assessment and classroom management tools, class pages, calendars and online grade books. Students can interact online with their instructors and view posted grades. It also has games and email features.

[|http://www.imagelearning.com]

This is a research based english learning software system geared towards children whose first language isn't english. If included in the classroom, it differentiates individual instruction and monitors student progress. It can help any student regardless of cognitive function. It can be used as a supplement or a replacement to traditional english instruction methods.

[|http://www.adlit.org]

This site is geared towards students in grades 4-12. It offers resources, classroom ideas and strategies for better writing. It also includes links for research, parents books and author sites.


 * Websites for Students:**

[|http://www.culturegrams.com]

This site offers information on different cultures, daily life and customs in over 190 nations and all 50 states including the Canadian provinces. The site is frequently updated for accuracy and offers many links to useful, current world information. It includes graphics, research help, world reports and library databases.

[|http://nettrecker.com] This is a more productive search engine for school-age students that is "student-friendly". It's an content-appropriate alternative for google searches. It responds to both curriculum and keyword searches.

[|http://www.angelfire.com] This is a writing help site for elementary age students. It offers web resources and images to instruct students in a step-by-step format of the paper writing process. It offers tips and easy to understand explanations geared towards the younger student.


 * Possible AT Devices for the Classroom:**
 * text-to-speech
 * graphic organizers
 * larger keyboards
 * screen readers
 * audiobooks
 * talking word processors


 * Some suggested AT Software for the Classroom:**
 * Kurzweil
 * Wiggleworks
 * Inspiration/Kidspiration


 * A Few Websites for Assistive Devices:**

[|http://www.abledata.com] [|http://www.spinlife.com] [|http://www.onlinehandspeak.com] [|http://www.hotbraille.com]


 * Articles Related to Technology in the Classroom:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/education/20080304-9999-1n4ipods.html**

IPods aren't just for music anymore! This, I'm sure, will be the way of the future. Go ahead, nap in class, you can see what you missed later.

[|**http://thefischbowl.blogspot.com/2007/09/is-it-okay-to-be-technologically.html**]

Very interesting perspective on teachers role in AT awareness. (Scroll down to Fisch's 'list'). You gotta love this guys sense of humor-very realistic perspective!!

//**I will update this page when I feel I can add something of additional value. Along with Live Text, Wikispaces can be an important learning tool for myself and others. By sharing what we learn we can gain insights and ideas from our peers, expand our resource awareness and make connections within the field of education. This information can enhance our experiences not only in regards to technology but additionally can serve as sounding boards and places where the sharing of ideas can take place. It is just one of the avenues we can take to connect our learning to application.****//