Loretta+Grennon


 * Assistive Technology:**

I hope this page will offer some interesting websites, educational resources and articles for teachers in training. There is so much information on assistive technology available online. This is just a sampling of some resources that I have discovered to be interesting.

Technology integration in education is important for all students. For students with special educational needs, assistive technology can make a big difference in their learning, communication, social endeavors and overall connection to the classroom.


 * Technology integration in classrooms and assistive technology for teachers:**

[|**http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/projserv_ps/pschildrensmuseum.html**] The Center for Universal Design (CUD) at North Carolina State University focuses on the use of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) ideas for environments and housing. The CUD reports that it "has recently been contracted to review more than 10,000-square feet of exhibits and exhibit space for [the National Children's Museum in Washington, DC] ... With a focus on universal design, CUD strives to make environments and multisensory exhibit experiences more useable by everyone. This is a key component supporting the museum's goal of promoting equity and furthering the development of healthy, engaged, global citizens."

http://www.jigzone.com/ This site allows the user to create puzzles and solve puzzles, with a vide variety of designs and complexity. Users can upload photos to use as puzzles, can embed puzzles into their web pages or blogs and can interact with other users by sending puzzle postcard or comparing puzzle solve times.

http://standards.nctm.org/document/eexamples/chap4/4.1/index.htm#applet The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics has electronic examples of pattern making: "Creating, Describing, and Analyzing Patterns to Recognize Relationships and Make Predictions: Making Patterns."

http://ejad.best.vwh.net/java/patterns/patterns_i.shtml This website is run by a non-profit organization called Arcytech, which provides free tools to further its mission: "Improving Education through Technology.**//"//**

http://school.discoveryeducation.com/ Discovery Education has great resources, free of charge, such as Create Your Own Puzzles, Lesson Plan Library and Young Scientist Challenge.


 * Literacy and content area learning for students:**

http://www.bridge.net/~labush/nctm.htm This website is titled, "Hands on Math: Unifix Cubes and Pattern Blocks." It says, " 'Hands on Math' is an organization of ideas and teaching strategies learned, created and developed during my 27 years of teaching. Students learn best when they are actively involved in the lesson. When students are using Unifix Cubes and Pattern Blocks they are 100% involved in a hands-on activity, using multiple senses, and constructing understanding for themselves. Students are making their own discoveries. This is the highest form of teaching one can possibly achieve. M & M‘s, models and manipulatives, allow students to explore mathematical concepts in the concrete world. They then can create their own knowledge and easily move to the abstract. Everyone learns better given a good model, example, and given the time and materials to investigate new ideas. It is the teacher’s task to set the stage for this to occur."

http://www.customtyping.com/ This website teaches children and adult how to use the keyboard, with a variety of activities designed to be fun and engaging for learners with different interests. You can sample the website's activities free of charge, but to begin a formal program, this must be purchased. Some school districts will use this website, and provide each student with a userid and password, to practice in school or at home.

http://nlvm.usu.edu/ The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives allows interested users to download a free trial desk top version its mathematical activities. This site has activities for students from Pre-K to Grade 12.


 * Assistive technology devices and software to benefit teaching and learning:**

http://www.blink-twice.com/

http://www.flyworld.com/


 * Articles related to technology in education:**

[|****http://www.ahead.org/resources/articles.htm****] __Making Accomodations: The Legal World of Students with Disabilities__ by Paul D. Grossman

[|**http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/downloads/thirdparty/ABC-News_Tango.pdf**] __Person of the Week: Richard Ellenson; Father Devised Versatile Speech Device to Help Son__, ABCNews, July 31, 2006


 * Plan to improve knowledge in assistive technology**:

I plan to improve my knowledge in assistive technology by observing and learning in the field, at schools, transition programs and recreational facilities; by continuing my studies in this degree program; by seeking the answers through class discussion and collaboration with fellow students; by conferring with skilled, professional teachers; by researching additional professional learning opportunities, such as seminars and readings; and by using the Internet to learn about new technologies and advancements made to the technologies currently available.


 * Wikispaces and K-12 teachers:**

This is the first time I have used Wikispaces, and have found it to be a wonderful way to converse and share writings with colleagues. This has great applicability to teachers in classes for a wide range of ages and activities. As with any other kind of technology, its usefullness increases as teachers and students spend more time experimenting with it. With multiple users, knowledge of its capabilities, its helpful features and any of its less helpful features, can be disseminated throughout the user group, and enhance the individual's experience with this technology.


 * Plan to sustain the usability of homepage:**

As I learn more about new kinds of assistive technology, I will be able to update this homepage, as well as view the updates of my colleagues.