April 23, Webinars

April 30 Class, The Past, Present and the Future:


This power point presentation compared how the classroom has changed over the years for students with various learning differences, especially in the area of assistive technology. It is amazing how AT has changed so dramatically over the last 5 years with the introduction of Ipads, ipods and iphones. This presentation emphasized that AT is about providing access to a task and improving and enhancing performance of students with disabilities. The topic of AT assessments was introduced. This is where AT is matched to the student based on; skillset and needs (strengths and challenges), environment or "milieu"(where the student will use the AT and the degree of knowledge and support that will be in the environment), the task the student is asked to perform, and the characteristics of the AT itself. There was an emphasis on the fact that these factors are constantly and continually changing and that assesments are not just a "one" time thing but an ongoing collaborative process.It was very motivating to see how the At had changed over time for the individual students discussed in this presentation.

“Technology does not replace good instruction; it makes good instruction more accessible given the nature of the children’s significant differences.”

Presentation 1: Apps for Learning Disabilities:
This presentation discussed apps that are beneficial for students with Learning Disabilities. A key apps that was discussed was Ibooks and how important they can be for students who have issues with reading. Paper port notes was another app that was highlighted. I have this app on all of my ipads in the learning centre because it was recommended to me by our AT mentor. I haven't really explored all its features yet, so this presentation was great way for me to learn all about it. I will definitely be exploring it more and hopefully introducing it to several of my students in the near future. I also know that the grade 6 teacher in my school would love an app like this for all her students which goes hand in hand with the universal design for learning we are always talking about. It was interesting to note that one school was incorporating quite a bit of mobile technology while the other was not at all! We all seem to be at different stages in this area.

Presentation 2: Top FREE Apps in Special Education:
This group started off with their school survey results. They used a fluid survey to collect their results and their presentation of those results were very impressive! We were asked to collect data usually a Fluid Survey in my Data Management course and it was quite impressive. This group also highlighted a few different apps such as Dragon Dictation and Pocket Pond which I both use although I find Dragon Dictation has a few issues with its speech to text component because it often doesn't pick up certain words and accents (especially our Cape Breton accent!) and also that you have to import your writing into another app. Tiki notes was also discussed and its use for students with fine motor difficulties. I have this on my school ipads but really didn't know much about it, now I do!

Presentation 3: Apps that Enhance Performance of Individuals with Extreme Autism: 
This group started off by discussing the apps (touch trainer)that teach precursor skills that students need to have to use the ipad. Then they moved on to discuss a variety of apps that help with Sensory Regulation, Attention to Task, Communication, Imitation, Following Directions, Making Choices and Varied Skills. I was aware of and actually use a lot of these apps because I work with quite a few students with autism. One app that I haven't heard of before was Word Slap which is a app to aid in making choices.Another term that was new to me was "App Mashing" which I learned is using several apps to create on product. Would love to know more about that!

Presentation 4: Learning About Apps to Support Students with LD:
This group started out by stating that the ipad makes learning accessible to all! They compared how mobile devices were used in their three schools.Once again there was quite a bit of discrepancies. I liked the idea that one school had about students BYOD (bringing their own devices) I have students that use Word Q but I didn't know that it was available in french! I will certainly be passing that information on to our french resource teacher!

Presentation 5: Exciting New Apps for LD:
This presentation started off with a very powerful Utube video with a young girl speaking about her learning disabilities. I will certainly be going back to watch the complete video. I honestly think that is the area where we are struggling the most at our school. Helping those students with learning disabilities show what they know and be successful! Providing remediation is important but so is providing compensatory tools for these students. There is a time when we just have to give them the technology they need!

 




Presentation 6: New Apps for Learning Disabilities:
This presentation focused on a variety of apps that would benefit students with learning disabilities. There was a focus on Paperport notes, Book Creator and Prizmo.There was also mention of Math Practice, Panther Math Paper and Panther Calculator. I really enjoyed the pictures of "real" Students and the interview with a  Grade 7 student commenting on how AT has helped him in school.What really resonated with me was how one school is really incorporating assistive technology into the school and how the teachers are really stepping up to the plate and using technology with their schools. I loved the idea of how one teacher is putting on professional development workshops for other teachers and when 8 courses or workshops have been completed, the teacher can get a free laptop or ipad. Sign me up!