Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Technology Post #10: Skype



Skype is a program that you can find on-line. It is a "free" phone system. If you have a computer, microphone, internet, and a webcam you can communicate with people anywhere in the world (as long as they also have internet, computer, microphone, and a webcam.) If you pay you can also call people on their home and cell phones. This is great if you want to have penpals in another country- your students can actually speak with and see their penpals!

http://www.skype.com/

Technology Post #9: 1,2,3 Math Fonts



1,2,3 Math Fonts is a program that allows teachers to write with Mathematical Symbols. This is great for making worksheets, games, quizes, and tests!

http://www.justusteachers.com/Math_Fonts.html

Technology Post #8: Screen Magnifiers


Screen Magnifiers are used for those with visual impairments. They can be a software that is installed or something that is added to the computer like a magnifying glass.

Technology Post #7: Sip and Puff Systems



Sip and Puff systems are designed for people whom are quadriplegic. Some of my students have very little motor skills and a sip and puff system could benefit them so that they are able to move without assistance. Sip and Puff systems can be used on many different things. One example is a sip and puff system could be installed on a door so that a person could open a door by himself. It could be installed on a wheelchair so that the person can move himself.

http://www.thescizone.com/news/articles/801/1/Learning-a-new-routine/Page-1.html

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Technology Post #6: Switches



Switches are another assistive technology device that can be used for students who have poor small motor skills. A switch can be programed to create a certain outcome when pressed. For example, I have a student that has very little motor ability (Small or gross)- if I program a switch to play the student's favorite song when pressed that could encourage the student to use his gross motor ability to press the switch. It is a positive reinforcement for him to learn a lesson on movement.

http://www.nkkswitches.com/

Technology Post #5: Touch Screen Monitors



Touch screen monitors are beneficial to individuals who have difficulty with small motor ability. They allow the user to manipulate and work on the computer without having to use the small keyboard. This would be ideal for the students that I service as many of them have very little small motor control.

http://www.posguys.com/monitor_34/Elo-TouchSystems-3000-Series-AccuTouch_393/

Technology Post #4: FM Systems


FM Systems are very similar to hearing aids. The difference is that with an FM System the presenter wears a microhphone that is directly linked to the ear piece that the student with hearing difficulty wears. This is useful when you have students with hearing impairments. The FM Systems also help to filter out background noise.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Technology Post #3: My Own Bookshelf


My own bookshelf is a software that allows the teacher to upload 9 books per shelf. The student can then access the books and listen to them being read. The teacher has access to the student's file so that she knows which book the child accesses the most. Books can be removed and new stories uploaded.

Technology post #2: augmentative and alternate communication (AAC) devices



The Augmentative and Alternate Communication (AAC) Devices are used to give speech to students whom are unable to speak do to their disability. I have 8 students in my class and of the 8 only 3 are verbal. This device would be wonderful for my students. They would be able to communicate and express themselves in a way that they will never have the opportunity to do.

http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/AAC.htm

Technology post #1- Smart Board



The SmartBoard is a great technology device for the classroom. It allows students to interact with the lesson by manipulating the items on the board. It is also wonderful because there is no mess. Students can draw on the board without getting marker ink or chalk on themselves or anything else. Entire units can be created using the SmartBoard.
http://www.smart-boards.com/?gclid=CKiR0873vZUCFRpknAodHzuuRQ

Website Evaluation

Web Site Evaluation
Your Name: _Beth Pinheiro
Name of Site: _Scholastic
Date: __9/1/2008_____
URL: http://teacher.scholastic.com/lessonrepro/sendhome/index.htm___________
Time: __4:30 p.m.
1 = Poor 5 =Exceptional
Design
1. Navigation tools are good. Links are clearly labeled.
5
2. Can move from page to page easily.
5
3. Site offers interactivity. The visitor is engaged..
5
4. Can easily find information.
5
5. This site is aesthetically pleasing. Good use of color and graphics.
5
Content
1. Site is properly titled.
5
2. Additional resource links are included.
5
3. Information is useful.
5
4. Rich content and will likely be revisited.
5
5. Rate this web site as it compares in content to similar web sites.
5
Technical Elements
1. All links work.
5
2. Thumbnail graphics used. Graphics are appropriately sized.
5
3. Alternative text page is offered when heavy graphics or frames are used.
4
4. Image links and image maps have a text alternative.
1
5. Site shows meaningful information within 30 seconds.
5
Credibility
1. Contact person is stated with e-mail address.
3
2. Indicates when this page was last updated.
1
3. Links are current. (Last 3- 6 months)
5
4. Resource links used to develop content are included.
1
5. States the name of the host school or organization.
5
Total Possible Points = 100
Total Score of this web site: _84______
How would you improve this site? __This is a website created by a book company. I do not expect some of the things that I would expect from other sites. I think it is just fine how it is

How would you use this site for your teaching? _I have used the Scholastic site in the past. It has many valuable resources for teachers, parents, and students.

10 Criteria for accessing a web page

1. Handicapped Access- As I am a teacher in a mod.- sev. classroom having hadicapped accessibility is important to me as well as my students.
2. Navigability- A page that is difficult to find things on is extremely frustrating. I want to be able to find what I am lookingfor in a couple of clicks.
3. Accuracy- The information MUST be correct.
4. Dates/Currency- I do not want old information that is no longer valid. I need to have up to date information in order to present my students with current information.
5. Audience- The website needs to be presented for the students that I am showing it to or for me when I am looking for the information I need.
6. Objectivity- It is not my job to bestow my beliefs on my students. It is my responisbility to educate and inform my students. Therefore, non-biased; informative sites are best.
7. Aesthetic/ Visual Appeal- Who wants to look at a boring web page? Make it interesting!
8. Students Collaborate with other sites- Having links to other sites encourages the students to research more.
9. Accessibility- A website that only operates with windows is no good in a school that only has Macs.
10. Author Bibliography- It is nice to have information about the author so that we can see if the information is accurate or not by locating other items published by the person.