Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Tech Issue
The fact that technology is becoming more and more a part of everyday life has significant effects on our classrooms as educators. It can help us in many ways, but often times with this help, there are downfalls. A classic example of this deals with special education. There is a lot of software out there to help struggling students: Write Out Loud, text-to-speech, etc. For kids who have a hard time writing and reading, these can be lifesavers in the classroom. It allows them some more independence. Once they have learned how to use these programs, they can do it on their own. But there is a big downside. Special education kids, more often than not, do not want to be singled out or treated differently than other children. These programs are obviously not for everyone. How do we get these students to feel comfortable using these programs then? Many times a teacher cannot take her whole class to the computer lab, but has one or two computers for kids who need them. But this draws attention to them, making them different. How can teachers utilize this great technology without isolating the students who may need it the most?
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6 comments:
You are asking good questions. IT is difficult to help struggling students with or without technology. Hopefully with practice and more knowledge, enhancing lessons with technology will become easier for educators. In my opinion it is crucial that the administrators starting from the top come to terms with the use of technology in their schools and help the educators.
I have several students who utilize technology that others don't. However, I think that the kids are more accepting than we sometimes think. My bilingual students get excited about using Rosetta Stone software and the other kids are even jealous. This may not remain true when they get older, but I think that the special ed kids and bilingual kids know that they are different. Having them use special software is no different then giving them modified work. We want them to be successful, so we should be willing to use what ever method or means will help them to do so.
I completely agree with what you are saying. I think students though are much more understanding of others around them with these circumstances than we think. Students in my room do use the computers as an aid for learning and the other students do think much of it, let alone talk or complain about it. Students who are using these additional resources haven't seemed to feel left out, in fact, they seem more comfortable because it's something that makes learning more effective for them and they can connect with the information being presented. Maybe it's different being that you teach junior high age because they are older and more in tune to peers around them?
I agree with Bobbi's comments that administrators need to step in and help solve this program. Possibly, they could add more in service dates, that would be dedicated to helping teachers to get a better grasp on technology. I feel strongly that lessons need to be presented with varied approaches in hopes of better reaching all types of learners. What better way to teach than integrating some of the newest technology into a lesson!
Being a special education teacher, I come across this problem quite often. I have two non-readers who should rely on a talking word process or a co-writer program, but they almost refuse to use it. Middle school children do not want to look different. The only time they will use the software is if we are in my classroom, where they feel most comfortable. It is my obligation to have to my students access it because it is in their IEP goals. The only piece of equiptment I can get them to use is an AlphaSmart (a portable keyboard). So to overcome of the issues in the computer lab, I rely on using the AlphaSmart.
One way to perhaps change this issues is to educate the whole class on the program. Even though it may seem too 'elementary' for some students, I think they are all interested in what their classmates are doing. They may feel less singled out if their classmates already know what these special programs are and what they do. I bet there would even be some students who would be willing to learn the program so that they can help those who need the assistance.
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