Week 11, Module 2

While searching the Enablemart website, I was reminded of my undergraduate studies in speech pathology. There was an emphasis on communication devices, both low and high tech. One of the major differences between humans and animals, is the ability to verbally communicate. For as long as humans have walked the earth, individuals who were unable to communicate had very few, if any, tools to communicate. It is amazing that technology has given these individuals a way to have their voice heard. When viewing the second video in module 2, I thought how wonderful that woman must feel to finally be able to express herself.

I came across the hearing section of the Enablemart website and realized hearing and visual impairments are probably the most common disabilities found in a workplace and school. The level of impairment will of course vary greatly. I would expect technology devices aimed at these 2 impairments would be quite advantageous. Keeping in mind of course that other disabilities will need to be addressed depending on the needs of the workplace or school.

Module 2, discovery exercise 2 asks us to provide 3 simple accommodations in an environment to assist a co-worker.

• For someone bound to a wheelchair, creating an open environment free of clutter is essential. Moving furniture and eliminating unnecessary floor clutter will accomplish this.
• For a low vision impairment, making sure workplace signs are in large font sizes is a simple environmental change
• having appropriate furniture for persons with wheelchairs is also an essential for the workplace environment (i.e. low filing cabinets, appropriate height desks, etc.)

Assistive technology is without a doubt, helpful to those who need it. However each assistive technology device whether low tech, high tech, software, hardware, needs to be properly evaluated. What may work well for one student, will not be the right choice for another even if they share they same disability.

It is also important for the caregivers and teachers to understand and receive training on the assistive technology. It will only serve as a help if the student, teachers, and caregivers understand the device.

Week 10, AT & Module #1

Through the media and famous individuals who cope with disabilities, those with disabilities can have an example of success.  They too can have great success.

The National Federation of the Blind offered many tips for teaching with a visually impaired student.  However I believe the activities are also highly beneficial for students without a visual impairment.  Content is not learned by using a single teaching method.  One must teach content by accommodating those that are kinesthetic, visually, or auditory learners.  Keeping these learning styles in mind, is how I would approach a class with a visually impaired student.  Another key for visually impaired students mentioned by the NFB are braille books with tactile graphics.  One example is a tactilely organized book of the universe including constellations and planets.  These activities and resources can also be a help to other students. 

If I were introducing to students what it is like to be blind, we would tap into their other 4 senses during a sensory activity.  The activity would involve a fun activity followed by an actual lesson so they may grasp the feeling.

The National Center for Learning Disabilities offered so many resources and suggestions for working with LD students.  One particular section stood out.  They suggest a few key points that can easily be overlooked:

• Help them to create and maintain a positive image of themselves
• Maintain high academic standards
• Do not lower academic standards to help their self esteem
• When possible, refer to the student's IEP plan for specific accommodations

Other suggestions included:

• teach explicitly while instructing on the writing process
• provide feedback on the positives and negatives of their writings
• Coordinate for students with disabilities to tutor younger students, with close monitoring
• Peer mediated reading

This website offers wonderful resources for teachers, something I wish I would have known of during my experience in the school system.

Week 9, Thing 23

I can't believe our 23 Things are complete!  Growing up with technology and the Internet, I thought I knew what I needed to regarding websites and tools.  How wrong I was!  This served as an eye opener to the amazing tools available on the Internet, tools that can specifically be applied to libraries.

Resources and exercises I enjoyed most, and continue to use, are:

• Delcious.com (After learning of this website, I use this tool at work on a daily basis)
• Web 2.0 Award Winners Website
• Podcasts

There will always be new tools surfacing, thus I will rely on the Web 2.0 Award Winners and a website I discovered through a search on Delicious.com called www.Mashable.com.  If the CSLA offers a continuation or updated version of this class, I would love to enroll.  

To improve upon the course, I would like to see more "how to's."  Such as, how to make your own podcast.  

If I were to describe this journey in one sentence (as requested)..."23 Things afforded me the opportunity to become more efficient and creative while offering my library patrons technology resources a step above a typical and dull library website."