Monday, May 3, 2010

Mod 9: Podcast

Here is a link to the podcast I listened: http://iste.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=593535. The podcast was entitled, "ISTE Books Author Interview Episode 12: Christopher R. Bugaj and Sally Norton-Darr". They referenced their book The Practical (and Fun) Guide to Assistive Technology in Public Schools: Building or Improving Your District's AT Team

Assistive technology are the tools used to help students learn. They can be anything from a block of wood to complicated computer systems. Assitive technology is divided into three types. These are as follows:
1) Low tech
2) Medium tech
3) High tech
Low tech is anything that does not require electronics. Medium tech is anything that is an electronic device used for a specific purpose e.g. a reading pen. Complicated computer systems fall under the high tech category. You can use these for multiple tasks including things like voiced text and voice environmental controls.

In the classroom, you can use assistive technology through things like talking calculators for students who do not like math. When students have something like talking calculators, it can help them enjoy mathematics because they can hear the numbers. Assistive technology can help students do things that they have never done before. Anyone could use it in the classroom to help those students who may need extra support. It does not have to be expensive and any teacher can use it. Examples of classroom applications of assistive technology include pencil grippers, talking clocks to help students who have trouble with time, and enlarged text in books and on papers. Simple things like these provide students with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and are very easy to find. They help students overcome any fears they may have about the classroom.

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