Universal Design of Learning

Cast UDL Modules


I liked how in Module 1 Introduction to UDL: it explained what the three networks were. The recognition network is part of the sensory parts that help with eyes, ears, nose, and throat. This is part is in the back of the brain. It s able to identify and interrupt what see and hear. The strategic networks located in the front of the brain and controls how you move and able to figure out things like driving. The affective networks is located in the center of the brain. It makes us excited, fearful, novel to us, and makes the most important.


Module 2 Applying UDL to Lesson Planning: it shows how to implement a lesson plan to explore the ways to use the UDL for learning. You can listen to sections and it will explain how to use the UDL. It has flexibility with materials and curriculum.


http://www.udlcenter.org/resource_library/videos/udlcenter/udl this is video showing how the UDL works with students. If you look through the website has many different resources for one to get  acquainted with UDL. Take a look at it.


 I am amazed how different ways we can help students but on the other hand we are using he common core state standards we boxed them all. In the 21st century we should be embracing all students more then ever with all the technologies available today. Why aren't we using UDL more and trying to help our students? I question only because we don't do enough differentiation anymore.

Tech and Physical Disabilities

Physical Disabilities on any person can sometimes have high anxiety.  Being able to function in any kind of setting is stressful if you don't have the capabilities like the people around you. people can feel defeated if they don't have the tools to be successful. That is why it is important for us to help them to be a success no matter where they go. Schools should make sure that there is room for any type of modifications for a student that has a physical disability.


Teachers need the guidance if a student has a disability to modify their classroom so the student feels included. That means moving tables, chairs, desk for wheelchair or someone who might have canes for walking. If a wheelchair can't fit in the classroom then what alternative can we help the child will feel like their apart of the class? This is when the teacher, special ed teacher, parents/guardian, psychologist, PT, OT, and maybe an outside source coming together to work on a solution for the student.


I tried to go the link for axistive technology and it didn't let me access very much. I was trying to explore the AT devices and it just stayed on the home page. I don't think that site was very good.
Teaching Hub Education has a lot of resources for physical disabilities. This is great because not only does it show you pictures it also gives explanations on the products and how to use them in the classroom. I enjoyed looking at the links it has for all grades levels. It even has some useful articles to read.


Meeting  the Needs with Students who have Physical Disabilities I liked this articles because it has many options on the needs we should address when trying to figure out AT devices for students who have an physical disabilities. This article should be given to teachers so they can have a better understanding of the possible devices that is out there. It reminds e of a kind of overview.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrJA7glzIBA This youtube talks about wireless technology to help with AT.
http://blog.seattlepi.com/candacewhiting/2012/10/18/scuba-technology-opens-the-underwater-world-to-those-with-disabilities/ This is a blog about a scuba diving for someone in a wheelchair. You have to watch this because this women helps people see he underworld in a wheelchair. Technology will always change and giving any person with access to the water world is amazing.

Early Childhood and Technology

You would think that in this day and age, technology would abundant in early childhood programs. But to teach technology to the young three years old is a challenge in itself. I believe you can teach the young children but we should do it a way that will benefit them mentally and have some sort of stimulation for the brain. Lets not just teach children this is a computer and I am going to let you play on it. There should be knowledgeable staff at the site to help foster the learning for the children. By setting up different activities can help the children learn all about the ways computers can help them. Today children will all have some sort of encounter with technology viva the smartphone to the laptop computer. You can teach children certain etiquette in working on the computer. But it should be done in a contained environment with helpful knowledgeable staff.

I like the article I read about the advantages of introducing technology to children. We should remember children will learn at different rates and their cognitive ability is different from each other. If head start and UPK programs had people who knew what skill level to help the children in, then yes this would be a benefit. Sometimes I think certain programs just don't know where to go to get information on the technology to help broaden the horizons in children's learning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOhb4n4ADbM Technology in Early Childhood-this shows preschoolers interacting with the smart board. This is a great way to get students excited about learning and the use of technology.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGbDgSpWAak Preschool Incorporates the IPad in students learning. This is from the director of the center who speaks highly about the 21st century learning that students are expected to know.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_pIK7ghGw4 Singapore's take on the 21st century learning and technology. I thought this would be interesting for you to watch because everyone is embracing the world of technology.

ESL and Technology

I honestly never thought but ESL students. Especially when it comes to supportive or adaptive technology to help them succeed in school. As I read the last article we only have the basics for ESL students Such as: electronics dictionaries and word processors to support students in writing.  This is a shame with all the wonderful technologies that are coming available to students with disabilities. The question is "why" don't we have stuff for students who come to our country? I feel like we are falling behind in technology for all students.


http://www.mastersinesl.org/blog/instructional-technology-tools-in-the-esl-classroom/ I thought this would be a great resource for teachers to look over. Since we are talking about ESL students.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErJaKKgnedY The ESL Classroom of 2016 is a ten minute video on the future. I thought this would be interesting to watch because it is the future and we should be prepared.




Most schools have a diversity of students from different countries. We should be ready and equipped in our classrooms to help those students. I do wonder if any schools talk about ESL students and technology. We shouldn't assume that they can learn like everyone else. I also believe their should be a class in technology to help them.

Technology and EBD

In the first article, by Julia Long she gives statics on what can happen if we don't help with children who have emotional and behavioral disturbances.  It is true children who do experience a hardship in learning tend to give up and quit. Some do know how to push through their issues while some don't know what to do. I do agree we should help students no matter what. But I also believe teachers and staff have to be equipped with tools so they can help.


Having the resources in technology could be a great advantage in a students outcome in life. But, we should give them the skills they need to survive life.  Not just a reward system. 


I like the second article about "Using Computers" for children with emotional and behavioral disorders. I think the article had a lot of value. It gave the reasons why we should use the computer as reward for students who experience outburst.  Technology can be a great tool for students if used properly and teachers are consistent with expectations. If teachers stay true to the students technology will only benefit the students.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn9wxOr4ofs emotional and behavioral disorder.


I worked with students who have had emotional and behavioral disorders. In my own experience it is easier to calm a student down if there is a person who will just listen to them. I never saw any student who had technology as a reward. I bet if that was an option students who have these disorders could have been more responsive to their learning environments. I do like the idea of using technology as another tool for students who have emotional or behavioral disorder.

Funding

First, let me say I didn't know New York State had so many companies that cater to Assistive Technology for resources. I think that is great but I do wonder, "Why we make it so hard for people to get the devices they need to help their everyday life? I know technology is expensive, but we need to give everyone a fighting chance to live a productive life. I feel in my own experience that we always start small before we go big for any type of AT service.  I worked for BOCES and teachers would make simple AT's before they would request anything to expensive. I know schools says it's all about money and they don't have it. I think that AT should be in the budget so students can benefit from their learning and life skills.


The funding for AT looks like people with disabilities have to jump through hoops.  In the reading it also states that most devices are only for school. If students need AT devices at school then more then likely they will need it at home.  Some schools don't allow the AT to go home because they say it's theirs because they helped purchase the device. That seems highly unfair considering schools should see that each student as an individual. That is why I believe schools should have a fund to help with students with disabilities. Every student deserves the same respect and FAPE as any other student.


Students who have and IEP and need anything from glasses to a wheelchair the school has to provide it. That falls under the IDEA which states all students receive the necessary services to help them.


http://www.ataporg.org/ Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs is helpful site for parents and teachers.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcUNnnwFm4g met Mason and his AT.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB9pKkZoJDc simple said AT
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYKUxOdUAao meet Jared he is a web designer.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYKUxOdUAao meet Elle and her DynaVox,


I thought I would give you access on AT devices different people use. Every person has a unique AT device are helpful for their particular need.

Communication Board

I finally made my communication board and went to Chili's to use it. I put on a timer before I went in so I could make sure I did sixty minutes. My boyfriend was not used of me talking, he had a  hard time adjusting. When I pointed to something on my board he wouldn't talk back.  He would shake his hand or head. I warned him before we went out but he didn't realize, how hard it would be.


I used the board to try to talk to him, but I felt like it was not real. I did the best I could of done. Now all I have to do is my reflection and script. It felt good to be done with my adventure of no talking. We take for granted we will always have a voice. But having no voice is no fun.

Assistive Technologyand the Law

In the reading on what it means for AT devices seems very vague. I feel like it doesn't give clear information what type of assistive technology one can use. AT can run from a simple homemade device to a computer device. I think teachers have a hard time knowing the difference. Unless it is about money then you know which one can be used. In my past I made AT devices for students because I was a one-one-aide to them. I knew my student better then anyone. It used to get me mad when the special education teacher would step in and try to tell me to do something with the student. The teacher never had any real time with students because there was about eight students in the class. Who were all highly autistic with different sensory issues.  Most mornings we were just trying to get the students to feel comfortable at school. Some had issues with noise, touching certain things, eating, violent behavior, screaming, and even a change in schedule.


The teachers aides are the ones who came up with AT devices for the students. We made pictures and put them in order on a board. We had recorded voices on a four button control board. We did a lot and even got beat-up sometimes by the student. No pun intended, just reality. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9mhONOVxLg this is a short video on AT


http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ny-blind-high-school-teacher-sees-students-like-no-other-educator/ This a teacher who is blind and teaches in Farmingdale, NY. What an inspiration to all educators. AT hasn't been around long enough but this teacher has adapted to all the changes and is one of the best.

Tech and Sensory Impairments

Having any kind of impairment can be frustrating and sometimes a disadvantage. But with today's technologies we can give people a helpful hand. I wear contacts that has always been an issue for me. I can't see like some of my friends who have a 20/20 vision. If I didn't have my contacts or glasses on I would be lost. I can see colors but it is very blurry for me and I would get a headache.


I have the new Windows 8 on my computer and have seen lot of the suggestions on the site already. I love the fact I have touch screen on my laptop/ I have a few suggestions is that it seems overly sensitive. I get frustrated at times because if I am doing something the screen will disappear from my page without me touching it.  The magnifier on Windows 8 is a great resource  and could be useful in the classroom for students who need to see things up closer.  In the classrooms today they have the old magnifiers for students use. Not up to date technology.


http://www.sense.org.uk/content/press-release-new-booklet-%E2%80%93-multi-sensory-impaired-children-hospital This a news report from the U.K. I thought it would be nice to read how a different country helps people who have impairments.




http://www.playworks.net/special-needs-toys.html This a website where you can buy special toys for sensory play. I thought this would be great to share because sometimes we have students who need a little extra in the classroom.


I believe it is important to understand that people are just people. We all have something that puts us at a disadvantage but we can overcome it. I am grateful to the experiences I have with students with disabilities. Reading about all the new advances in technology can only help students who really need it. But we shouldn't take away from the human experience either.

Exceptional Students

The first article I read was "Creating a Virtual Learning Environment for Gifted and Talented Learners". Creating a virtual classroom for students who are beyond their peers is a great idea. Students would get more out of their learning if they have challenges. Informational Technology needs to be utilized in a way that students get the most out of learning. I like the idea of the virtual thematic unit for the virtual learning environment.using multicultural in students learning can only benefit them. I feel this article has many websites that any teacher can use. I know getting technology involved in a classroom is daunting to some teachers all that is really needed is someone with experience to help them.

I feel like all we do is categorize students and really don't take the time for real person. Students who are both gifted and learning disabled puts them into two categories that they probably don't want to deal with. But how can the student be challenged and engaged in their learning is the real question. As an educator we should be working to common goal of enabling the student to strive for their needs. It can only help them if we show them. 

   
 
http://www.learnnc.org/lp/editions/every-learner/6776 Inclusion in the 21st-century classroom: Differentiating with technology By Bobby Hobgood, Ed.D. and Lauren Ormsby

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qznrGDwSD0 Special Populations in Gifted Education

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_22141470/scant-attention-paid-gifted-and-special-needs-students Are gifted and special-needs students being left behind? By Lisa Wirthman

http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/adhd-related-issues/giftedness/giftedness-learning-disabilities 

Giftedness and Learning Disabilities By Sheldon H. Horowitz, Ed

I put up two youtube videos and two articles on the topic at hand.

Use and Benifits of Pecs

I watched and listened to: A Clear Picture: The Use and Benefits of Pecs by Lori Frost M.D.  This webcast was informative and useful for people who might be just learning that his/her child has autism. It shows that pecs communication is of value to children who have autism. They are able to express in away that they never could before. I also believe this would be good for incoming teachers who don't know how to help parents. Not every special education teacher has the ability to interact with a child who doesn't speak. I'm not trying to be judgmental about special education teachers it is just reality.

I have to say I am glad I have the experience and knowledge. Listening to this audio is somewhat monotone I think it should have an engaging voice that would keep someone interested. The webcast has many different examples from school and home life. Teaching autistic children is step-by-step process that takes time and a lot of practice.

Most students can learn by modeling but when a child has autism it is safe to say,  they learn in phases and it takes both school and home to work together. Pecs is a greats system in the mind of a child who doesn't have the words.

Pecs is alternative to communicate. Just pictures is not a real form to pecs this would be consider as a myth. If you want to use pecs for your child talk to your school because they can get the program,  Improving the communication can help you and your child. Parents need the information in a way they can understand. I would recommend this webcast to teachers and parents.

Teachers should use this webcast for parents or even for trainings. We need to support the special education teachers and all people who are involved in helping students. We have to come together and be one.

Misunderstood Minds

I had the wonderful opportunity to experience Misunderstood Minds in my undergrad for a class on students with disabilities. So this would be my second time doing this exercise. I find all of it very difficult to do and concentration was not even a factor. My son who has ADHD all ways told me he never understood writing and reading. I knew when he as younger he needed the help in those two areas. But unfortunately his elementary school told me nothing is wrong with his learning.  He never got the true help he deserved.

When he was 13 years old a doctor diagnosed him ADHD. We were happy we knew why he was bouncing around and never could sit still.  He was always called a trouble maker and just didn't want to learn. That was not the case at all. He just had more energy then he could control at one sitting. I understanding the video that many kids can just have the personality but doesn't mean they have that diagnoses. My son was good at all the hands on learning but when it came to writing or any reading he had no interest to learn it or even try to. I tell you when you have to fight with a school who you thought looked out for their students and did nothing. My son was left behind and moved on because he was good at the other subjects.

I see students today in the classroom who have the same ADHD as my son. Who have tools and resources to help them through out the day. But since I found out my son was 13 years old diagnosed with it we had no help for him. My son is a smart boy and can learn, he never ever studies for a test and an pass. He may not be a great writer but he has gotten by his other talents. Today he takes Adderall for his ADHD. But being 17 and deciding when to take it is on him He is not consentient as he should be with the medication. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaEyuicY_NM

Technology

Students with disabilities have a wider range of freedom in speaking. Having all the advances could either hinder or help them with thought process. I believe teachers need to be aware of the technology but they also need to learn the technology. 

The two articles I just read have a lot of information that can be overwhelming for a teacher. I think when you see the product and what they can do is more helpful then reading about it. In my past experiences I have had the opportunity to use and interact with students who use such advices in the classroom. Teachers sometimes get the advices but don't really know how to use them correctly.

Special education is always trying to improve a students function in the classroom. I understand giving a voice to students who don't have one is beneficial in a way in understanding their needs. Giving all students the advantage in learning is going to help students in the long run.

Sometimes technology is not always used in a suitable way for students. Crash courses for teachers is downfall for students learning. If we improve teachers knowledge of all the available devices then we will see students learning for themselves. Collaboration is what teachers should do. We should make learning enjoyable for all our students.