My Thoughts On Assistive Technology & Communication

Technology!?  

After taking the Assistive Technology course this summer, I was looking forward to integrating more technology into my teaching. My enthusiasm quickly died once I started to work at a school that did not keep up with technological advancements. It took two months for me to get an overhead projector that work. I still do not have a LCD projector. It does become annoying to try to get one from another teacher who needs to use theirs on a regular basis. I almost forgot to mention that there is no wireless access in most part of the school. One has no other choice but to use lots of hand outs and transparencies to deliver daily lessons. Day 1: The Assistive Technology course only reinforced what I do not like to admit. I am not meeting the needs of all my learners (LD, non-English speakers and non-LD). Why can all schools have equal access to technology that can enhance students learning? I do not like hearing myself talk for too long ... I am sure that my students feel the same. I would prefer if my students used Apps and programs such as iMovie, Evernote or Glogster to display their knowledge of the materials covered in class. I do not like to carry loads of papers to mark. Today’s learners are so knowledgeable and most importantly comfortable with technology. It would make one extremely happy to mark well designed assignment, in lieu of poorly readable ones. Many of my students would love to create a short ‘movie trailer’ with iMovie or prepare an oral presentation with Pic Collage (visual aid).

I do believe that students want to be successful in their learning. However, they do not know how to communicate their knowledge to us educators because we do not speak the same language (old school vs. modern school). Effective communication between students and teachers needs to become a priority in schools. Technology can help both students and teachers improve their level of receptiveness to information shared on a daily basis. I cannot fathom the high level of frustration LD students, such as Susie Ruben, experience on a daily basis. They also have something to say. Their silence or disruptive behavior does not equate to lack of knowledge. Susie Ruben is a perfect example of that. Individuals gave themselves the right to presume that Susie could not be educated because she was not able to communicate'the 'normal' ways (orally and written). The technological advancement, of the time, gave Susie a voice. Nobody I know wants to be ignored or misunderstood because they have verbal and written limitations.

Proloquo2Go

Non-verbal communicators are slowly, but surely getting their voice back. They are no longer required to carry a binder full of flashcards (communication tool). They can use Proloquo2Go (Apple App) with an Ipod touch, Ipad or Iphone to share their ideas, knowledge and feelings. I believe that accessibility and adaptability are two key words to keep in mind when creating any communication tools for LD (non-verbal) students. My partner and I kept these two words in mind when creating the communication tool for Felishia. Based on the information, time allocated, and familiarity with the App my partner and I did our best to meet all the needs of our student. The entire experience was gratifying. I believed that Felishia will be having an easier time to communicate with her peers, teachers and family.

My observations during the creation of the Communication tool

 My partner and I needed to remind ourselves that we were creating a communication tool for someone else. It sometimes felt like we were both trying to impose our likes above Felishia’s. This is why we kept our LD learners’ profile as vague as possible. We did not want to make assumptions about her needs, and daily realities (mostly used info provided in profile)

It would have been much easier to have more information about the LD learner, her family and classmates. All LD students have to right to get a tailored communication tool. A tight cooperation between educators, student and their parent(s) is crucial in creating a communication tool that will benefit all. We made sure to use simple words/vocabulary that can be understand by the many individuals Felishia will encounter on a daily basis.

Joint attention between all the individuals creating the communication tool is necessary. It took my partner and me hours to create minimal work. While doing the activity, one could not stop wondering how much time it takes to create a complete communication board with Proloquo2go?

Future improvements to existing communication tool

 Felishia’s communication tool will have to be modified as the year goes by because her needs and abilities will most likely change in the span of a school year.

My partner and me created folders that would not require Felishia to press too many buttons because she mostly uses one hand. We spaced the folders and included a 0.1 sec time delay to make sure that she gets time to control her hand movement on the Ipad, I phone or Ipod Touch. It is alosselected the lighter to carry around. Furthermore, most schools will purchase Ipads and not Ipod/Iphone to be utilized by LD students during the school day. My partner and I did not know Felishia financial realities at home. One could not assume if she used an Ipod touch, Ipad or I phone. Are families with LD children entitled to financial assistance to purchase technological devices that will help their child communicate with others?

Finally, while doing the proloquo2go activity, one has no choice but to realize that not all human think the same way. In order for effective communication to take place one needs to have an ‘organized’ thinking process. Unfortunately, this does not always happen for LD learners (verbal and non-verbal). The information they try to convey can often get lost in translation.

Communication

Communication is crucial in helping individuals of all walks of life and ages share ideas, feelings, knowledge, etc. However, not all communication is effective. One might not have the ability or knowledge to use common communication techniques (oral or written). In other cases, one’s realities (ethnicity, cultures, learning abilities, economic status, etc) can determine how well their communication skills will be received by others. Personally, I find it sometime difficult to convey what I want without having people misunderstanding what comes out of my mouth. Apparently my “accent” or low voice makes it hard for some people to stay engage when listening to me. It looks like I will never make it into the elitist world of stellar communicators. The same applies to any individuals who cannot speak a certain language properly or write it. This later statement makes my heart go to individuals who are not viewed, by society, as able communicators. Time, effort, and open-mindedness are crucial in giving ‘disabled’ communicators a voice.

Virtual Class & Webinars

February 9, 2013

Virtual Class:  Class was canceled today because of a Blizzard. The virtual class was quite enjoyable. I do appreciate the option of being in school, in the comfort of my home. Virtual classes should be made available to students who have a chronic illness (absenteeism due to illness). Their learning would not suffer as much as they would be able to be part of a class (present assignments to the rest of the students). Furthermore, I do believe that a child with a severe learning disability and/or physical limitation could record a presentation that can be accessed by fellow classmates.

Webinar: Fine Motor Skill

 This week, I had to ask one of my students to redo some of his assignments. His handwriting is ineligible (very weak information output). I am surprised that he was not referred to OT. I told him to use the computer (spare) in my room whenever he needs to submit written assignment. His inability to write properly is affecting his academic success. This student and others who have the same limitations would benefit from having access to Write Pad (Jr. High Level).

Dexteria (Cost: $4.99)

The Dexteria App can be used with the iPod Touch, iPad or iPhone. This App can support students by increasing motor skills and writing abilities. Users have the option of using their fingers or a stylus with the App. The use of a stylus or fingers is perfect when one is trying to develop dexterity, finger sequencing and movement control. 


Write Pad for iPad (Cost: 9.99$) – good for Jr.& Senior High

Write Pad can be a life saver for students who cannot write legibly on paper. This App can automatically convert a student’s hand writing into text. I would recommend this App to all students. What I discovered throughout the years is that some students’ poor penmanship hides their inability to spell properly. This App will increase their confidence.

    

Shape Builder (Cost: 0.99$)

What I like about this App is that it allows students to pay closer attention to the task at hand. Shape Builder is colorful (visually appealing) and can also teach young learners new vocabulary (fruits, animals, etc.)

   

Webinar: Top Apps

Even though today’s education is less rigid than it used to be, many students cannot function effectively in a classroom setting. Many of these students experience anxiety on a daily basis. Others start to act out because their inability to be successful learners creates frustration within them. As an educator, I often label students who are not able to behave in class as disruptive and lazy. I like to make myself believe that the assignments I give them are age appropriate and will allow all to meet the outcomes; far from the truth. Students do not do certain activities and/or disrupt classes because their learning needs are not met. Some of them would be more effective in their learning if they had access to some of the following Apps:

Pocket Pond: This App proves that one does not need to spend a lot of money to relieve stress. Pocket Pond is interactive and contains features that are soothing for students who cannot cope in a regular classroom setting. High level of anxiety cannot just affect one’s health; it can also reduce one’s ability to succeed academically

Bubble Popper: This App brings childhood memories back to mind. Popping bubble wraps is fun and inexpensive. One of my ADHD students would benefit tremendously from having access to it. This student cannot sit still for more than 2 minutes. Instead of disrupting my classes and/or being quick out of class he could quietly pop bubble to calm himself down. I would prefer to let him and other LD students use this App during class in the hope that their work will be completed.

TED (gifted learner) I simply love this resource. The variety of motivational speakers and knowledge shared is vast. I believe that some of my students should listen to talks on TED instead of reading and collecting data in printed materials. Great classroom discussion can result from watching any talks on TED. This resource will motivate students academically.

 Webinar: Apps for Severe Autism

Students with severe autism can be secluded from other students because they cannot always communicate with fellow students. These students (severe autism) need to use certain technological tools/resources to help enhance their performance in school (academically & socially). The following (3) Apps can help students with sensory regulation, and improve their attention to task.

Fluid2 (cost: .99$)

 This App is all about allowing LD students (autistic) to relieve some of the anxiety they experience on a daily basis. Not having a voice (non-verbal) can lead to disruptive behaviors and a lack of academic motivation. These students need to have a vehicle to distract them from the source of their anxiety. Fluid2 can help with that.

Tap Speak Button Plus (49.99$)

Tap Speak Button Plus is a good alternative to Proloquo2go. This App is not as extensive as Proloquo, but it does allow a child with severe autism to communicate feelings, ideas, needs, wants, etc. This App gives a voice to non-verbal learners. Apart from being financially accessible, this App is user friendly and colorful.