Week 8

I really enjoyed learning about assistive technology and early childhood education.  It is important to recognize that technology is not necessarily a form of media.  Technology is everything from play, communication, language, mobility, literacy, computer access, and apps on the iPad.  Some types of assistive technology that we use in our classroom includes: slant boards, pencil grips, different shaped crayons, adapted scissors, letter stamps, tactile numbers and letters, iPad apps, laptop computers, visual schedules, and, last year: powered and manual wheelchairs and walkers.  

         One assistive technology tool I believe has been very beneficial for our students, especially those who have autism, is the visual schedule.  Every student in our classroom how their own schedule posted on the wall.  Included are colored dots which correspond to stations in the classroom and Board Maker visuals for fine arts and general education classroom.  Using a bell to signal a transition in schedule, students will then go to their schedule and grab a dry erase marker off the board.  With that, they will then cross off the station they were just at and check to see where they are going next.  Visual schedules allow students to be independent in their transitions throughout the day.  Furthermore, they help greatly with routine.  For one of our students, it is important that we make any changes on his schedule prior to him arriving to school.  Once he sees his schedule he knows what to expect throughout the day; however, if something is changed and it is not on his schedule then it becomes a battle.  

         I really enjoyed the PowerPoint that provided examples of iPad apps that can be used, adapted books for young children, interactive books, and writing websites that are accessible.  I would really like to explore all the technology out there in order to maximize learning in my classroom for each and every student - no matter the capabilities.  Each and every student (besides kindergarteners) has their own iPad for school use.  There are so many different apps to be used on the iPad that is is crucial to explore the most beneficial ones.