I was always aware that our schools are transitioning towards using more technology in the classroom. Teachers all throughout Metro are incorporating iPads and laptops into the classroom and daily instruction. Even kindergarten teachers are putting technology in the hands of their students! Being at Lockeland has really opened my eyes to technology and how it is the wave of the future. Teachers are using it for assessments, classroom management, and everything in between. After sitting in on an iPad PLC meeting, I was finally realizing exactly what a blessing technology can be in the classroom. I was also able to see that many of the problems we think technology might cause in the classroom can be completely avoided.
However, it wasn't until I was fortunate enough to have the experience of sitting in on an IEP meeting for one my students that I realized exactly how much technology can benefit individual students. I never really thought of technology as a means of differentiation. This student, who we will call Luke, struggles with writing. When I say he struggles, I mean his fine motor skills are lacking. The occupational therapists who are part of his team explained that his tactile perception is way off and because of this, he is unable to control his pencil and use the appropriate pressure while writing. This being said, Luke's work is usually very messy and illegible. He rarely completes work on time and anybody who would read his work is likely to think that he does not know the content. This could not be further from the case. Luke is an extremely bright and intelligent student. Because he is unable to write, he is not able to get all of his thoughts and ideas out on paper. However, to overcome this barrier, the occupational therapists, the student's mother, the principal, special education teacher, and his general education teachers had worked together to push for this student to be able to have his own laptop or iPad in the classroom. By providing him with a laptop or iPad, he will be able to type all of his school work so he is able to get all of his ideas out on paper. They are even considering let him use certain apps and programs that allow him to speak into the iPad and it transcribes what he is saying. I have always been one for technology in the classroom. I always knew it could benefit our students and classroom environments, but it wasn't until I was able to see a look of relief on this little boy's mother's face that I realized exactly what a huge difference it could make. Luke might be able to get all of his thoughts, ideas, and questions out on paper without struggling or feeling like he is incapable.
I agree! Sitting in on both of Luke's most recent IEP meeting have been inspiring, to say the least. I was starting to feel like IEP meetings at data meeting with parents were permanently tense situations, even if they were productive. It was amazing to see and S-team meeting where the team was all on the same page and the parent was so appreciative of all the work the school and district had put into making her son's experience a positive one. When the mother teared up on more than one occasion, I couldn't help but smile at the mazing things that can happen when these processes work out so well for everyone involved.
ReplyDeleteI was also so excited to see the recommendations given by the assistive technologies representative on his S-Team. It's amazing to see what accommodations can be made with technology, and this is a world that is completely different than when we were in elementary school. It was so foreign to me to hear all the options, and seeing his new iPad on loan from the school today was amazing. I can't wait to see him use it!
I love that technology is being used to help students that need that extra help. One of my students is visually impaired and she as an iPad with all of her textbooks on it in large print. She is also able to use the iPad to take pictures of the board, papers, or pictures that are too small for her to see and enlarge them. The teachers try to enlarge handouts as much as possible, but this allows her to participate more in class and feel more like the rest of the students.
ReplyDeleteI also think that it is important to introduce technology into the classrooms when students are young. In my middle school placement, students are very capable with a cell phone, but many struggle with using basic computer functions, such as how to open a program or send and email. Using technology to further instruction is great, but I also think the students need to be taught how to use a computer for everyday things in life as well.
WOOHOO iPads rock!!!!! This makes me so happy to hear about the way that technology is helping your students. I have a student with CP in my classroom and she is essentially non-verbal. She also has an iPad that helps her with all of her communication needs. She cannot use her hands as you would with usual PECS, but the OT has hooked up a system so that she can use her head to press the different buttons with her head in order to communicate. It is so cool to be able to actually hear by she is thinking through technology.
ReplyDeleteThis week, we also just got a motorized car that she can drive which is the coolest thing EVER!!! This student usually has no independence to go anywhere by herself, she has to rely on other people pushing her. It's so cool to know that this car gives her the capability to use her feet to have independence. Technology rocks!!