ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY AND THROUGH TECHNOLOGY HAS MULTIPLE MEANINGS. WHAT ASPECTS ARE PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT TO THE READING SPECIALIST? TO THE STUDENT THAT IS STRUGGLING TO READ, TO WRITE, OR TO COMMUNICATE?
All students definitely do not have equal access to technology, which is due to various factors. The financial situation of a school district has a whole lot to do with how technologically advanced each school/classroom is. For those students who are lucky enough to have multiple forms of technology in their classroom, they may not all have equal access to using them. For example, every student has different strengths and abilities as well as weaknesses, so the benefit that they get from different forms of technology is going to vary. An important job of the classroom teacher and the literacy specialist is to figure out what programs and such work best for each student, especially those who struggle in particular areas. The significance of doing so is to give every student an equal opportunity to learn and grow. The more aware and prepared teachers are regarding the needs of their students, the better chance they have of succeeding. Addressing those needs through the use of technology is a great way to motivate students to do their best and improve their literacy skills.
In my classroom I have one computer available to my students. The computer only runs Microsoft works unless you log into a network, which is usually down, to access Microsoft word, excel, and PowerPoint. The computer does have internet access however, due to the nature of the school, almost every site is blocked (even pbs.org). The IT department usually takes about 2 – 3 days to open or allow access to a website which involves the necessity for planning ahead. There are no additional programs installed on the computer that support learning in the classroom. My students have access to technology but do not have access through technology. A reading specialist uses technology to support reading and writing instruction. They assist subject area teachers in selecting appropriate resources such as software. Additionally they are responsible for guiding the evaluation and selection of instructional materials, textbooks, technology, and other resources that support students with special needs. A reading specialist must also be able to locate resources for staff development. It is thus assumed that the reading specialist must be knowledgeable of, and have access to, the most advanced and practical programs available. Students who struggle with reading, writing, and communicating can be advocated for through the use of technology. It is not until they understand its uses that they access through technology.
Technology can be a great tool for reading specialists and students who are struggling to read, write, or communicate. An example of technology to benefit a reading specialist and students who struggle in these areas is assistive technology. AT devices and services rang from high-tech innovations such as computer screen-readers to lower-tech products such as pencil grips. This wide range of technology enables students with physical disabilities to participate in a general classrom with their peers and creates a dramatic difference in their learning. AT is helpful in the field of literacy based on the numerous programs and software available for students through computer programs. Reading specialist use this technology to help assist in their instruction and lessons for the students. Unfortunately, some schools lack the technology and funds to have this great AT for students and teachers. Also, students strenghts and weaknesses may vary, which would influence the type of AT required. I agree with Tessa when she states that is the reading specialist and teachers duty to find what programs work best for each individual student. Technology is a great tool for the schools that have it, but only if used properly for each individual student.
Reading specialists first and foremost need to be aware of the technology that is available to students since we are advocated for their needs. Technology can make so much of a difference if the right programs get in the right hands. Last week we spoke about a host of different programs and devices. If you found yourself unaware of the existence of many of those technologies, it would certainly be beneficial to both you and the students to know what is available and how it can help. Unfortunately, there comes the barriers for being able to access the technology, often due to budgeting or needing to jump through hoops to prove it is needed. I have been fortunate to have been exposed to many different programs and devices for reading, writing, and speech through working for BOCES. We also have the support of several assistive technology specialists. These people can be very helpful when consulted in trying to find technology that would be appropriate for certain students or classrooms.
In my classroom, I am fortunate to at least have two laptops accessible to my students in which they use them during reading and centers and also, one computer in which I am able to use. Every teacher has one computer and a few laptops or regular computers within their classroom. Also, we are very fortunate to have a computer lab where we can sign up to take our students there so every child can access the computer at once. Having access to technology is essential, especially as it can help students who struggling with reading, writing, or even those who cannot properly communicate to others. Computers, listening centers, smart boards, Imagination stations, etc. are all beneficial for students. Teachers must make use of the technology they have to help their students. Also, it is important to know whether or not students have access to computers outside of school. If teachers require homework assignments to be completed on a computer, then they must be aware of who has access to them. Technology is important to the reading specialist as well as they must utilize and discover technology that can be most appropriate to help struggling readers and writers. After, they can share their knowledge with other staff and allow for other teachers to become aware of useful technology. As Jackie and Tessa both have stated, it is essential to figure out what programs work best for every student as every child is unique.
Having access to technology is important for any class. Unfortunately, like Tessa said, having computers available to classrooms depends on the financial situation of a school district. This will determine how technologically advanced a school or classroom is. A classroom like Michelle’s only has one computer, which could be a result of the financial situation of the school. Her classroom will most likely be less technologically advanced compared to a classroom I worked with for my 2nd grade student teaching placement in Rush- Henrietta. In the classroom, there were 4 computers accessible to the children and they were able to go on computers during free choice time or to complete an activity for one of their centers. Also, every week, they had a chance to work on computers and the teacher usually had them work on something in one of the content areas. There are many important aspects to the reading specialist to help struggling students with reading, writing, and communication. They need to communicate with the classroom teacher to see which students are having difficulty in reading, writing, and communication. Then, they need to try to find the appropriate resources and software these children can use to help them. The reading specialist is responsible for knowing how to teach the students how to use the software programs they find beneficial to them. Once the students understand the programs, they will be able to access through technology like Michelle said. The reading specialist should also be the “go to” person when teachers have questions about software programs that will benefit their students in reading, writing, and communication.
Reading specialists who have access to technology depend on programs and training that will allow them to help students access knowledge through it. Assessment equipment, assistive technology, amongst many other resources, provides reading teachers with differentiated instructional opportunities to support the various and personalized needs of their students. For these students, access to and through technology provides the opportunity to level the playing field between them and other students which in many cases is the key to success and consistently maintaining a high level of interest and involvement in classroom activities.
I think it’s very important for all members in a school to be up to date with the latest technology services and programs. I have three student computers in my classroom and our school has a tech. lab that has about twenty five student computers and a smart board. I do not believe all students have equal access to technology; however I feel some of the reasons are understandable why they do not. One resource that we use in our school that seems to work is linking sights we would like to use with our class directly to our school’s library page. I found that by doing this, we eliminate many “blocks” or glitches in the system. I believe it’s important for the reading specialist to stay up to date on the latest programs that are out there that assist students with their reading and writing needs. To be honest, I would still love to learn about websites and programs that are accessible for teachers that I could use in my own classroom. I have many AIS students who struggle with reading and writing, so having these resources would be extremely helpful and would be motivational for them. I think schools should focus more professional development time on integrating technology into the classroom. It’s so important for all staff members to be current on the latest programs to assist our students. The more we know, the better off our students will be! Every assistive tech. device we have learned about so far in class has even opened my eyes to how it could fit with certain students in my class!
Technology I feel would be very helpful to reading specialists because there is so much you can do with it. For a student who struggles with reading, they can listen to books online that highlight the words as they read. You can also use technology to do vocabulary lessons as well as reading comprehension. For students who struggle with writing, it might be good for them to use the computer to help them with their writing. They also have a lot of programs that help students type up their papers. Technology is also great to help students communicate. I think that every teacher including reading specialist should be familiar with the resources available to them to help guide their students with areas that they struggle with.
Reading specialists need to be up to date on the current technology and sources available for students. There are many programs that we have learned about in the class and I am sure many more, that are extremely beneficial to struggling readers and writers. I think these programs would not only help with comprehenson and fluency, but would also be extremely motivational to students. I agree that access to technology depends on many things, including economic factors. As teachers, we need to try our best to encorporate technology as much as possibile, regardless of these factors.
There is so many different things that you can use technology so it is important to know your student in order to find a technology assistance that best supports them. One thing that I really like is smart boards. Smart boards are great for students for writing because they have the keyboard available for the students, it is good for students to use for reading because it makes the text larger and it allows students to communicate with the teachers by bringing up pictures to share their feelings or thoughts. I think that they are great for any student to use and it is something different. Reading specialists really need to be up to date and current on the resources available to help students with the use of technology. I think that it is great to give students a variety of resources to help them in order for them to be as successful as they can.
I have come across websites over the years that I know would definately help struggling students. When I started Grad school this last January, I started learning about all the different types of technology that are out there. I never knew about the Danas, co-writer, or any of those things. I have substitute taught in many districts and not once did I ever see any assistive technology being used (with exception of some computer software, elmos, overhead projectors, and what not). I would love to some day see a smart board and how it works!
I agree with many of the other posts, that reading specialists should inform teachers and make them aware of the different types of technology that are out there to help students (and how to use those types of technology). Together, the teacher and the reading specialist should determine what types of technology would benefit each student who struggles to help him or her succeed. The reading specialist works with students who have a difficult time and should notify the teacher as to what has been working, and what does not. If the school cannot afford different types of technology, then maybe there are other ways to get devices to help the students. Hopfully the reading specialist would be able to identify grants, or places that loan/rent out different devices.
I think it is important for reading specialist to keep their eyes and ears open with the latest technology that is becoming available for teachers and students. There is always something new being developed or technology that is being updated. Teachers can also explore sites on the internet that may relate to the content at hand. There are many creditable websites that have been created which provide an interactive means to learning content material.
It is also important for reading specialists to have a number of technology programs available for students to use. Some students may respond better to a program than the rest of the class. so it is important to have a variety of technology available to all students who will benefit from it. The only problem that may occur would be financial issues. Some schools have more types of technology available for students and teachers while other schools may have one smart board for instance that they have to share with all other teachers in the building.
I agree that all students do not have equal access to technology. However, as teachers we need to to ensure that students have the opportunity to use technology as often as possible. Reading specialists need to make sure they are up to date on current technology and programs that will help struggling readers and writers. I feel that there are very little professional development in the school districts that focus on using technology to help our low readers and writers. In addition, teachers need to be aware of technology that would help motivate students. With classes like this one and further professional development,we could help our students be motivated and interested in reading and writing.
I like Michelle's description of what a reading specialist is in charge of doing. There is much more involved than simply helping students read books (though that is no simple task). Even if the teacher is given limited access to help her students learn through the use of technology, the reading specialist should somehow be able to provide them with the best available resources in order to meet their needs. The need for becoming technology-literate is forever growing, and unfortunately many schools are still behind the times. Together, the reading specialist and the teacher should be able to collaborate and pool their resources together to come up with ways to provide the students with the technology experience they need. It is sad that not all students are given the same access to certain technology uses. Although yes, some students do have a higher need for the differentiation, I feel that all students should have the opportunity to explore and use any type of technology the school has to offer. Simply spending a short amount of time using something will make the students that much more knowledgeable about the world they live in.
In my classroom, my students and I have access to four computers. My students have access to the computers during independent center time. They are also able to use the computer during Fun Fridays, when they have it. Nevertheless, I think having full access to technology is very important to any students. Still, there are schools across the country where wealthier school districts have a greater access to technology and other valuable resources, that poorer school districts don't have. I think having access to technology is so important to reading specialists because it provides them with the technological reading, writing, listening, and communication tools they need in order to assist students who need them in order to be successful in literacy. It is no longer enough to have a book or pencil and paper to help students, who need that extra support in literacy. They need the assistive technological devices offered through various computer programs and online, to provide a more productive learning environment to the students. It is important to the students because a number of them need assistive technology devices in order just to read and comprehend the text they are reading. They also need technology to help improve their writing and listening skills. Without them, the students would not be able to compete academcially with the students who don't need them.
As a reading specialist, it's important for me to have a wide variety of computer programs as well as be extremely familiar with each of them. It will be my role to match the students' needs with the correct program and teach them how to use it properly. For my students technology is important when it comes to reading, writing and communication struggles because it provides a more enjoyable, relaxed, and individual practice without the pressure of others waiting for their answer. It is important for them to be monitored and assisted but also to have the chance to build their confidence and prove to themselves that they can indeed do it.
I was surprised to read about the extreme lack of technology and resource access at Michelle’s school. Like Amy said, despite the scarcity of technological tools, the reading teacher still has a job to uphold to his/her students. Utilizing interactive writing and reading computer programs can be a beneficial resource for reading specialists. They can enhance children’s excitement for learning by accessing the multiple intelligences. Auditory learners can listen to books being read on the computer (or on CD) as they visually follow along while the words are being read, kinesthetic = typing words/sentences and manipulating the computer mouse, etc. In Jenn F’s response, she mentioned using the SmartBoard...this type of technology has countless beneficial uses for reading specialists, but accessibility is definitely limited in most schools due to lack of funding. Although there may not be funding for expensive pieces of technology like the SmartBoard, I think back to Michelle’s technology presentation about the Miimote! As a reading specialist (or regular/special education teacher) I could create my own interactive whiteboard without spending a lot of money. The possibilities really are endless. It just takes time to research and discover technology that will work best for you and the unique learning styles of your students.
All students definitely do not have equal access to technology, which is due to various factors. The financial situation of a school district has a whole lot to do with how technologically advanced each school/classroom is. For those students who are lucky enough to have multiple forms of technology in their classroom, they may not all have equal access to using them. For example, every student has different strengths and abilities as well as weaknesses, so the benefit that they get from different forms of technology is going to vary. An important job of the classroom teacher and the literacy specialist is to figure out what programs and such work best for each student, especially those who struggle in particular areas. The significance of doing so is to give every student an equal opportunity to learn and grow. The more aware and prepared teachers are regarding the needs of their students, the better chance they have of succeeding. Addressing those needs through the use of technology is a great way to motivate students to do their best and improve their literacy skills.
ReplyDeleteIn my classroom I have one computer available to my students. The computer only runs Microsoft works unless you log into a network, which is usually down, to access Microsoft word, excel, and PowerPoint. The computer does have internet access however, due to the nature of the school, almost every site is blocked (even pbs.org). The IT department usually takes about 2 – 3 days to open or allow access to a website which involves the necessity for planning ahead. There are no additional programs installed on the computer that support learning in the classroom. My students have access to technology but do not have access through technology.
ReplyDeleteA reading specialist uses technology to support reading and writing instruction. They assist subject area teachers in selecting appropriate resources such as software. Additionally they are responsible for guiding the evaluation and selection of instructional materials, textbooks, technology, and other resources that support students with special needs. A reading specialist must also be able to locate resources for staff development. It is thus assumed that the reading specialist must be knowledgeable of, and have access to, the most advanced and practical programs available.
Students who struggle with reading, writing, and communicating can be advocated for through the use of technology. It is not until they understand its uses that they access through technology.
Technology can be a great tool for reading specialists and students who are struggling to read, write, or communicate. An example of technology to benefit a reading specialist and students who struggle in these areas is assistive technology. AT devices and services rang from high-tech innovations such as computer screen-readers to lower-tech products such as pencil grips. This wide range of technology enables students with physical disabilities to participate in a general classrom with their peers and creates a dramatic difference in their learning. AT is helpful in the field of literacy based on the numerous programs and software available for students through computer programs. Reading specialist use this technology to help assist in their instruction and lessons for the students. Unfortunately, some schools lack the technology and funds to have this great AT for students and teachers. Also, students strenghts and weaknesses may vary, which would influence the type of AT required. I agree with Tessa when she states that is the reading specialist and teachers duty to find what programs work best for each individual student. Technology is a great tool for the schools that have it, but only if used properly for each individual student.
ReplyDeleteReading specialists first and foremost need to be aware of the technology that is available to students since we are advocated for their needs. Technology can make so much of a difference if the right programs get in the right hands. Last week we spoke about a host of different programs and devices. If you found yourself unaware of the existence of many of those technologies, it would certainly be beneficial to both you and the students to know what is available and how it can help. Unfortunately, there comes the barriers for being able to access the technology, often due to budgeting or needing to jump through hoops to prove it is needed. I have been fortunate to have been exposed to many different programs and devices for reading, writing, and speech through working for BOCES. We also have the support of several assistive technology specialists. These people can be very helpful when consulted in trying to find technology that would be appropriate for certain students or classrooms.
ReplyDeleteIn my classroom, I am fortunate to at least have two laptops accessible to my students in which they use them during reading and centers and also, one computer in which I am able to use. Every teacher has one computer and a few laptops or regular computers within their classroom. Also, we are very fortunate to have a computer lab where we can sign up to take our students there so every child can access the computer at once. Having access to technology is essential, especially as it can help students who struggling with reading, writing, or even those who cannot properly communicate to others. Computers, listening centers, smart boards, Imagination stations, etc. are all beneficial for students. Teachers must make use of the technology they have to help their students. Also, it is important to know whether or not students have access to computers outside of school. If teachers require homework assignments to be completed on a computer, then they must be aware of who has access to them. Technology is important to the reading specialist as well as they must utilize and discover technology that can be most appropriate to help struggling readers and writers. After, they can share their knowledge with other staff and allow for other teachers to become aware of useful technology. As Jackie and Tessa both have stated, it is essential to figure out what programs work best for every student as every child is unique.
ReplyDeleteHaving access to technology is important for any class. Unfortunately, like Tessa said, having computers available to classrooms depends on the financial situation of a school district. This will determine how technologically advanced a school or classroom is. A classroom like Michelle’s only has one computer, which could be a result of the financial situation of the school. Her classroom will most likely be less technologically advanced compared to a classroom I worked with for my 2nd grade student teaching placement in Rush- Henrietta. In the classroom, there were 4 computers accessible to the children and they were able to go on computers during free choice time or to complete an activity for one of their centers. Also, every week, they had a chance to work on computers and the teacher usually had them work on something in one of the content areas.
ReplyDeleteThere are many important aspects to the reading specialist to help struggling students with reading, writing, and communication. They need to communicate with the classroom teacher to see which students are having difficulty in reading, writing, and communication. Then, they need to try to find the appropriate resources and software these children can use to help them. The reading specialist is responsible for knowing how to teach the students how to use the software programs they find beneficial to them. Once the students understand the programs, they will be able to access through technology like Michelle said. The reading specialist should also be the “go to” person when teachers have questions about software programs that will benefit their students in reading, writing, and communication.
Reading specialists who have access to technology depend on programs and training that will allow them to help students access knowledge through it. Assessment equipment, assistive technology, amongst many other resources, provides reading teachers with differentiated instructional opportunities to support the various and personalized needs of their students. For these students, access to and through technology provides the opportunity to level the playing field between them and other students which in many cases is the key to success and consistently maintaining a high level of interest and involvement in classroom activities.
ReplyDeleteI think it’s very important for all members in a school to be up to date with the latest technology services and programs. I have three student computers in my classroom and our school has a tech. lab that has about twenty five student computers and a smart board. I do not believe all students have equal access to technology; however I feel some of the reasons are understandable why they do not. One resource that we use in our school that seems to work is linking sights we would like to use with our class directly to our school’s library page. I found that by doing this, we eliminate many “blocks” or glitches in the system. I believe it’s important for the reading specialist to stay up to date on the latest programs that are out there that assist students with their reading and writing needs. To be honest, I would still love to learn about websites and programs that are accessible for teachers that I could use in my own classroom. I have many AIS students who struggle with reading and writing, so having these resources would be extremely helpful and would be motivational for them. I think schools should focus more professional development time on integrating technology into the classroom. It’s so important for all staff members to be current on the latest programs to assist our students. The more we know, the better off our students will be! Every assistive tech. device we have learned about so far in class has even opened my eyes to how it could fit with certain students in my class!
ReplyDeleteTechnology I feel would be very helpful to reading specialists because there is so much you can do with it. For a student who struggles with reading, they can listen to books online that highlight the words as they read. You can also use technology to do vocabulary lessons as well as reading comprehension. For students who struggle with writing, it might be good for them to use the computer to help them with their writing. They also have a lot of programs that help students type up their papers. Technology is also great to help students communicate. I think that every teacher including reading specialist should be familiar with the resources available to them to help guide their students with areas that they struggle with.
ReplyDeleteReading specialists need to be up to date on the current technology and sources available for students. There are many programs that we have learned about in the class and I am sure many more, that are extremely beneficial to struggling readers and writers. I think these programs would not only help with comprehenson and fluency, but would also be extremely motivational to students.
ReplyDeleteI agree that access to technology depends on many things, including economic factors. As teachers, we need to try our best to encorporate technology as much as possibile, regardless of these factors.
There is so many different things that you can use technology so it is important to know your student in order to find a technology assistance that best supports them. One thing that I really like is smart boards. Smart boards are great for students for writing because they have the keyboard available for the students, it is good for students to use for reading because it makes the text larger and it allows students to communicate with the teachers by bringing up pictures to share their feelings or thoughts. I think that they are great for any student to use and it is something different. Reading specialists really need to be up to date and current on the resources available to help students with the use of technology. I think that it is great to give students a variety of resources to help them in order for them to be as successful as they can.
ReplyDeleteI have come across websites over the years that I know would definately help struggling students. When I started Grad school this last January, I started learning about all the different types of technology that are out there. I never knew about the Danas, co-writer, or any of those things. I have substitute taught in many districts and not once did I ever see any assistive technology being used (with exception of some computer software, elmos, overhead projectors, and what not). I would love to some day see a smart board and how it works!
ReplyDeleteI agree with many of the other posts, that reading specialists should inform teachers and make them aware of the different types of technology that are out there to help students (and how to use those types of technology). Together, the teacher and the reading specialist should determine what types of technology would benefit each student who struggles to help him or her succeed. The reading specialist works with students who have a difficult time and should notify the teacher as to what has been working, and what does not. If the school cannot afford different types of technology, then maybe there are other ways to get devices to help the students. Hopfully the reading specialist would be able to identify grants, or places that loan/rent out different devices.
I think it is important for reading specialist to keep their eyes and ears open with the latest technology that is becoming available for teachers and students. There is always something new being developed or technology that is being updated. Teachers can also explore sites on the internet that may relate to the content at hand. There are many creditable websites that have been created which provide an interactive means to learning content material.
ReplyDeleteIt is also important for reading specialists to have a number of technology programs available for students to use. Some students may respond better to a program than the rest of the class. so it is important to have a variety of technology available to all students who will benefit from it. The only problem that may occur would be financial issues. Some schools have more types of technology available for students and teachers while other schools may have one smart board for instance that they have to share with all other teachers in the building.
I agree that all students do not have equal access to technology. However, as teachers we need to to ensure that students have the opportunity to use technology as often as possible. Reading specialists need to make sure they are up to date on current technology and programs that will help struggling readers and writers. I feel that there are very little professional development in the school districts that focus on using technology to help our low readers and writers. In addition, teachers need to be aware of technology that would help motivate students. With classes like this one and further professional development,we could help our students be motivated and interested in reading and writing.
ReplyDeleteI like Michelle's description of what a reading specialist is in charge of doing. There is much more involved than simply helping students read books (though that is no simple task). Even if the teacher is given limited access to help her students learn through the use of technology, the reading specialist should somehow be able to provide them with the best available resources in order to meet their needs. The need for becoming technology-literate is forever growing, and unfortunately many schools are still behind the times. Together, the reading specialist and the teacher should be able to collaborate and pool their resources together to come up with ways to provide the students with the technology experience they need.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that not all students are given the same access to certain technology uses. Although yes, some students do have a higher need for the differentiation, I feel that all students should have the opportunity to explore and use any type of technology the school has to offer. Simply spending a short amount of time using something will make the students that much more knowledgeable about the world they live in.
In my classroom, my students and I have access to four computers. My students have access to the computers during independent center time. They are also able to use the computer during Fun Fridays, when they have it. Nevertheless, I think having full access to technology is very important to any students. Still, there are schools across the country where wealthier school districts have a greater access to technology and other valuable resources, that poorer school districts don't have. I think having access to technology is so important to reading specialists because it provides them with the technological reading, writing, listening, and communication tools they need in order to assist students who need them in order to be successful in literacy. It is no longer enough to have a book or pencil and paper to help students, who need that extra support in literacy. They need the assistive technological devices offered through various computer programs and online, to provide a more productive learning environment to the students. It is important to the students because a number of them need assistive technology devices in order just to read and comprehend the text they are reading. They also need technology to help improve their writing and listening skills. Without them, the students would not be able to compete academcially with the students who don't need them.
ReplyDeleteAs a reading specialist, it's important for me to have a wide variety of computer programs as well as be extremely familiar with each of them. It will be my role to match the students' needs with the correct program and teach them how to use it properly.
ReplyDeleteFor my students technology is important when it comes to reading, writing and communication struggles because it provides a more enjoyable, relaxed, and individual practice without the pressure of others waiting for their answer. It is important for them to be monitored and assisted but also to have the chance to build their confidence and prove to themselves that they can indeed do it.
I was surprised to read about the extreme lack of technology and resource access at Michelle’s school. Like Amy said, despite the scarcity of technological tools, the reading teacher still has a job to uphold to his/her students. Utilizing interactive writing and reading computer programs can be a beneficial resource for reading specialists. They can enhance children’s excitement for learning by accessing the multiple intelligences. Auditory learners can listen to books being read on the computer (or on CD) as they visually follow along while the words are being read, kinesthetic = typing words/sentences and manipulating the computer mouse, etc. In Jenn F’s response, she mentioned using the SmartBoard...this type of technology has countless beneficial uses for reading specialists, but accessibility is definitely limited in most schools due to lack of funding. Although there may not be funding for expensive pieces of technology like the SmartBoard, I think back to Michelle’s technology presentation about the Miimote! As a reading specialist (or regular/special education teacher) I could create my own interactive whiteboard without spending a lot of money. The possibilities really are endless. It just takes time to research and discover technology that will work best for you and the unique learning styles of your students.
ReplyDelete