1. The Benefit of Technology inSpecial Education By Katie Nurnberger
2. Menu Bolstering Support for High Needs Students with Technology: by Bridget McCrea Computer Tools Come to Special EducationCurricula: by David Nagel By the Book: Exploring One School’s Success with a Technology –Based Reading Program
3. Bolstering Support for High Needs Students with Technology, by Bridget McCrea Author Bridget McCrea explores the challenges that a Thunder Bay Catholic school system is experiencing trying to meet the needs of students who have been diagnosed with autism. Joel Godecki has been assigned to help this school district and he has brought in some products developed by Autism Pro . “ I was intrigued by the fact that the system was based on the web and it would be easy to implement at different schools.” Godecki says. Autism Pro helps support educators, families and students who are impacted by Autism by providing workshops and educational programs and a logbook which helps establish a communication network between educators and families. (McCrea, 2010)
4. Response I chose this article because I liked the idea of creating a network between school systems, educators and parents. I think if communication is intact and people are working together the students have a better chance with educational success. http://www.autismpro.com/
5. Aha moment! “ As September 2009 one in one hundred thirty –four students were identified as having ASD (autism spectrum disorder)”. McCrea,2010
6. Computer Tools Come to Special Education Curricula, by David Nagel David Nagel introduces two technologies that can make a difference to students with cognitive and physical disabilities. AbleNet and Soft Touch have developed software to help special need students with critical thinking and literacy skills. These tools have been used by school districts in Los Angeles, Miami and New York, but Nagel would like to see them used more in schools. These programs can be tailored to students individual needs. Educators can also save students individual programs on electronic bookshelves for easy access. (Nagel, 2007)
7. Response I chose this article because I think the use of technology can be a motivator for students who may not feel confident in the traditional academic setting. I also like the fact that these two programs are designed for individuals who are physically disabled this is good for classroom inclusion. http://www.ablenetinc.com
8. Aha moment ! “ This tool allows teachers to access pre produced books, text and sound files, including text to speech functionality” AbelNet spokesperson. This quote reminds me how far the education system has come regarding technology. (Nagel 2007)
9. By the Book: Exploring One School’s Success with a Technology- Based Reading Program, by Bridget McCrea In this article principle Pam Howard of Burleson Elementary discusses Lexia Reading. Lexia Reading is a web- based program that assists students with gaining and applying basic reading skills. This program has not just been helpful to the students, but the educators have also found it beneficial because they are able to monitor and assess students reading progress. (McCrea, 2010)
10. Response I liked this article because it motivates me to try different avenues to increase student achievement . Pam Howard took a risk in introducing this reading program but it paid off. Howard has been a principle for ten years and she stated that she has introduced this program into three different school and it has been successful each time. http://www.lexialearning.com
11. Aha moment! “ I noticed early on that this program just got to the point, and that it remained consistent and positive in a way that would really appeal to kids.”- Pam Howard
12. Resources McCrea, B. (2010). Bolstering Support for High Needs Students with Technology. Retrieved from http://the journal.com/ McCrea,B. (2010). By the Book: Exploring One School’s Success with a Technology-Based Reading Program. Retrieved from http://the journal.com/ Nagel,D. (2007). Computer Tools Come to Special Education Curricula. Retrieved from http://the journal.com
