Saturday, November 14, 2009

Discovering Assistive Technology: Module 1

In making accommodations in the classroom, teachers don't usually get caught up in the argument of whether or not to make them.  We recognize that we have students that will need appropriate modifications in order to meet the high expectations that we have set. I believe that most of us realize the necessity accommodations.  What is difficult, however, is knowing what is appropriate and how the modification can be appropriately implemented.  It is hard to know how to approach each situation and sometimes we get stuck.

 The first site in our discovery exercise, The National Federation of the Blind, is an excellent example of a clearinghouse that provides technique tips, lessons, and encouragement for teachers who are needing to apply different strategies. The instructional videos on teaching math and science were especially helpful.  Seeing how teachers apply tactile methods to engage their learners in the same objective as sighted students was extremely helpful.  Using the same, or similar methods, with other students who are also tactile learners could be encouraging to blind students who may feel that they are being singled out.  It also is an excellent reminder to include those tactile experiences within our curriculum, making them available to all students.

Although I am still not sure how I would approach introducing Braille in my classroom, I see its value for  creating an environment that is safe for all learners.  The NFB has available curriculum, such as Braille is Beautiful, that is suitable for the 4-6 curriculum. As someone who has no experience teaching Braille, or having a blind student, I would need a more structured curriculum to begin with.  However, I also wonder if using a student who already knows Braille, as an expert, would be empowering experience for that student.  Having a student prepare lessons, with my assistance, may help him/her feel that what makes them different is seen as an asset to rest of the class.  Just a thought...

As I said in the opening paragraph, knowing what accommodations to pursue is more than half of the battle.  For teaching students with a learning disability, I was extremely impressed with the resources available through the National Center for Learning Disabilities.  The center's website, LD.org, provides quick and helpful overviews of particular disabilities and what impact they have on students.  Most helpful for me are the lists of modifications that are recommended for a variety of students.  These can be used as reactive interventions but also would be extremely effective when pre-planned.  Although some depend on the availability of certain assistive technology, many of the suggestions are easily implemented across the curriculum and would be great for all kids.

1 comment:

Lesley Farmer said...

yes, the student who reads Braille has a skill most other students don't have...