EDUC 5173-Final Thoughts about AT

EDUC 5173
Final Thoughts
July 21, 2016

This class was one of the most practical classes I have ever taken. I found that the course was run so efficiently that I am amazed at the content that was presented. I have learned some very valuable lessons as well as various different AT that I can go back in the Fall and implement into various students programming. I have also learned to blog. I have always wanted to learn more about this so my personal life has also been impacted. Most of the time when I am taking a course I am thinking about how it can be applied to help students. I like that this one has actually been packed with knowledge for both my career and personal life.

Some key things to reflect on:

1. I finally used a dongle. It was easier than I thought.
2. I finally got to blog. This was also much easier than I thought.
3. Until I took this course, Proloquo2go was more of a set on a piece of paper that students and EAs flipped through using it mostly for basic communication such as I am hungry, I need to use the bathroom, hi, bye, yes, no, etc. The computer program has really broadened communication for me. One of my biggest lessons is that communication tools must be relevant, inclusive of the class and applied to the classroom activities, etc. We should be constantly raising the bar as opposed to remaining comfortable with the Status Quo. Also, to be careful as a resource teacher not to allow program planning teams to continue with past IPPs and to look at the student with a fresh lens each year. 
4. It is important to encourage teachers to digitize. It can be used by anyone, anywhere. I also have committed to helping them with this process. Paper is a thing of the past when it comes to accessibility.
5. You don't have to be rich to find AT that can help out students. It just takes creativity and thinking outside the box.
6. There are endless opportunities when it comes to AT. Don't be afraid to ask other professionals such as the AT technologist to share their knowledge. Be willing to realize that their are people who know more about AT than you do. Utilize all resources. 
7. IPads rule the world when it comes to accessibility. :)
8. IMovie is a really easy tool to use. It can be used as a very entertaining way to assess learning.
9. Book Creator is a great tool that takes the place of many other programs. It is cost effective and it can be interactive for our students. 
10. Be creative and work with fellow educators to come up with ways that students can be a part of a class experience. There are ways to show knowledge other than the status quo. Think pictures, symbols, videos, voice over.
11. Include students that have the highest needs. You never know what they are capable until you find the right tool to help them show you.

It has been an amazing journey. I look forward to another AT class asap.