EDUC 5173 - Assistive Technology
Class #2 Journal Entry
July 6, 2016
3 Main Take Aways
Video”Meet Tyler”-the video was depicted the journey of a disabled person from birth to graduation of NSCC. This young man was born with CP and faced several physical challenges from birth. It was moving and I had several AHA moments as I watched the video:
His determination to live all experiences that he possibly could and his strong desire to learn.
The supportive family, friends, school community, educational specialists and his program planning team were all factors that helped him achieve his goals.
As both Tyler and technology progressed his support system were relentless in pursuing AT that could help in access the learning in the most meaningful way.
His experiences with UDL throughout his scholastic career helped his progress and allowed him to experience the world as any student deserves.
He became a huge self-advocate for himself as he would stand up for his basic human rights. It is amazing that he was able to communicate with politicians to help create a new school that was accessible.
My Thoughts
It is an amazing success story of a student that wouldn't take no for an answer. His tenacity coupled with his many program planning team members were able to change the accessibility of learning for an entire school and community.
2. What is AT?
My thoughts
I learned several things during this presentation and class discussion. As quoted in the presentation:
AT is about enhancing performance of individuals with disabilities and providing independent access to a task.
Although, this sounds like a simple sentence, once unpacked it is very complex. As mentioned, it is not cheating and people should look at it a a means of helping individuals with disabilities access their tasks. As eyeglass are AT, so is computers and electronic devices. This is why it is so essential that the individual student has a program planning team committed to this concept. Everyone must be involved so that these points can be advocated on the student's behalf.
Another point mentioned was that “AT is not IT”. IT should not be recommending AT.
Another point to consider is that technology changes everything. It also evolves with time.
It is important to send the message that all teachers should be digitizing and that they should have access to tools that make this easy for them to do this.
3. Modes of Communication:
Physical gestures, showbie, Facebook, Messenger, telephone, oral, email, symbols, pictures, written text, cell phone text, video, hieroglyphics, sign language, Braille, code, morse code, public announcements, radio, television, posters, newspapers, touch, eye contact
My Thoughts
In class we discussed the 3 things required for effective communication: common partner, common language/medium, joint attention. I realized just how complex that communication really is. As I tried to think of modes of education I realized just how difficult it is to find modes of communication that can be easily accessed by everyone. It began to make me realize how easy I can take for granted that I am English speaking in a predominantly English speaking area. There are so many modes of communication going on around me on a daily basis and yet there are so many that go over my head because I am not required to learn other modes.
I didn't write it as one of my take aways but I will be digitizing everything for my class next year. Great point to bring up.
ReplyDeleteI was impressed with Tyler's involvement in all aspects of school life as well. Tyler, his support team and his classmates are a wonderful example of what should be happening, not only in our schools, but in our communities. In an odd way I wish I was less impressed, as this would mean we see this type of inclusion on a regular basis.
ReplyDeleteI can also identify with people thinking AT is 'cheating.' When I began in my position 5 years ago, that was a comment I heard. Now the newer teachers just accept that as normal and the more experienced teachers are willing to accept my opinion on the subject or to expand their own thoughts.