Students who have been formally assessed and have an IEP that states they require technology to assist in their learning, are eligible to receive the device most suited to their learning needs. The devices can range from iPads and laptops to Smartboards and Clicker systems. Students receive the devices from the school board and are available to them until they leave for post-secondary education or withdraw from the school board.
Once students receive their devices, supports need to be in place for all involved. The student will require some explicit instruction in the how and why of the device. It is important for students to understand how the device can be used to best access their thinking. Parents and teachers also need support so that the tool can be used as effectively as possible at home, as well as at school. This is where the role of the AT Coach has proven to be particularly successful. We are able to offer parent nights -for parents to work with their child and the device to explore how it can be used. The AT coaches also have the chance to co-teach and co-plan with the classroom teacher, share best practices for integrating the device into student activities and to review "what is necessary for some, is good for all." Throughout the year, the AT coaches in our school are able to connect one on one with the student (and/or teachers) as necessary, build student confidence and problem solve to find solutions to obstacles they are encountering.
There is an enormous treasure trove of tools and resources out there. While working on our Inquiry site, our TLs created a matrix of technology tools but mot of the tools on this page are ideal for students who may be struggling. Some of my favourites include Read and Write, Tools 4 Students and Screencastify!
It has been a long time since I have taken special education courses. The technology has changed so much since that time, that I am not aware of all the options out there to best work with each student.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that a student may have a great interest in something and if the interest can transcend to other subjects, the student will be successful.
For example:
My grandson Nate was only 3 when he seemed to become obsessed with the movie Titanic. We spent endless hours watching it, reading books about it, puzzles, online games, all about Titanic. He could rhyme off all kinds of facts surrounding Titanic at such a young age. This went on for a few years and when he started school, Nate would often draw pictures of Titanic and take his Titanic books to school. Connecting his work somehow to Titanic would hold his interest and he learned because he wanted to learn.
This chart got some attention on G+. Great resource here.
ReplyDeleteZoe
Thanks! IT was a team effort with a group of Teacher Librarians who created it as a resource for our inquiry.hdsb.ca website!
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