Well, let me start by saying that I've had instructors tell me that Wikipedia was NOT a resource that could be used in a research project. I've often heard that ANYONE could post something to Wikipedia, thereby, making it an UNRELIABLE resource.
The news.cnet.com website gave me a different point of view. They showed that while Wikipedia made errors, so did more reputable websites, like Britannica.com. Also, Wikipedia was shown to be pretty accurate overall.
Although ANYONE can post something on YouTube, it IS a resource that I use myself at times. I look at YouTube as more of a social/entertainment website than an informational website. (Although I know that you CAN find useful information on this website). I've used YouTube videos as part of presentations and cited them in my resources.
My district, DPS, blocks YouTube websites. This is a little frustrating at times, because there are some things that I would like my students to view that they aren't able to. However, I do understand that because of the nature of YouTube (it's a "public" website that is not really censored), this has to be done.
I would allow my students to use both YouTube and Wikipedia as "A" resource (one resource), not their ONLY resource. Both of these websites can provide useful and valid information. However, due to the nature of these websites, supporting websites/resources would have to be used.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Useful Special Education Blogs
I found several special education blogs that I liked. These are my top 3:
This blog provides a wealth of information related to IPAD apps that students with severe multiple needs could use in the classroom. There are also lots of other great ideas for assisting students with severe needs. There are links to all of the apps and you can view them before you buy them. Of course, there are some free apps.
This blog has a variety of tools you can use right now with your students in the classroom. It also gives information about the type of assistance these students might need. Things like: tapping into a students strengths, learning about assistive technology, dealing with behavior issues, etc. There are at least a dozen links to things you can do to help your students in the classroom right now, (not after you take a course or PD)
This blog provides links to online professional development for teaching the common core. It also provides incite in assisting special education students in accessing the common core. There's also a link to a site called "Power Up". On this site, teachers are provided with free tools/ideas to use in the classroom. Yes, "FREE".
The following are teachers on twitter that I am following:
Well, I must say, that I haven't really used twitter or feedly.com very often. I suppose it's because I've been really busy with my classroom and this class. It's also because they are both relatively new to me. I have to get used to them. Once I use them more often and get more acquainted with them, I will probably use them way more often. While doing this blog, I learned that I do like blog posts a lot! I also like the idea of using an RSS feeder to organize my blogs. This is a great idea! Initially though, I will have to train myself to use this tool. I'm used to adding sites to favorites. The idea of using an RSS feeder to "hold my spot" is one that I'm beginning to like more and more.
This blog provides a wealth of information related to IPAD apps that students with severe multiple needs could use in the classroom. There are also lots of other great ideas for assisting students with severe needs. There are links to all of the apps and you can view them before you buy them. Of course, there are some free apps.
This blog has a variety of tools you can use right now with your students in the classroom. It also gives information about the type of assistance these students might need. Things like: tapping into a students strengths, learning about assistive technology, dealing with behavior issues, etc. There are at least a dozen links to things you can do to help your students in the classroom right now, (not after you take a course or PD)
This blog provides links to online professional development for teaching the common core. It also provides incite in assisting special education students in accessing the common core. There's also a link to a site called "Power Up". On this site, teachers are provided with free tools/ideas to use in the classroom. Yes, "FREE".
The following are teachers on twitter that I am following:
- @toddwhitaker--his focus is leadership, teaching and motivation
- @WeAreTeachers--I like this one because it is an online forum where teachers can share their successes and also their frustrations with fellow teachers (who understand)
- @timbuckteeth--The name sounds weird, but he is a proponent of teachers collaborating with each other to help themselves and each other. It's a good premise!
- @TeacherCast--provides links to IPAD apps and other technology that can be useful in the classroom
- @ShellTerrell--she is also a proponent of networking and collaborating with other teachers; she gives some great resources, motivational techniques to get you moving in the right direction in your classroom
Well, I must say, that I haven't really used twitter or feedly.com very often. I suppose it's because I've been really busy with my classroom and this class. It's also because they are both relatively new to me. I have to get used to them. Once I use them more often and get more acquainted with them, I will probably use them way more often. While doing this blog, I learned that I do like blog posts a lot! I also like the idea of using an RSS feeder to organize my blogs. This is a great idea! Initially though, I will have to train myself to use this tool. I'm used to adding sites to favorites. The idea of using an RSS feeder to "hold my spot" is one that I'm beginning to like more and more.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
SAMR & Students with Special Needs
I teach in a self-contained classroom with students who have special needs. My students are ages 5-8. I'd never heard of the SAMR model until this class, however, I have used some SAMR strategies with my students. These are some of the things that I do in my classroom using the SAMR approach.
Substitution:
*Students view worksheet via Activboard.*
I make a worksheet on Microsoft Word using pictures and pull it up on my Activ board. I frequently present material to my students on the Activ board.
Augmentation:
*Students answer worksheet questions using an adaptive mouse.*
Modification:
*I take pictures of my students using an IPAD or digital camera and make a Power Point using Microsoft*
Redefinition:
*I add music to the Power Point presentation and present the slide show to my students on the Activ board*
Substitution:
*Students view worksheet via Activboard.*
I make a worksheet on Microsoft Word using pictures and pull it up on my Activ board. I frequently present material to my students on the Activ board.
Augmentation:
*Students answer worksheet questions using an adaptive mouse.*
Modification:
*I take pictures of my students using an IPAD or digital camera and make a Power Point using Microsoft*
Redefinition:
*I add music to the Power Point presentation and present the slide show to my students on the Activ board*
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