Today was my final class, and it was held in the Elluminate Live classroom. This is such a wonderful option, compared to the traditional classroom setting, as it allows me to participate from home, without spending the time and money to travel over an hour to campus. I wish other courses took advantage of this feature!
In our final class, I had the opportunity to view my classmates' blogs on the writing process and assistive technologies. It was great to get a quick overview on the features my peers had chosen to include, and I will provide the links below, as well as some short comments and feedback. I will certainly want to revisit these sites, as they provide a wealth of information.
http://processofriting.blogspot.com/
Sacha
After exploring this Blog, I can say that I appreciate the specific program adaptations and the links to current research. This blog has A LOT of videos.
http://assistivegroup.blogspot.com/
Mark, Angela, and Stephanie
My favourite thing about this Blog is the video entitled, What is Sensory Processing? My one suggestion would be that the information provided on the sidebar (ex. software, programs, apps etc...) have links provided so visitors can simply click for more information.
http://krista-julie.blogspot.com/
Krista and Julie
I thought the text to speech gadget on the top right of the page was a creative addition. I also really like the multitude of information on cerebral palsy and the writing process. I attempted the: "Try it yourself: Experience a graphomotor difficulty" activity, but was unable to get it to work.
http://supportingthewritingprocess.blogspot.com/
Shelley, Catherine, and Paul
This is a fabulous Blog, and I was overwhelmed with the amount of information and material. If you only have time to explore one site, I would suggest beginning here. I thought the Xtranormal introductory video was great, and I hope to use this in my classroom.
http://harleyjessome.blogspot.com/
Barbara
Barbara provided a link to the PBS production entitled, "Misunderstood Minds", which I also recommend checking out. I also thought the Digital Storytelling with Strip Design looked really interesting (I really do need to look into purchasing an iPod...).
http://eneaveswriting.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth and Darlene
Two features I liked on this Blog were the list of video tutorial links on the side, as well as the video bar on the bottom. This layout was very user friendly.
http://helenhimsl.blogspot.com/
Helen
This was certainly a lot of work for one person - wow! My only "criticism" would be to watch the language. As we are professionals, I think ensuring the proper use of punctuation and grammar is important for a writing blog (maybe I'm just old fashion).
http://atjmj.blogspot.com/
Again, here is the link to my and my partners' blog. Perhaps I have saved the best for last...?
Thank you for reading; until next time...
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Thursday, 21 July 2011
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Day Thirteen: The death of Ebony
Today I had to say good bye to not only my classmates, but also Ebony. I killed her memory, so the parting would be less painful for her, but I'm still reeling from the loss. If only Christmas gifts were appropriate to give/receive in July! Yesterday, I loved being able to check my email and coordinate a dinner party with friends during our conference breaks, as my laptop is very heavy and I had made the decision NOT to bring it along!
I should address the fact, as it will be a glaring omission, that I was unable to comment on my classmates' blogs. However, I have been reading their work, and have attempted to comment from Acadia, from home, following instructions of my peers and instructions from helpful friends... all without success. However, to "prove" I have read their work, I will "summarize" a few:
Janna: Wednesday, 13 July 2011 – I too love the PocketPond app! It’s helpful not only for “agitated students” but also for those frustrated with waiting in line ;)
Sacha: Sunday, July 17, 2011 – This does sound like a very interesting read. I find we are strongly discouraged from having a person Facebook page as teachers, but I’d never thought of using this program for educational purposes to engage our reluctant readers.
Paul: Tuesday, 19 July 2011 – I’m sure you will miss the iPod touch on the plane, but did I remember you saying you bought an iPod Nano? How does this compare? I’m looking into different Apple options now...
I also took Barb's advice and started on this year's Christmas card: what do you think?
Finally, I added a couple of new gadgets: a rhyming application (as this is supposed to be an educational blog afterall) and a cute puppy application... just because I love puppies.
Until next time...
I should address the fact, as it will be a glaring omission, that I was unable to comment on my classmates' blogs. However, I have been reading their work, and have attempted to comment from Acadia, from home, following instructions of my peers and instructions from helpful friends... all without success. However, to "prove" I have read their work, I will "summarize" a few:
Janna: Wednesday, 13 July 2011 – I too love the PocketPond app! It’s helpful not only for “agitated students” but also for those frustrated with waiting in line ;)
Sacha: Sunday, July 17, 2011 – This does sound like a very interesting read. I find we are strongly discouraged from having a person Facebook page as teachers, but I’d never thought of using this program for educational purposes to engage our reluctant readers.
Paul: Tuesday, 19 July 2011 – I’m sure you will miss the iPod touch on the plane, but did I remember you saying you bought an iPod Nano? How does this compare? I’m looking into different Apple options now...
I also took Barb's advice and started on this year's Christmas card: what do you think?
Finally, I added a couple of new gadgets: a rhyming application (as this is supposed to be an educational blog afterall) and a cute puppy application... just because I love puppies.
Until next time...
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Today, my classmates and I attended a Summer Institute on Social Justice and Education at Acadia University. We were instructed to create a "Wordle" on our experiences, and what we took away from the speakers. I have done three wordles - one for each of the three speakers, and one on my Blog itself.
1. Dr. Pat Thomson
title="Wordle: Pat Thomson"> src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/3857853/Pat_Thomson"
alt="Wordle: Pat Thomson"
style="padding:4px;border:1px solid #ddd">
2. Dr. Kevin Alderson
title="Wordle: Kevin Alderson"> src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/3857873/Kevin_Alderson"
alt="Wordle: Kevin Alderson"
style="padding:4px;border:1px solid #ddd">
3. Dr. S. Nombuso Dlamini
title="Wordle: Nombuso Dlamini"> src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/3857879/Nombuso_Dlamini"
alt="Wordle: Nombuso Dlamini"
style="padding:4px;border:1px solid #ddd">
4. MY Blog
title="Wordle: Meggie's Blog"> src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/3857864/Meggie%27s_Blog"
alt="Wordle: Meggie's Blog"
style="padding:4px;border:1px solid #ddd">
1. Dr. Pat Thomson
title="Wordle: Pat Thomson"> src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/3857853/Pat_Thomson"
alt="Wordle: Pat Thomson"
style="padding:4px;border:1px solid #ddd">
2. Dr. Kevin Alderson
title="Wordle: Kevin Alderson"> src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/3857873/Kevin_Alderson"
alt="Wordle: Kevin Alderson"
style="padding:4px;border:1px solid #ddd">
3. Dr. S. Nombuso Dlamini
title="Wordle: Nombuso Dlamini"> src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/3857879/Nombuso_Dlamini"
alt="Wordle: Nombuso Dlamini"
style="padding:4px;border:1px solid #ddd">
4. MY Blog
title="Wordle: Meggie's Blog"> src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/3857864/Meggie%27s_Blog"
alt="Wordle: Meggie's Blog"
style="padding:4px;border:1px solid #ddd">
Monday, 18 July 2011
Day Eleven:
I am working a lot of my "other" blog, and don't want to give a lot away, so I thought I would share some of the resources my professor has shared with the class, as well as another good find.
Item number one is a video called Sharpening up on Pencil Skills and it focuses on Pencil Grip, Positioning, and Handwriting. The presenter stresses just how complex the physical aspect of writing can be, and says that poor handwriting is the reason why most students are referred to occupational therapists. One part I found very interesting were the Pencil Olympics (like the "sprint" and "baton twirl") - I feel that competitive itch.
Item two is another video that shows assistive technologies are considered low tech. For example, there is a circular foam grip and slip on writing aids, and some of these look like grippers you can buy at Dollarama. There is also a writing bird, which seems to function like a computer mouse, and a tool called a pen again and a fingertip pen. We will be including these in our blog.
Item three is a website called 50 Best Blogs for Special Education Teachers.
http://www.onlineuniversities.com/blog/2009/12/50-best-blogs-for-special-ed-teachers/
This website says the Blogs will, "provide tips and strategies, focus on assistive technology, explore specific learning challenges, share information about news, policy, and law, and more from other educators working in the field of Special Education". Sites 11 - 21 will all help you, "keep up with the latest technological advances and learn how others have incorporated technology in their teaching".
Ebony came in very handy today when I had to wait over half an hour to meet a friend for supper - I played Simon Says, completed a couple word search puzzles, and created two MadLib puzzles.
Item number one is a video called Sharpening up on Pencil Skills and it focuses on Pencil Grip, Positioning, and Handwriting. The presenter stresses just how complex the physical aspect of writing can be, and says that poor handwriting is the reason why most students are referred to occupational therapists. One part I found very interesting were the Pencil Olympics (like the "sprint" and "baton twirl") - I feel that competitive itch.
Item two is another video that shows assistive technologies are considered low tech. For example, there is a circular foam grip and slip on writing aids, and some of these look like grippers you can buy at Dollarama. There is also a writing bird, which seems to function like a computer mouse, and a tool called a pen again and a fingertip pen. We will be including these in our blog.
Item three is a website called 50 Best Blogs for Special Education Teachers.
http://www.onlineuniversities.com/blog/2009/12/50-best-blogs-for-special-ed-teachers/
This website says the Blogs will, "provide tips and strategies, focus on assistive technology, explore specific learning challenges, share information about news, policy, and law, and more from other educators working in the field of Special Education". Sites 11 - 21 will all help you, "keep up with the latest technological advances and learn how others have incorporated technology in their teaching".
Ebony came in very handy today when I had to wait over half an hour to meet a friend for supper - I played Simon Says, completed a couple word search puzzles, and created two MadLib puzzles.
Sunday, 17 July 2011
Day Ten: It's All Adding Up
I have eluded to the fact that my cell phone is prehistoric, BUT it does include features such as a calculator and calendar. However, I found I never used these features, because it was a hassle to maneuver the settings. On the iPod, this is much easier with the onscreen touch. For example, my husband and I went to The Home Depot to price paver stones to build a garden wall. It was so helpful to have my iPod to calculate total prices and compare various products. I was then able to take pictures of the different stones and bring them to the house to better visualize a final product. I only have a few days left with my "baby", and it will be hard to lose her (I've decided "her" name is Ebony).
I have been busy working on another blog (I feel like an adulterer) with a couple of my peers on the writing process. This will be a joint effort among Joelle, Janna, and myself (hence the name: Assistive Technology Janna Meggie Joelle...) but we have not yet posted our work. However, the link is:
http://atjmj.blogspot.com/
One place in which I have found some of my inspiration is Jamie Renouf's website:
http://ssrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/jrenouf/howtos.htm
There are links to various assistive technology applications that are successful right within our own province, and I encourage you to check it out!
Another source of knowledge is Don Johnson's website:
http://www.donjohnston.com/
*Don't confuse this Don Johnson with the rugged Miami Vice Don Johnson (see picture).
This website directs the viewer to various assistive technologies, developed by this impressive enterprise, to help those struggling with the writing (and/or reading) process.
You'll have to check back to see the final product in a few days!
I have been busy working on another blog (I feel like an adulterer) with a couple of my peers on the writing process. This will be a joint effort among Joelle, Janna, and myself (hence the name: Assistive Technology Janna Meggie Joelle...) but we have not yet posted our work. However, the link is:
http://atjmj.blogspot.com/
One place in which I have found some of my inspiration is Jamie Renouf's website:
http://ssrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/jrenouf/howtos.htm
There are links to various assistive technology applications that are successful right within our own province, and I encourage you to check it out!
Another source of knowledge is Don Johnson's website:
http://www.donjohnston.com/
*Don't confuse this Don Johnson with the rugged Miami Vice Don Johnson (see picture).
This website directs the viewer to various assistive technologies, developed by this impressive enterprise, to help those struggling with the writing (and/or reading) process.
You'll have to check back to see the final product in a few days!
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