Digital Post # G - Chapter 10

Digital Post # G - Chapter 10

In Tech Tool 10.1 section Adaptations For Classroom Learning with Technology.  The author talks about using technology to design classrooms for students with diverse learning needs, so that they can access key ideas and concepts.  The three levels of technologies that are being offered to make the classroom adjustment are: 1. Low-tech accommodation that can easily be made without applying digital materials.  2. The Mid-tech accommodation, which involves substantive shifts in organization and delivery of curriculum that may include the use of digital materials.  The third technology is High- accommodations that introduces changes associated with the integration of computers and other specialized information technologies in the classroom.Apps to support diverse learners in the classroom

The second subject of interest is in Tec Tool 10.2.  In this section the author talks about using Assistive Technology to Reach Diverse Learners. Assistive technology involves tools that enables Atypical students to do things they might otherwise not be able to do.  For example: individuals with hearing, sight, mobility, or cognitive challenges can use these tools, to help them translate text and understand spoken words.  These tools are also useful for Typical students.  For example, the Electronic Spellers and Dictionaries do not only check spelling error; they also speak out the words with correct pronunciation.  This allows the student to work, independently, without the help of an adult.  It is also argued that even though these technologies are very useful for both Atypical and Typical students; teachers, caregivers and parents should read aloud to the children, so that the children they do not become totally dependent on these tools.

The third interesting subject is Writing Transformations with Technology.   This subject talked about all the reasons students of all ages do not enjoy the writing process, and therefore miss out on the joy of creative writing.  To help student get over the barrier of worrying about all the mechanics of writing, teachers can use technologies such as computers, internet, word processing, PowerPoint software, and other technologies to help the student from the initial brainstorming to the final publishing work.  The use of these technologies will help the students to focus on expressing their ideas, instead of worrying about the writing mechanics, which is quite daunting task when doing it with pen/pencil and paper.

All the improvements in the educational system are for the purpose of promoting the best education possible for success of our students.  The emphasis on technology is necessary to help teachers be more effective in teaching a classroom of diverse learners.  The students will stay interested in learning if the environment is inviting and conducive to the needs of all learners.  Each student’s needs and learning styles will be met, and the teacher will be less stressed.  It is a win win-situation.  

Resources:

Bruce. B. Diverse Learners and Technology - YouTube.Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0s24OiEjyak

Edutopia | K-12 Education Tips & Strategies That Work.Apps to Support Diverse Learners in the Classroom | Edutopia.Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/apps-support-diverse-learners-classroom-chester-goad

Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.

Record, M (2016, October 15). Homework.  Created with Story Bird www.storybird.com snippet