SPED 3000 Chapter 9 Week 7

Technology in the classroom can be extremely useful if used when appropriate and not overly done. I think that it is important for children to know that there are other ways to get answers, take notes, or compute equations than just using technology. They may not always have the technology at their side so it is important for student to develop the skills they need to be independent from technology, while it is also important for them master certain tech items. I think that technology can be an integral part of special services for children with disabilities. In our class a few weeks ago, Jason mentioned that his wife records her students on a Ipod doing activities in the appropriate manner, then if the child begins acting inappropriately she gives them the Ipod with the video of the appropriate behavior playing to show them the correct way. This method has worked with her special needs students. Another incorporation of technology for special services could be allowing a student to use headphones to listen to music when they need a few calm moments. The assistive technology can be the students main mode of communication also. I watched an interview with a teenage girl that has severe autism. She has an Ipad of some kind that she used to communicate with those around her. She cannot talk or write, but after research she is finally able to communicate for the first time through technology. Inventions like that make incorporating technology so much more important. In cases such as hers, using the technology is greatly important. It is less severe cases that educators need to be careful in making sure the students do not become too dependent.

SPED Chapter 8 Week 6

When a student walks into their classroom the immediate atmosphere of the room begins to either damper or simulate their mind. The teacher needs to not be afraid of decorating their classes. Even if the wall space is limited due to boards or fire codes, there are other ways to make the classroom an inviting learning environment. Color can be incorporated into the classroom in a variety of ways to make it more inviting for young kids. When the students sit down for the day the placement of their desk as well as the other students around them affects their outlook for the day. As a teacher it is important to assess your students and their needs and design the classroom layout to best fit that group of students. What works one year may not work the next. Each group that walks through the classroom door has different needs. It is also important for a teacher to remain organized within the paperwork required. I think teachers need to be as prepared as possible because you never know what may happen to throw you off schedule. Children with certain specials needs do not take well to change and if the teacher tries to be prepared the changes that do take place may go over more smoothly. Having rules set in place in your classroom is also a good practice. Children do succeed and learn better if they have a limits and boundaries as well as a schedule. Overall, the environment as a whole in the classroom affects the students not only in their school performance but in their performances outside of school as well.