The Future For Schools

I learned that not only is assistive technology and assistive devices helpful in the classroom, they are also easily accessed and can even be created by the class itself. Many people believe that within 10 years textbooks will be a thing of the past and learning on mobile devices will the the future. Students with reading difficulties have more helpful options on a mobile device than a textbook. Also, many of the tools already installed on many popular computer brands have the ability to assist students that may have special needs. One hiccup a class may face is whether or not the school will allow certain programs to be installed or downloaded on the schools computers. Another concern is that people with special reading needs won't have those needs met by the assistive devices, for what ever reason whether it be it's not accepted by the school or it is too costly. 

I think computer software like screen enlargement and screen readers that help students with sensory impairments are the most helpful in a classroom setting. Students could use software like these to learn really anything that can be worked on on a computer, from math to history. If the classroom is shifting to technology and devices then they must be improved from the previous tools that classes have used before, otherwise there really would not be any point to using them. 

I do believe that having access to assistive technology and devices will be extremely helpful to my classroom. Even if I don't have any students with special needs, which is highly unlikely, I will be glad that I am prepared as well as the school. Having an entry level understanding of these technologies and devices prepares me for very likely situations I will face in the classroom. I want to be as prepared as I can be because if I fail in any are then I've failed my students as well. 


References: Ahrens, K. (2011). Build An Assistive Technology Toolkit. Learning and Leading, 23-23.Bowser, G., & Smiley Zabala, J. (2012). AIM for Digital Equity. Learning and Leading, 16-17.

Chip & Hearst Interview

http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/51993852/

Using Scratch the Cat program would be helpful for many projects in class. It can be used by individual students and also as a collaborative group of students. The website fulfills many of the NETS for both teachers and students.

Including this program into a lesson plan would fulfill the teacher standards of 1a) Promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness, 2a) Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity

2b) Develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress, and 2d) Model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning

Including this program would also fulfill student NETS 1a) Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes, 1b) Create original works as a means of personal or group expression, 1d) Identify trends and forecast possibilities, 4a) Plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project, 6a) Understand and use technology systems, 6b) Select and use applications effectively and productively, 6c) Troubleshoot systems and applications, and 6d) Transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies. 

Programs like this website, where a student has the freedom to get creative and apply knowledge and skills, and also build on problem solving and task analysis can be very effective and enjoyable to the students. I enjoyed creating the project and can see a lot of students have a lot of fun with it. Also, a teacher can use this for many projects, like interviewing a famous figure, or explaining a series of events like the water cycle. 

Mobile Learning: A New Era For Education

I decided to study further the notion of mobile learning. In the Learning & Leading Through Technology magazine, I pulled two articles to gain some insight on the issue. In the first article, "The Benefits and Challenges of Mobile Learning" (page 38), the author, Helen Crompton, touches on all sides of mobile learning in education. Crompton describes mobile learning as "learning across multiple contexts" (page 38) which leads me to believe that mobile learning would assist in expanding the possibilities in education. I was not aware of how big the issue of mobile learning was and found it interesting that it is discussed often and in depth and is even referred to as m-learning. Crompton also continues to explain the benefits of mobile learning in that it creates opportunities for students and also versatility in learning. She also discusses the challenges, as any new idea has. The issues of privacy with mobile learning and accessibility for some students definitely raises some concern in that safety might be at risk and also it would create an unfair playing field for students who weren't able to use the tools other students can. The second article, "Partnership Helps Schools Succeed with Mobile Learning" (page 9), by authors Yolanda Ramos and Justina Nixon-Saintil, sheds light on the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Program. I have never heard of the program and was unaware that Verizon was involved in helping schools. The purpose of the program to increase student engagement, to help them in academic achievement and to support the growth of mobile learning. Mobile learning would be incredibly helpful to students and not all schools have the funding in place to provide the program for students so it is great that companies like Verizon are supporting schools in taking those steps forward.
I do think mobile learning would be helpful in schools. I plan on teaching kindergarten and if I am placed in a kindergarten class, I would probably not use mobile learning. I feel like they would be too young, too distractible, I don't want them to develop an early dependency on technology and the equipment would be expensive. But, if I were teaching older grades then I would definitely use mobile learning in the classroom. I would be weary of conflicts that may come out of it, like it is in the budget to provide mobile learning devices, and if not then how can every student afford the mobile learning devices. Also, how to I monitor the content they see, what they share, how they use the device, and if they are putting material on the device. Mobile learning could be a great way to share homework activities or project ideas with the class and to keep everyone engaged and a constant dialogue going. In conclusion, I don't plan on using mobile learning in the class I hope to teach, kindergarten, but if I ended up in an older class I think it could be great, but would also require a lot of maintaining.

Resources:
Ramos, Y., & Nixon-Saintil, J. (2013, September 1). Partnership Helps Schools Succeed With Mobile Learning. Learning & Leading Through Technology.
Crompton, H. (2013, September 1). The Benefits and Challenges of Mobile Learning. Learning & Leading Through Technology.