My GOAL for my GAME plan is: I will learn and implement
digital-age technologies. I will develop and execute strategies that include
the needs of all learners with the use of technological tools.
Special needs students can often leave teachers perplexed as to
the best kinds of instruction and procedures in the classroom. The Special
Education teacher in my school has been in close communication with me about
the best practices for special needs students in my class. With my goal, I will
deliberately use the iPad to assist me in carrying out the happenings of the
day with my student. The student in mind for this technology is very connected
to visual and verbal cues. It is important for me to reach all learners, and
with a particular application I feel I can accomplish this.
There is an app on the iPad called Proloquo that is a visual and
verbal schedule for autistic students. It shows places, people, things, and
feelings. You can customize the app including buttons pertaining to a
particular child. With the help of the Special Education teacher, I hope to
customize this program to assist in behavioral and instructional use during the
school day. Learning the software is not easy and will take time.
I have the app downloaded onto my iPad and am already
programming buttons to particular situations my student is having difficulty
with. The particular learning strategy it covers is the Inquiry/Discovery
Method because student’s are mentally stimulated with questions, and they have to
think critically. I am looking forward to trying it out. The additional
information I will need will come at a later time when I see the practicality
and effectiveness of the iPad program.
Whitney,
ReplyDeleteHow inspiring that you have found an app on the iPad that aids autistic students. This relates to this weeks discussion about IEPs and AT. I did not realize the iPad had these types of Assistive Technology apps; my concentration has been more into finding apps that students enjoy, and also learn from. It Can also serve as a talking word processor.
Students with autism spectrum disorders often do not learn, in the same way, as their typically developing peers. The traditional approach to education often does not allow a student with ASD to maximize his or her true potential for learning. In order to maximize a student with ASD’s ability to learn, it is important to capitalize on strengths. Universal design for learning provides a framework for educators to maximize student’s learning potential (Mcdonald, 2010).
Do you find it is more difficult to start up with, or concerned about the learning curve for the student? The image you shared makes me think it is relatively simple to set up, but I guess I’d need some hands on first.
Reference
Mcdonald, M. (2010, April 25). Universal Design for Learning and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Suite. Retrieved September 18, 2014, from https://suite.io/mary-mcdonald/3h842bg
David Velasco
David,
DeleteThis app is actually very simple to customize. Instead of searching for endless buttons you can just type in exactly what you want the child to see. In less than a week I already have a whole page of buttons my student can use.
Whitney
Whitney,
ReplyDeleteI think it is so important that you are in such close communication with the Special Education teacher in your building about students in your classroom. I think it is especially important because you are the student’s first teacher and giving them their first experience with a school setting.
I am very interested in the app that you shared. Is it a free app or does it cost money? Can teachers create a daily schedule for students to follow and know when and where they are doing a task? I hope to download it on my iPad to explore more in depth. Thank you for sharing this great tool! I am excited to hear more about your GAME Plan and how the app works for your student.
Tori
Tori,
DeleteI am very blessed that my Special Education Department bought this app for me. Originally this app is over $100. I now cannot imagine my student not using this kind of technology. Teachers can create individualized buttons for students for feelings, schedules, and actions. If you have a student that could benefit from this app I would check and see if your SPED department could buy it for you.
Whitney
You are so in tune with your students specific needs for development. It's hard to be able to fully understand each student in so little time at the beginning of the school year, although by collaborating with the special education teacher, I'm sure you were thinking about this particular student from day one. With this program does it have your student identifying behavioral and social contexts that are appropriate or is it more of a behavioral checklist for your student? Also, is this the only iPad that you have access to for your class or will other students also have iPads available to them for learning assignments?
ReplyDeleteMichelle,
DeleteYou are so right! I have been thinking about tho student from day one. I want him to become successful as be begins his journey in school. With the app they are identifying behavioral and social contexts that are appropriate at school. It speaks and the child can look what they should do, or express how they are feeling. My student is loving it. In addition, I have 6 more iPads so this particular student has his own iPad he can take anywhere.
Whitney
Whitney,
ReplyDeleteI am intrigued by this iPad app that you are using to help your autistic student better understand and communicate his/her feelings. I have two autistic children in my class this year, and it does prove to be challenging at certain points throughout the day. Does this app have a feature to communicate with home so that parents my see the child's progress?
Good luck!
Jenn
Jenn,
DeleteUnfortunately I do not at this point know if it has a feature to communicate to parents. I feel this would be an interesting and useful feature. Usually for me, I communicate via text message to the parent to let them know the ups and downs of the day. Thanks for your question--I will have to look more into the other features of the app.
Whitney