Apply and Discover 11.1

Course Reflection

I’ve learned a lot about technology integration from this course.  I originally thought that it is more difficult to use technology in a math class, since so many technology tools lend themselves to writing.  While it is good to have students write and reflect about math, it is more important that they practice their skills.  However, in this course, I discovered that there are plenty of great ways to implement technology in a math class. A classmate suggested some neat tools that I could try, such as Wallwisher and WebMath.  I also learned that I could enhance my instruction through the use of better presentation software.  I can catch students’ attention with a Prezi or an Animoto video.  I read an interesting article called "A Brief Overview on Using Technology to Engage Students in Mathematics" by Joan M. Raines and Linda M. Clark, which encouraged me to make better use of graphing calculators.  That same article also got me excited about computer/web-based instruction and practice.  This is something that I want to look into some more.  I’d love to find a great program that includes content from all the courses we teach here at my high school.  There were so many aspects of this course that gave me a newfound positive outlook on integrating technology in a math class.  I now know how to use technology to facilitate student learning of the math standards that I teach to.  The school year has begun and I am excited to try all of the new things that I've learned about through the course readings and discussions. Thank you everyone!

Apply and Discover 9.1

Providing Equal Access to the Digital World

“Providing equal access” has a whole new meaning in today’s digital world. The idea itself remains the same, but we now have more means to do so. We are now able to use technology in order to provide equal access to students.

There has been a lot of development and advancement in the world of educational technology. I’ve discussed some technology tools in a past post. Another assistive technology worth mentioning is Kurzweil 3000, which scans a printed document and then reads the document out loud, while highlighting each word as it is said. It also allows students to pause on a word and ask for the definition. This software could be used with a textbook, giving a student with a reading disability greater access to the course content. I know that math textbooks aren’t particularly enjoyable or easy to read. Kurzweil can help students tackle those tough textbooks. Supported eText software like Kurzweil doesn’t only help with reading comprehension and fluency. They also give students access to information that they might not have been otherwise ready to read, hence a new way of providing equal access!

Providing equal access means doing whatever we need to do in order to provide students with high-quality education. It just so happens that nowadays, the best way to do that is to use technology. There’s a variety of assistive technologies available, which we should be using in order to address students’ diverse needs and expand their learning opportunities. “Many more students with disabilities are now able, with the provision of supplementary aides and services, to participate in regular education classes” (U.S. Dept of Ed, 2011). We have taken down barriers that once prevented students from receiving a high-quality education. This accomplishment can be attributed to both, civil rights laws and technology. Civil rights laws and the advancement in technology have worked hand-in-hand to change the meaning of “providing equal access.”

References

Kurzweil. Retrieved 14 August 2012, from www.kurzweiledu.com.

U.S. Department of Education. (2011). “Ensuring Equal Access to High-Quality Eduation.” Retrieved 14 August 2012, from www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/ ensure03.htm