As the semester is coming to a close, instead of studying for a final on all the information and programs I learned about this semester regarding the use of technology in education, I am part of a team that is creating a solution to an educational problem presented to us by the faculty at Mt. Pleasant-Blythedale Unified School District. The teacher at Mt. Pleasant-Blythedale that my group is working on asked on ways to assist her students in working more independently. Together my group came up with an interactive powerpoint and ordered supplimental equipment for the students to participate in science experiments specific to the refraction of light, which is what the class is currently working on in science. The has 12 students, one teacher, and one paraprofessional, students abilities range from senesory to 6th grade academics. Only 3 of 12 students are able to ambulate independently in the classroom and multiple students with fine motor deficits as well; some have little muscle control and cannot
successfully complete fine motor tasks while other only have use of one hand. One student communicates through a dynavox, one communicates through smiling and gestures and the remainder of the students are able to communicate verbally some more clearly than others; some students need cueing and choices to answer questions.
I feel that being part of a teach to assist teachers in their classrooms by employing different strategies and technologies learned about through this course is such a proactive way to test out knowledge but also make a different and help children!
Here are some of the materials we ordered and are using in our lessons for the students:
