Final Group Assignment. My task - research inspiring videos that use adaptive assistive technology for physical education.
So, this post is dedicated to those individuals who waterski.. thier disability- is secondary. These individuals just plain participate in life. These posted videos display courage, determination and the attitude of "BRING IT ON! Incredible is how the sport has to adapt to the determination of the disability..not vice versa.
These videos include the people who are the driving forces behind the innovations in the technology, and so are the supporters - WaterSki Disabled Assoc.
These videos are going to inspire you to get off the couch, I promise.
A British Disabled Water Ski Association
Adaptive SIT&SKI Technology - designed to fit the needs of the skier. Sit&Ski provides support and more mobility.
Adaptive again..
Are you inspired yet? Assistive technology can welcome the world to adaptive adventures.
Once again..my trusty partner, Janice, and I worked on creating communication Story Boards and Books (using BoardMaker software). Janice and I worked collaboratively very well. However, we often struggled with the layering and the linking of pages within the software package..but as always predicted in any of the technology classes that I teach - Practice makes perfect. Also, writing IPPs was a new learning tool for me, so once again, Janice explained the process and sent me off to develop specific outcomes for our 'student' assignment.
As a newbie within the inclusive education world, I look to the pros (elementary school educators) for guidance and support...and boy do they give it! This group of educators have definitely taken me under their wing...providing me with LD definitions and disorders, explaining various acronyms and just being darn right giving when it comes to inclusive education.
To further the adventure of Low-Tech Shopping, from off the shelf ideas to inventive ones, Janice and I demised tools to assist a student (IPP) with specific goals and strategies for developing mathematical skills and object mobility. So, as we anxiously await our patent pending royalties... we decided to show you our two low-tech AT inventions.Personality, enviornment, task were all considered when developing these tasks for our Grade 1 student with gross and fine motorskill disabilities. Communicating and involving sndary users on the purpose and proper use of these inventions are critical to success. Involvement is key! 1. Bamboo Placemat- Adapative Keyboard:
bamboo is soft and smooth
placemat can be used as a weighted (heavier) lapmat for spacial orientation and direction
literacy skills (letters & numbers)-easily integrated in IPP
adapted keyboard (qwerty) for future technology
possibility for integration within Dragon Speak software
2. a) Rubber Placemat- adapative ruler b) Customized-model clay pencil grips:
rubber placemat provides stability for measurement activities (fine motor skills)
unmoveable ruler provides accessibility to assist with measurment of objects
pencils - formed model clay (with top direction - "T") provides easier placement of fingers for improved dexterity
Today, I also had the the privledge of viewing the classes innovative and effective low-tech inventions. This was a great learning experience for me; although many of the assistive resources shown were referrenced in a primary/middle academic classroom, I could attempt to transfer this knowledge into an applicable setting for college/mature students.
Once I started to fiddle with the assistive learning software known as "Boardmaker", I instantly thought of how it could be integrated within an E-learning environment using WebCT/Blackboard & Adobe Connect.
Let's start from the beginning - Boardmaker is a software that can be used with a mouse or keyboard, or as a precursor to switchcapabilities. It's website describes it as " widely regarded as the essential tool for adapting symbol-based printed activities for students with special needs. A symbol database combined with an easy-to-use drawing program, Boardmaker features more than 4,500 Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) in 44 languages, all in both color and black-and-white..."
Boardmaker is filled with descriptive images (4500 is A LOT of images to choose from!) used to represent a person/s, place/s, or doing and using things. It's quite amazing how this very simple, extremely visual, and user friendly software can represent and create endless opportunities for communication. It provides multiple layering for the creator of the 'boards or books'. Not only can you customize the link, but you can create action buttons (just like in PPT) and you can also import customized photos using the easy accessible and GUI style toolbar. The creator/user can move from board to board of symbols and phrases while making sure that cognitive and task ability needs are being met.
It's highly recommended to KNOW YOUR STUDENT/CLIENT prior to developing boards; not only will this provide for a broader scope of their cognitive abilities, but it's just simply more personal and customizable that way.
The control interface is used to connect the computer with the 'board', determining which key is going to be the SWITCH. Tell me - What do you think of this switch? "I'm lovin' it!"
Now, here is where I thought of an Elearning integration...students could participate more easily within an online educational forum using this type of software, although the instructor would need to provide advanced materials and questions, the student could link in through Adobe Connect and participate in interactive webinars, videoconferencing and just simple F2F discussion. This means planning, planning, planning..and an in depth assessment of the students technical capabilities...but it could work.... I continue to ponder my adult educational work that lies ahead!
The following are recently purchased Low-Tech assistive items that Janice and I purchased at the Dollarama for our class assignment. We choose these items based on their ability to improve or enhance performance for an individual personality and skills, as well as their gross or fine motor functional difficulties and hand-eye coordination. We also assessed these items for use within various working, living or learning task environments, how technical the items are to use, ease and/or difficulty use and item durability -keeping in mind that they did however only cost $1. We also discussed how ANY one person could use these items to benefit daily living.
Have some fun and take my easy Low-Tech Test. Match the 10 numbered photos of the Low-Tech item with its task (and sometimes zany) description.
A) ___ gross motor control, used to help wash dishes, take a shower or bath.
B) ___blocking out sounds (for noisy environments) for concentration.
C) ___to attach to pages, ease of turning pages of books.
D) ___not for scooping cat litter - but used to carry items, and for fine motor skills, it has sides, so less tipping over.
E) ____Finding Nemo!, lights up when squeezed, intrigues sensitivity, and touch (rubber).
F) ____made from wood (sanded bamboo) very smooth, used as a weight to provide spacial orientation and support.
G) ____Pretty and pink, flimsy, yet durable, used for measurement, allows the user to grasp easily and create a flow of movement.
H) ____Ouch! That's hot! Also has a soft rubber gripper, provides minimal effort when opening paint jars, bottles. Large opening for all hand shapes and sizes.
I) ____Mommy! My pigtails are too tight! This gem is used to replace the ever so daunting task (fine motor skills) of buttoning a jacket, or lacing up boots or sneaks.
J) ____OHHH Shiny! Bright and eye catchy, fuzzy, yet rough (to clean pots&pans) but very tactile for feeling and a soothing support.
* Flip your computer upside down for the correct answers. Kidding.. answers in next post!
This is it! The finished product of a great team coming together and designing an appropriate social behavior video. I'd like to thank my team mates - you know who you are- for a job well done!
We presented 'Katelyn's' video to our movie critics (classmates) and welcomed their constructive feedback and laughter; more importantly, the understanding of it's purpose and relevancy. The learning continued when we watched the rest of the videos. Excellent work class! I think everyone is in tune to the coordinating, planning and designing a social behavior video for children. My only hope is that it is continually used. This Assignment was an excellent teaching/learning experience.
Movin' on...today's assistive technology lesson was specifically about SWITCHES and their purpose. . Fascinating! As a community college instructor, I seldom get the experience to see these types of products used in classrooms, although, there have been a few students throughout my career who have been assisted by various assistive tech devices. I wanted to learn more. So, I pondered (then I Binged), and according to http://atto.buffalo.edu/:
What is a switch? Technically, (Wiki) in electronic, a switch is an electrical component that can break an electrical circuit, interrupting the current or diverting it from one conductor to another. Educationally, it is an electronic device used to replace any action a person would normally do. Switches come in many different forms and shapes for various independent uses. A switch may be directly manipulated by a human as a control signal to a system, such as a computer keyboard button, or to control power flow in a circuit, such as a light switch. Automatically-operated switches can be used to control the motions of machines, for example, to indicate that a garage door has reached its full open position or that a machine tool is in a position to accept another workpiece.However, the thing to remember when developing this accessible possibility is to develop the switch in its context, and its purpose needs to be for an entire activity.
Depending on the desired activity.. you may want to look at a Push (or touch) switches are the most common type. The student activates the switch by pushing against its surface. These switches have a single surface area for activation. Lever switches can be activated by pushing in more than one direction. They are easily mounted. Motoric-Specific Movements activate other switches such as pinch, grip, bat, pull, etc. Activity switches require the student to complete an activity like a puzzle or stacking activity before the device turns on. Sensitivity switches are designed for students with minimal movements. They respond to the slightest muscle contraction (the ability to flex and release any muscle). Other Input switches depend on systems other than touch and include a change in air pressure or voice activation.
The users are endless - basically anyone with the mobile inabilities.
Who uses switches & why are they used? Well, for children with physical disabilities, a single, reliable movement can cause a toy to move or turn a radio on. Those with sensory impairments learn that they can be the controlling source of sound, light and vibration. Children with cognitive impairments are able to interact with toys and computers with a single "button," limiting the need for more complex directions. Switches provide new opportunities to learn and participate. Environmental control, play & exploration, movement, and computer access, communication are all attainable assistive goals.
List the selection criteria for selecting a successful switch: Before you begin you need to observe him in his natural environment to determine his best "switch site"-- the body part and movement that he is most consistently able to control. It can be large or small, weak or strong. You have to question... A LOT:
What specifics need to be considered at all times? How small might it be? Which areas actually activate the switch? The center? The corners? The edges? What does the switch feel like? Does the student prefer a particular texture? Can it be added to the surface later?
Continue to question... the amount of force (pressure) required, amount of travel that a switch has, type of switch feedback when activated, and durability of the switch.
Incredible SWITCHES & AT devices have assisted incredible people. One particular person stands out for me.
Most of us do not realize that PCs are installed with Accessibility functions to enable user to customize their computer to suit their needs, for example, onscreen keyboards, mouse changes, voice recognition, hearing functions, and many more. I can only imagine how accessibility can gives someone the ability to .... just be. Unwrapping a closed world and opening up to an more independent world.
Today was the day our group (Jill, Sascha, Carolyn) went off to plan, video, and edit ' Katelyn's' story (fictitious). It was awesome. We were a team of educators, learning disabled specialists, actors and videographers who creatively designed and developed a socially appropriate story to benefit a little girl with autism. Katelyn was 1) to walk to the bus line up, 2) wait her turn to get on the bus, 3) get on the bus and wave to the bus driver, 4) get her seat belt on, 5) use her Ipod Itouch on the bus to relax and get calm, 6) take her turn getting off the bus, and then greet her Mom.
Once you break down the appropriate methods so a child with autism can use this video for repetitive learning, it doesn't seem like it would be a difficult process to prepare. We were wrong. It took three hours to edit a one minute video. I would definitely give our group an A for professionalism, productivity and empathy. We worked seamlessly together..and had fun doing it! I'm not suggesting that any of us will get an Oscar nod this year for our acting abilities, but at least get a Golden Globe! The time and energy that it takes to script and then edit a one or two minute video is pain-staking long. We questioned how many teachers or instructors would steer away from this method of teaching appropriate behavior, for the simple fact that is a meticulous and tedious exercise...although very very rewarding. Tomorrow - the film debut!
Most times when 'bloopers' occur in our lives, we feel embarassed, apologize, move on, and get back to normal. What you and I know to be 'bloopers' in life are very often a normal routine in the lives of autistic children. Carol Gray's Social Stories is a innovative teaching tool; by capturing social skill behavior on video and using it as a teaching tool for austic children - for example, going to the store, getting a library book, or visiting a doctors office. It's a very simple process, a little technological on the video side..but still simple. The framework surrounding this type of assistance is based on individual needs, preferences, realistic observations and expectations from family and support resources. Once again - INVOLVEMENT and SUPPORT by all.
Our group had a practice run - planning, scripting and videotaping (script software & Ipod Nanos) a positive social skill environment for a child with autism. Tomorrow; ready, set, action! I'll keep you 'posted'. No pun intended.
Everything I needed to know in life..I could have bought it at the Dollarama for $18 bucks!
My educational mission today - Shopping in the bustling metropolis of New Minas (Dollarama) to purchase low-tech assistive technology devices for students. This was actually fun. I cannot believe how much I learned from this experience. As Janice (class partner) and I wandered around the store, my mind raced with new and innovative ideas that would assist any and all students. Big pens, textured oven mitts, and place mats for stability, strength and improved dexterity. By the time the idea browsing was over.. we had a full shopping cart. Now it's time to develop instructional strategies and delivery methods to use these low tech devices. By including some of these simple ideas (egg timers and place mats for non-slip laptops) my classroom will be coined Ms. Poirier's 21st Century Room.
After watching this YouTube video "The Vision of K-12 Today, I can't even imagine teaching and delivering my curriculum in the same manner.
I don't think anyone would believe me if I had to tell them what my homework was this weekend. Searching for apps on ITunes that will enhance a students educational experience and life overall. How sweet does that sound! Sounds easy doesn't it. Well, there's a snag... my student profile is very limited. As an instructor of adults in a post-secondary institution, I am not privy to student information, personal or otherwise. So, when it comes to learning disabilities, instructors can only make educated guesses.... or if you one of the lucky ones and the student reveals their 'disability' to you. A former student revealed to me that she 'thought' she was dyslexic - but did not want anyone to know..and was very adamant, "...I do not want that stigma to follow me through college...". She was very aware of what her classroom and learning needs were - she would type everything, as opposed to writing. Some how this gave her the ability to see words quickly (very FAST typist) so she could backspace/edit the words, and correct her mistakes. This was accommodating for her. I thought is was the technology working its wonders..I was wrong. It was the student finding accommodating ways to live & manage with her disability. She volunteered her story...she was the exception.
So, it appears that I may have a variety of student profiles... older (age 20+), mature, intrinsically motivated, driven, very hard on themselves, moms & dads, fully employed, lack of confidence, righting a wrong (shame of low marks in high school or not completing high school at all), juggling 50 things at once... dyslexic. This is starting to sound an awful lot like me. Serious now... a majority of my students have never been officially diagnosed with a learning disability and if they have, they are trying to overcome it on their own (and I don't know about it) along with managing a full-time student and home life. What they need is TIME.
The mature student is a perfect candidate for this app; they are trying to be productive in an online format, and at school and at home.
APP#1 - The Time Manager app (needs to be on every one's Xmas list) allows the student to manage your time and records it, it computes your wasted time.. (OMG! We'll all be exposed!) This APP syncs with your Touch/IPhone calendar, and the neat thing is, the APP keeps running even when it's not in use. You can manually fill in your time as well, it will calculate how long you spent on Bejeweled, (not that I've wasted hours upon hour upon hours on that sweet little addiction) and then how long you spent shopping or researching or homework..then spits out an perfect little pie chart depicting (%) exactly how much wasted versus productive time you spent doing lifes most important stuff during the day or week. My students need this. This APP would be ideal during exam week.. ..calculating study habits, and Tim Horton runs. This APP could possibly determine if a student is spending too much time on specific home work or tests durations, with the notion that the student may need remedial work or accommodating factors for completing tests.
APP #2 is for those of us who are visually impaired in some way. A large majority of my mature students who use hand held devices are often turned off by their efficiency because of the very small font and keyboards. Behold the BigName -Large Text app! Well the app name speaks for itself. No more squinting when searching through your IPhone for contact names! The large high contrast text allows for easy browsing. IPod fan feedback was great as well...'you made my IPhone more usable for folks with poor vision.."
Next. I have often made the assumption that my students are just plain messy. Mostly they have books, papers and pens all over their desks, and are usually scrambling to find a scrap of paper to scribble an important lecture, only to lose it the next day. #3 - AudioNote-Notepad and Voice Recorder This gem of a app is perfect for mature students who have yet to acquire the skill of taking good note taking.
Using this app eliminates the frustration of deciphering what is important by simply improving note quality. Students no longer have to search through voice recordings or messy scribblers... each note acts as a direct link to a recording. Record class + Review your notes = success guaranteed! Families can ge involved too - understanding the basics of AT is critical for it's overall success.
When I teach how to effectively use technology, I become excited. The students learn new ways to make theirlives easier while acquiring the essential skills to be successful within the work place. I can admit that while I am preparing to teach these classes, I often omit to make the necessary accommodations for students who may have visual or audio disabilities for example, including more audio within my PPT, or increasing font sizes to an ex-large fonts. This is inexcuseable.
That's going to change! The relevance of improving my lectures and presentations has greatly enhanced since this morning. Today, I was developing a communication strategy using Proloquo2go on an augmentative alternative communication device (AKA - making the Ipod Touch talk using Proloquo2go). Any type of communication strategy does take planning and proper preparation, and for someone who has NEVER done this before, moving through the motions at such a slow pace can feel a bit tedious. Therefore, I am very grateful for my elementary/middle school classmates (teachers) who so graciously welcomed me to the world of teaching kids with learning disabilities. Without them I'm afraid I would be completely lost. Of course, I would be totally lost; I'm a technology teacher who gets wrapped up in her own world of teaching adults, who never (well, not very often) stops to think about all those adult learners with learning disabilities. Today, we created (with a few simple touches) a text to speak device that will allow for many doors of communication to open for our student - "Charlie". For example, Charlie will be able to effectively 'converse' with anyone he comes in contact with while he's at home, or at the hospital for one of his frequent visits, or while he's just hangin' out with his buddies in an efficient (and very cool) manner. It was a creative plan and easy to prepare on the Touch... so why don't we do this sort of thing more often in the college system???? I can honestly say, that I'm a bit embarrassed as an educator. So...I solemnly vow to revamp my instructional strategies and technological methodologies to meet the needs of all learners within my classroom by providing well planned learning opportunities (which may include assistive technology tools) that are pain free, stress free, cost free, also where successful learning outcomes are attainable and completely STUDENT-CENTERED. Thanks Charlie!
Most times when 'bloopers' occur in our lives, we feel embarassed, apologize, move on, and get back to normal. What you and I know to be 'bloopers' in life are very often a normal routine in the lives of autistic children. 
