In working with Special Needs students one becomes acutely aware of their different abilities and needs. As I explore the digital technology tools available for educational uses, I see the advantages and disadvantages of each tool to each student I work with.
It is kind of like a jigsaw puzzle. I look at the picture on the box (a picture of my students) and then I look at all the pieces of technology, in many shapes and sizes, and I am trying to match the pieces to my students. Some tech tools are very similar in design and function, and fit well with my students, while others are very unique and may meet some of the special needs of a few students.
As I have said before there is no one size fits all.
Since one of the goals in my GAME Plan is to 'customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources.' I feel compelled to find a basic format to work from. I have therefore decided to sign up for PBworks, and make it the wiki program I will employ when school resumes in the fall. I have read some good comments about it and have explored it and it seems to be a very versatile program, one that has the functionality and flexibility to meet my students needs.
I am planning on preparing my new PBworks wiki for the next semester, by developing guidelines for use (including guideline on how to cite sources and not violate copy write laws,) accessing appropriate sites, and links to other digital tools the students can access. I am also going to integrate some lesson plans into the wiki for the opening of the next school year.
John C.
John,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have some great goals in mind for next semester. Are you going to have your students create their own wiki sites or are they going to add to one that already exists? Good Luck with everything.
Katherine
I really like the idea of creating a wiki for next year.It sounds like it will be a great resource and learning tool for the students. Good luck and thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteKate
Kathy,
ReplyDeleteI intend to establish a class wiki site so I can present lessons and material and do assessments. I will show each student how to add their own page and let them customize it to meet their own taste or sense of style.