Assistive Technologies for Reading

Landon Roberts - Landonmroberts@gmail.com - 1-26-09

Assistive Technologies for Reading – Ted S. Hasselbring, Margaret E. Bausch

Overview:

Hasselbring and Bausch, both special education professors at the University of Kentucky, discuss the importance of assistive technologies for special education students.  The authors give facts throughout the article to emphasize their point that assistive technologies improve reading skills for special education students, as well as help students shed unnecessary attention upon themselves as they are able to work independently on improving their reading ability.

Click here to continue reading my assessment of "Assistive Technologies for Reading" in Google Docs.

The Overdominance of Computers

Landon Roberts - Landonmroberts@gmail.com - 1-26-09

The Over Dominance of Computers - Lowell W. Monks

Overview:

In his article, "The Overdominance of Computers," Mr. Monks examines the idea that computers may possibly be playing a role in young people's lives that might not be in their best interest.  He questions the long standing assumption that access to computers from a young age helps student achievement.  He also understands the power that comes with technology and believes that instead of giving younger children a free rein on technology, teachers should instill the qualities in the younger generation that will encourage students to use the power that comes with technology in an ethical manner.  Mr. Monk offers some helpful solutions such as waiting to teach technology instruction until after elementary school, and encouraging younger students to engage in hands on school experiences such as drama, and outdoor activities.

To view the rest of the document click here

Philosophy of Education

This is a little bit embarrassing to admit, but when I started this project, I had absolutely no idea how I was going to accomplish it.  The ideas that I had about how I was going to bring it all together were so out there, I don't even want to discuss it.  I was very amazed at how easy it was to put a movie together.  I had originally imagined a video, and PowerPoint, and some how combining those with a CD playing in the background to get my final project. Well I wasn't going to mention my ideas, but at least you know where I was coming from now. Thanks to Jason's helpful tutorials, it was a lot less confusing than I had imagined.  I had a great time putting the movie together. I got pretty excited thinking about how my students could use this technology in my classes.  

I again had some issues with uploading my video to YouTube, and after some initial frustration, I was informed that 321 MB is quite a big file.  I was able to downsize the file, and I successfully uploaded my first video to YouTube.  You can check it out here.

Well, this will be my last post until after the holiday season.  I hope you all have a great holiday, and I look forward to working with you all on the second half of our journey.  It is all down hill from here!