Wednesday Blogginess

Have just been going through my posts and its so funny looking at all the wee things I have learned along the way ... like adding an actual link to my posts now, and not just the website to copy and paste into a new tab (if you want to see the content) like in my older posts.

I've really enjoyed writing this blog and doing the tasks required of us in each weeks' technical template. I have enjoyed the opportunity to express my own personal views and findings on technology, as well as learning a few things I didn't know about technology too. Particularly Assistive Technology.

Assistive Technology is:

According to Cook & Hussey (1995), assistive technology is a range of' 'devices, services, strategies and practices' that are applied to to help reduce problems faced by people with disabilities. This is notably different to other definitions of assistive technologies because it focuses on the type of technological 'device' and not just the application of knowledge needed to use a peice of assistive equipment.

Another definition from the Technical Assistance to the States Act (cited in Cook & Hussey, 1995) states that assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment or product that increases or improve sthe functional capabilities of someone with a disability. These devices can be bought commercially or off the shelf, and modified or customized for a given user.

That is how I would describe assistive technology, especially after the workshop with Dave a couple of weeks ago. We had a chance to play with a variety of switches, recording/communicative systems, a touch screen whiteboard, electric wheel chair and other computer devices.

Things like the iPad, are still beyond me. But the switches and communication devices were simple and effective. However, my favorite thing was the touch screen whiteboard and the number of colourful and auditory interactive games that could be accessed (via the internet). I think I liked this piece of equipment the most because I have an interest in programs or equipment that assist in maintaining or improving sensory functions.

I saw how effective this device was when working with the students at the special needs school where Dave works. The school has students with high needs; the students have sensory, physical and/or cognitive impairments and require a range of assistive technology to facilitate interaction, communication and participation.

Interactive Whiteboards:

Size:

Front projection whiteboards range in size from around 47" to 104" in diagonal size; with 60-inch and 77-inch being popular sizes.  60" doesn't sound huge, but it fits into school environments well as otherwise pupils cannot reach the middle of boards to contribute. They come either with a wall mount bracket, desktop stand or floor stand on wheels.  

Portable versions are also available for presentations on the move.  These tend to be around 47" screens to keep the weight down.  You still need to take a computer with you, usually a notebook, and also a projector which can weigh as little as 0.9kg. (retrieved from http://www.wedgwood-group.com/whiteboard_help.htm)

Cost: $600 - $3000

Function:

• Write over the top of programs to highlight and annotate points (see picture above).
• View and navigate the Internet from the whiteboard.  Surf and display websites which the entire room will be able to see.
• Students/audience members can approach the whiteboard and add their contribution to the discussion by writing directly on the whiteboard.
• Present ideas to large audiences.
• Display movie files or DVD's from the PC
• Work on word processing documents, spreadsheets, design projectors with your colleagues. Can be connected to video conferencing systems.

http://www.interactive-whiteboards.co.uk/ (this is a link showing a range of interacitve screen systems and accessories that are available)

http://www.inquiringmind.co.nz/interactive_whiteboards.htm (use of interactive whiteboards in NZ schools)

http://www.kids-software.com/2009/12/free-interactive-whiteboard-activities/ (a website for free kids software, promoting education, art, creativity, safety and fun)

I can't find the website that Dave uses in the classroom; but it is a fantastic interactive game where the students can touch the screen and whereever their hands move, a line of colour follows as well as sound; this encourages physical interaction and stimulates the senses for the students, increasing their capacity to engage with and respond to the environment around them.

YAY!