What Technology Do You Need?

"What technology do you need?"

This was the question posed this week during one of our meetings.  This question was aimed towards teachers and their classrooms.  As teachers, we can teach with whatever we have available.  This is one of our trademark skills, but with self-reflection, one cannot wonder if we are asking the wrong question.  Shouldn't we be asking "What technology do the students need?"

We are living in the 21st century and our students need opportunities to build their 21st century technology skills.  How do we advocate for technology and show the importance it plays in supporting and teaching individuals with disabilities?

What are some things you are doing in your classrooms and in your districts to advocate for technology?  What technology are you providing individuals with special needs to be successful in the classroom and develop their 21st century skills?

Technology & Special Education

I recently had the opportunity to borrow an IPad to use with my students with special needs.  It was amazing!  I have students who have Autism, language deficits, behavior disorders, and learning disorders.  To observe the students and their interaction with this device was AMAZING!

The students who are not willing to speak, spoke.

The students who hate school worked hard to earn the IPad as a reward--positive reinforcement.

The students who know school is hard and easily shutdown, wanted to know when they could work on their numbers and letters on the "computer thing."

The opportunities technology can provide can open a gateway for each and every student!

What technology will you implement this year to support your students with special needs?

New Resource

Check out this new resource my strategist shared with me!  It is called PogoBoards.  It is an online resource which allows teachers to create communication boards for kids with special needs.  This program offers many options:  speech output, use of different language, and access to boards created by other individuals across the globe.

This resource does cost a fee, but there is a free 14 day trial to help you decide if it is a resource you could use.  My district pooled the special education teachers together and paid for a 1 year membership.  The more people you can get the cheaper the yearly membership fee!

Check this resource out and let me know what you think.  This resource can be found at the following address:  www.pogoboards.com

Enjoy!

The SpEd World

The special education world is not dabbled in by many.  Those who choose to work in this field are aware of the many rewards and challenges faced in the classroom on a daily basis.

Without the support of colleagues, experts in the field, and families, there would not be many who would continue in this line of work.

The purpose of this blog is to share the joy, the triumphs, the challenges, and the resources which exist in the special education world.  I am hoping to network, collaborate, and support general educators, special educators, the families, and the individuals with special needs.

Look for more to come in this New Year!