Blog Post Assignment # 12

1. Watch the video Technology in Special Education and write 2-3 paragraphs about this video and how technology has effect they way special education is taught. How can you use technology for special needs students in your classes?

2. After watching this video How the iPad Works with Academics for Autism Go to Apple.Education Apps.com and find an app that you could use in the classroom with a special needs students. Explain in 1-2 paragraphs how you would use the app in the classroom and how it would improve learning.

1.In the first video there is a special education teacher, Ms. Lace Cook, talking about how technology has changed the way her classroom runs and the way her students learn. One of her students used to have to leave the room and participate in silent reading since he had to be read to out loud. Now he can listen to a book on the ipod and follow along with the text. He can now participate in the classroom and not have to leave. Another student uses the computer as a means of communicating by using a mouse to type words on the computer. Before using the computer it was not easy to communicate with Chris. Ms. Cook is able to gain the attention of her class and keep their attention when using technology. SHe hopes to keep teaching her students about technology and keep implementing new technology into her classroom.
I can use technology in several different ways to help children with special needs. Computers are an endless resource for different programs that can help students when learning different subjects. If I had a student that couldn't hear well I could pull up a video on their computer and add sub titles to it for them to follow along with the class. Smart boards are also great tools to have in a special education classroom. Engaging students in the material will be much easier when you can pull pictures up on the Smart board and actually have students be able to come and touch the actual object they are being asked to work with. There are so many ways in which technology can better the learning of all students especially special education students.


2. In the second video there is a father using an iPad to help his autistic son with learning how to count, use his sight words and even write. I think it is wonderful how he uses different apps on the iPad to help his son. The little boy was counting using a toddler counting app that would show a certain number of different objects on the screen. Every time he touched one of the objects it would count 1,2,3... and he would count along as he touched each new object. When looking online at the app store I found an app called Pro Keys which is a music application that has 14 different instruments and allows you to play and record with them. It also has some preset recording created by a professional. This app can help to teach students about the different sound instruments make and it will also allow them to play and interact with the different instruments. There are also so many great apps that can be used in the classroom to enhance the learning of both traditional and special needs students. I see the use of iPads in the classroom as a great learning tool and a great use of technology.