DAY ONE - PART 1

When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.

Alexander Graham Bell

This quote, from the beginning of class, really spoke to me. I think we all are guilty of doing this from time to time. As teachers, we need to use it as a reminder to focus on the "new" and stop looking back at what has "always been done that way." The age of technology is here and we are not meeting the needs of our students by holding on to the ways of the past.

This was made perfectly clear during Barb's presentation of "AT: Past, Present, and Future". The technology is place for the particular students of focus were once thought to be the best we could do, but things change. Now with new and advanced technology, we can offer students a wider range of devices that not only provide more effective ways to meet their specific needs, they also motivate students to learn and allow them to "blend in" with the class.

The most exciting thing for me is the idea that these technological devices, etc. should be offered to ALL students as a way to support learning. THIS is the way of the future. THIS is the "door" that needs to be opened for everyone.


I found an interesting article that speaks to the idea of educating students in the world of technology.  It can be found at the following link:

Teaching the iGeneration - By Larry D. Rosen

The diverse ways you can incorporate technology into the classroom is really overwhelming. We looked at one tool during the first part of our class. As a group, we used the pic Collage APP.

This is an APP where you can create elaborate collages using your own pictures, ones you take, or pictures from the Internet. Our goal was to create a collage that introduced the members of our group to the class. What a wonderful idea for the beginning of the year!! This is where technology could benefit ALL students. What a way to motivate students!!

This APP could definitely benefit students who have learning difficulties as well. Students could use it to create a visual schedule, create posters and/or works of art. It really was very easy to learn. "Just keep tapping!" :)

We also looked at QR codes. I had seen these around but never knew what they were for. WOW! It is absolutely amazing what you could do with QR codes in the classroom! These codes are used to link to websites, text, maps, pictures, etc. They provide enhancement and/or further engagement with a particular topic/idea. We discussed MANY ways in which these codes could be used for educational purposes:
- advertising for student council
- provide extra information for trips outside of school – pics, maps, etc.
- treasure hunt
- enhance information on handouts, tests, etc.
- enhance books by providing additional reading material, links, etc.
- they could be adapted and made individual for each student -- could provide specific support for that individual without looking different
- provide visual enhancement - maps, pictures, etc.
- provide definitions when reading, writing a test, completing an assignment
- provide broader instructions, more details
- could be used for assessment purposes
- QR code centres – technology based -- groups go to different area of classroom and click on QR code to access that particular centre's information and instruction