Wednesday, 25 April 2012
Class April 25
Tonight's class was very informative. My classmates created very impressive presentations from which I learned a lot and developed a little, just a little feeling a comfort and familiarity around apps. Many of the presentations highlighted the same or similar apps even though the different presentations focused on different topics. Hearing the name 2 or 3 times made the app not seem as scary. I did notice that most of the apps seemed to be geared for lower elementary and as a high school teachers I wished that there were more that I could consider using in my classroom. Once I learn how to search the itunes store a little better, I can see if there are apps appropriate for high school needs or maybe Barbara W could create a webinar about this area. The first presentation was on mobility disorders. The Tikintes sounded interesting and I really liked the Look tell recognizer. I have had visually impaired students and I was wondering if this would help them find their stuff in their lockers or if they would still need a TA to get out the jacket, book bag etc. Even to pick out the cookies in the cupboard would give them a sense of independence. I know my student used to get so frustrated because he needed people to get things for him all the time. The Proloque2Go sounded really interesting and I thought I needed that. The cost of $189.00 was expensive to me added to the $500.00 for the iPad and then the $40.00 to $250.00 for the case. And that's for one student. I was relieved to hear that the app could be shared legally on multiple devices. But I've been used to working with a book budget of basically a dollar a student for the last number of years, so this seems expensive even though I'm told that it is not, to me. Off topic, but the issue of equity keeps coming to mind. I know these devices create equity for Learning disabled students and others, but there is not sufficient money to see to everyone's needs. Who gets the devices? My school is in a low social economic area. Very few parents have the resources to buy these devices. Our school does not have an iPad at all. I asked my principal. I asked if we could get some as I have students who would really benefit. She said that she had asked but we were denied. As a P3 school our technology budget is a puzzle from what I see - not from her words - those are entirely mine. I'm not sure if this is what I am supposed to do, but from the bogs I read before creating this one, I think I'm on track. Anyway away from school budgets and back to the wonderful presentations. The next one was on communication disorders and they had a wealth of information. I loved the Sign4me app and would have loved to have it early in my teaching career when I had a hearing impaired student and decided to take sign language lessons on the weekends. Most of our communication involved me slowly spelling words, as my sign vocabulary was not very extensive. Just think I could have popped her a picture on my mobile device :) The video modeling was another interesting device. I wonder if it could be programmed to have students actually complete homework?! I would pay myself for that one! The advice to start with a free version of an app before paying for it was good. I see the costs of apps quickly adding up. $4.00 here and $2.00 there and $40.00 could be expensive. I was really engaged in the Apps for Early childhood presentation. I kept thinking about my grandchild and how quickly she can get to whatever she wants on the computer, phone and iPad. I think I will need to purchase some of these apps for her and she, all 20lbs and 18 months of her, can show me how to use them. Of course I will watch out for glass breakage and not use it as a babysitter - great advice on usage as well as the apps from this presentation. I loved the point about the consistent placement and function of menu features. That's important for "old" I mean me, learners as well as young learners. The last presentation was on Autism. The info on social stories was very helpful and applicable to my setting. I know and have used social stories in the past. I think I may personally need the fluid app as the many aspects of the course are stressing me out. All in all it was an informative class.
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Actually Wanda p2go can only go on one device. In the world of AAC Augmentative and Alternative Communication the package is very inexpensive (iPad, P2go, case). Most AAC devices cost $8-$10,000.00!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea the technology was that expensive. Are the parents expecetd to pay for these? Would it be under medical expenses? Devices that important to social, mental and intellectual development should not be that cost prohibited. That's almost immoral.
DeleteGreat comments on the presentations, you clearly gleaned quite a bit of information and knowledge from your classmates! Excellent:)
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the cost of the devices. For many parents and schools, it is simply too much. I try very hard to show/introduce free apps to my students. As a class, we often use my iPad for writing, reading and math activities and so far, I have only downloaded free apps. I wish, though, that there was a government program or support for parents to access to purchase AT for their children. It is so needed!
ReplyDeleteWanda, thanks for sharing the helpful links on the right side of your blog. I also like how you included your personal teaching philosophies within your profile.
ReplyDeleteIn response to your reflection on this week's class, you have made me think of something I heard (about market value) at the conference I attended in Halifax earlier in the week. One of the presenters said that, in the near future, desk computers and laptops will not retail as they currently do. He predicted that such technology will become more expensive as fewer people buy it (demand goes down) because fewer people need it. His argument was that mobile devices allow people to do most of the work they currently use their computers to do and that only a small percentage of the population uses computers for higher computing purposes. Considering the cheaper ticket prices on mobile devices (as compared to those on computers), mobile devices are the logical choice. Despite this presenter's predictions and the relatively low price of mobile devices, it remains true that the retail price on mobile devices is outside the budget of many of students and their caregivers.
There is a shift of thinking when it comes to mobile devices. In Alberta the education department is making moves towards having students bring their own mobile devices to school. I can honestly see the day where ipads and itouches are ask common on school supply lists as paper and crayons. For some this might seem crazy but when you think of the benefits for the school when cost is concerned it is amazing.
ReplyDeleteWith this movement happening their are many different requirements. Schools are being forced to deal with policy and support for these devices. It is an interesting debate and evolution.