This year’s TechKowledgy Conference was held in Richmond this past November 13-14, 2008 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. I have been musing over the information garnered there. This conference focuses on effective practices in assistive technology and creating technology rich environments for all students. Many UDL ideas were presented. Penny Reed, National Consultant in Special Education and Assistive Technology, must be credited with the quote of the conference, “The single most effective way of encouraging technology use by teachers is the administration.” All the technology in the world is no good unless it is used. Teachers are overwhelmed with paperwork and regulations not to mention the number of students assigned to their case load. IEPs require different technologies for different students—all dependent on the assessed need. Even with help from ITRTs, OTs, PTs, and Vision Specialists, no teacher can be aware of all the technology that is out there and available in their school district. How do we help? What more can we do?
Archive for April, 2009
Know Your Tech
Thursday, April 30th, 2009WAIT
Thursday, April 2nd, 2009But not for long. The Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke, Virginia has a web-based tool which allows teachers to provide both a constructivist and an interdisciplinary approach to learning for students. WAIT (Web-based Art Interactive Tool) allows students to interpret works of art in the museum’s permanent collection. Students publish their interpretations online than explore other students’ opinions. Students have the opportunity to improve their communication technology skills as well as their critical thinking and observation skills. Art becomes a real-life experience.