Kurzweil 3000 and e-book UDL Editions by CAST

"How Coyote Stole Fire"

an online e-book created by UDL Editions by CAST

Kurzweil 3000

Both Kurzweil 3000 and UDL Editions by CAST feature a computer voice component that reads text to the student. I have the same criticism of online e-books by UDL Editions by CAST as I do of the computer software Kurzweil 3000. The narrated computer voice in each program is choppy and not fluent. The voice in each program also is unable to discriminate between homophones and therefore pronounces words that may be spelled the same but pronounced differently the same way.

With the above criticism taken into account, Kurzweil 3000 and UDL Editions by CAST are both making strides in text-based accessibility to students who may have been previously unable to take part in the comprehension process.

Functional Skills System

I found the Functional Skills System DVD to be a concise, no-frills program. The software provides information for people with disabilities so that they may better interact with and understand various environments including: the home, school, work, and community. Generally, I found the program to be useful in its conveying of information in a simple, straightforward way. Signs and directions people encounter throughout their day are clearly displayed both in and out of context. To enhance the effectiveness of showing people with disabilities how these signs and directions relate to their life, I would suggest including a storyline in which the viewer can follow one character who comes across various signs, landmarks and directions. Having this "movie element" may more successfully hold the attention of some viewers and augment the learning experience of all users.

Microsoft Photo Story

I just learned about Microsoft's Photo Story. It is a great way to have kids bring poetry to life through photos and music. Think-alouds are easily taught through this clever program that includes a voice-over component which allows kids to narrate their own slides. Check out my video above that I pieced together from my days teaching at Red Cloud Indian School!

Bookmarking

I checked out a few of the bookmarking sites that were mentioned, like ma.gnolia.com
and clipmarks.com . The site I liked the best was Kaboodle and this is where I chose to make a bookmarked list entitled If I had a Million Dollars... Check it out at:
http://www.kaboodle.com/sfridie/bookmarking-services.html
I chose to make the list after a long day at school where I am teaching a writing strategy called SRSD (Self-Regulated Strategy Development) using the prompt "If I had a million dollars..." It would be neat to have the kids make a Kaboodle list full of items that they mention in their essays.

I was also thinking about my mom while making my Kaboodle list because she is always asking me and my siblings "What do you want for _______________ (your birthday, Christmas, etc.)" This bookmarking website would greatly help her keep organized as well as give her concrete ideas as to what to buy us for holidays!

Ergonomics

My computer workspace is confined due to my very small bedroom. The desk itself is the central point in my room and being so it is where I do most of my work. As such, the desktop surface is usually cluttered with ongoing projects. I have a laptop computer so I do not have the luxury of separating the keyboard and monitor. I also use a touchpad mouse which is built into my keyboard. The chair I use is not adjustable and since I am a rather short person, I must sit forward in order for my feet to touch the ground. For a document holder, I often times use my i-pod dock which is seen to the right of my computer monitor. It performs the same function as a document holder when it is not being used to play music. I often times use Skype on my computer which allows me to make phone calls hands free.

According to the Cornell University Ergonomics Website there are several things I could do to improve my workstation:

1) desk – I should work on de-cluttering my workspace so that frequently used items (pens, notepad, etc.) are easier to reach.

2) keyboard— A separate keyboard would allow me have more choice as to its position and angle. Ideally, my keyboard should be angled downward. Although, my desk drawer is encased and would not allow for keyboard usage with its heavy wooden frame. ** I like this keyboard from askergoworks.com because it is slightly angled downward and follows a natural curve. http://www.askergoworks.com/products/114/Microsoft-Elite-Keyboard.aspx

3) monitor— My monitor is always directly in front of my eyes and the keyboard which encourages good posture.

4) mouse—A separate mouse might make navigating more comfortable.**I like this mouse because it is supposed to prevent excessive gripping and pinching and fits your hand like a shoe! Appropriately titled, the shoe mouse! http://www.askergoworks.com/products/1628/HandShoe-Mouse.aspx

5) chair—An adjustable chair would allow me to easily correct my posture and make sitting more comfortable. **I like this chair from americanseating.com because it has a full back, is adjustable and is on wheels which would move nicely on my tile floor.

http://www.americanseating.com/productDetails.aspx?ID=0_67_education_117

6) document holder—My document holder is a clever compensatory tool that meets my needs. I don’t need to invest in the “real version” since mine adequately and more cheaply gets the job done!

7) phone—When I use Skype there are no negative side effects to my posture. When I
use my cell phone I often prop it between my ear or my shoulder which could lead to
shoulder and neck cramping. If I want to use my cell phone while typing it might be
worth investing in a headset.

Second Life Meet-Up

This is a picture of Nanako and Me in Milbank Chapel on Second Life. You can see from our elbows that we are typing back and forth to one another!

$1 Invention

Below is my $1 invention! You know the little plastic tube inside of your paper towel roll? Well, I discovered that it can also be used for another purpose...

Simply snip one end of the tube using a pair of scissors...make sure it is the end of the tube that is slightly larger:

Next, take the tube apart and fill the inside with frosting:
Go ahead and write on top of a cake or decorate a cookie with the newly invented icing tube!

Take a peek at the cakes I have decorated in the slideshow now appearing at the top right of my blog! (Okay, so I didn't decorate all of these cakes with this toilet-paper-holder-turned-decorating-device but perhaps if I am in a pinch in the future, it just might come in handy!)

Course Expectations

I don't want to be that teacher...the teacher that stands in front of her class and can't figure out how to work the overhead projector, how to connect the DVD player to the television or how to access the latest educational software in the student computer lab. After teaching third grade for a few years, I realized that I would have to work at keeping up on the latest computer technology so that I could at least keep ahead of my students. I am here in this course to increase my knowledge of current computer applications and programs. I also want to learn how to better incorporate appropriate technology into the teaching of students with disabilities.

It seems to me that the average school teacher this day in age is extremely undereducated when it comes to computer applications. That being said, computer applications in special education are even further unknown meaning that students are not receiving the best education they deserve due to lack of access to technology that might help them meet their goals. I hope this course exposes me to technology that can help my future students learn to the best of their ability.