Assistive Tech 5173 - Summer Session, Day 1

Assistive Tech Day 1 - July 5

We started our course today with a video, “Climbing the Wall.” We started our last course with this video & I was glad to see it again. It’s a great way to start a class & it puts me in the right frameset for this course.

We followed this up with a pollev! I love using pollev; it engages the audience & allows us to use technology in a fun way in the classroom. I’d love to try using pollev in my classroom this coming year, I think the kids would have a blast with it.

Christine & I were assigned two topics to define using Adobe Spark. We were given IPP (Individual Program Plans) and DA (Documented Adaptations). We were both familiar with these terms, but Adobe Spark was a new program for us. It seems like a pretty interactive program to use. I could see my students using it to show what the know on a certain topic. It took us a while to figure out how to upload video’s from the ipad directly to the app. Originally, we uploaded them to youtube and went that route. Thankfully Christine was able to figure it out!

We did make a couple videos on IPP’s & DA’s, which you can check out below

You can also view our final product by following the link below:
https://spark.adobe.com/#design/page/8F832A45-642F-4010-8524-BF6DDEDF0B57

A few notes from the different presentations from today’s class:

HAAT Model - I really liked the presentation using Telestory. Looks like a really cool app to use & is very user friendly.

SETT Framework - Alecia & Tracy used videoscribe to tell us about SETT framework. They told us about Student, Environment, Task & Tools. Always enjoy using videoscribe, such a cool way to show what you know.

Presumed Competence - Sue & Terri using StripDesign - presuming students have ability, are capable & are competent.

Disruptive Technology - Rachel & Susan presented using the CHOMP app. I love how they described how the CHOMP app is an example of disruptive technology itself, replacing programs like PowerPoint.

Assistive Technology - Lisa & Joy presented using Powtoon. They described different devices, services & types of AT.

SAMR - Sheri & Nick created a trailer in iMovie to describe the different parts of SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification & Redefinition)

UDL - Holly & Joanne used Tellagami to tell us about Universal Design for Learning. UDL is at the forefront of education nowadays and is so important to keep in mind while we plan for the upcoming year.

EADL - Jill & Dave presented using 3D Timeline about Electronic Aids for Daily Living. They are aids that we can use through various types of technology; can assist all people, but especially those with disabilities that would have difficulty performing daily activities.

AAC & Voca - Lori-Ann & John presented using Adobe Spark Video. AAC stands for augumentative alternative communication and Voca stands for Voice Output Communication Aid

The last part of the day was a video of Aiden using EyeGaze. It’s his 2nd day of using the program, and it’s amazing as to what he can do! This video shows how substantial a role assistive tech can play in a person’s life. It is the difference between someone sitting on the sidelines all their life or being an active participant in life. Using AT, Aiden is able to express himself, communicate with friends, family & schoolmates, and have fun!