Blog Post 8

Adaptive technologies are used in various ways, however inside of a classroom they can be used to assist students who have special needs or other exceptionalities that may be preventing them from succeeding within the classroom setting. Such as voice and touch interfaces, mobile operating systems that can assist with visual/ auditory or tactile learners. While these technologies do a lot of good for children within a classroom they can also be viewed as a distraction and a reason for children to act out within the classroom. Children also could fight over certain devices or even bully other children for having to use the device if they see it as a difference among the student body that stands out to them. After my brain surgery I used an IPAD to communicate what I was thinking to my teachers prior to gaining back the full ability to use my hands and write on my own. These technologies can include word processing programs, concept mapping, word prediction, text to speech programs and talking spell check. A lot of these programs are used daily by students that do not have any exceptionalities or disabilities simply because they help to make life easier.

Power points can be used to break up information and showcase it in a variety of different ways. Thus, using a power point for the blooms taxonomy for teaching a lesson would be simple. Say the lesson was on the food chain, the teacher would first create a lesson on the food chain that shows images and examples for each stage of the food chain. Then in more depth to evaluate each stage of the food chain and how it relates to the next one (both before and after) and how it affects the next. Using a Venn diagram to show how each stage of the food chain is connected to one another the students could analyze the similarities and differences. As well as by looking and figuring out where humans or their household pets fit into the food chain students can implement real world examples and make connections to their life. By asking discussion questions and skill check questions as the power point is progressing, the students can gain a better understanding of the topic and how it relates to the real world and their lives. Ending the power point with a final skill check that asks them questions and restates the main topic, the students will hopefully remember the lesson that is taught using a power point.

This website Teach Hub.com is a website that teachers and other members of the technology realm use to stay up to date on the latest technology, lesson and other shared resources. The website is a mix between a teacher’s technology blog, news post forum and professional development links as well. It has a little bit of everything on it that a teacher needs to know about the latest technology or updates coming as well as things teachers should look out for in their classrooms. This website seems to be updated often therefore it is a very relevant website that could be of use for teachers. Also, it is running by and facilitated by teachers and so they know exactly what is going on inside of the classroom so it can be relatable for the readers. If a reader wants to there is a discussion area for any additional comments that they may have. Overall this website shows to be very helpful and insightful.