Our Mind's Eye

In reviewing the expansive and ever evolving list of assistive technology Ipad apps that are available to us now I came across an article on CTV News.ca that caused me to pause and reflect. 

 http://goo.gl/SaMfbD

The title, Mozilla Co-founder can't picture anything in his mind's eye describes the story of Blake Ross, a software engineer who helped develop the Mozilla Firefox web browser and former director of product for Facebook, who did not discover until just recently that he had a neurological condition called Aphantasia.  "Aphantasia is where a person is unable to create imagery in their mind's eye. People with Aphantasia are unable to synthesize senses in their mind.  Certain people are unable to create any images, sounds, tastes, smells or touch within their mind. This is known as Total Aphantasia." 

http://goo.gl/rZeQh0

In a lengthy post on Facebook - Aphantasia: How It Feels To Be Blind In Your Mind, Ross describes going through life never having visualized anything explaining that the concept of "picturing" something is incomprehensible to him.  Ross has never had visual dreams or been able to remember his parent's face or his childhood bedroom.  This also affected his ability to "hear" songs in his head, among other things.

Considering that VISUALISATION is one key strategy for comprehension, the notion of not having this ability was intriguing. How would a person go through life without this ability?  How & when would a person realize that they are unable to do this as it is the only normal they know?  What assistive technology options would be appropriate for them or would these students go through life developing their own strategies in dealing?

https://goo.gl/Oq65Z0

Blake Ross has seen much success throughout his life and career as a writer and programmer.  We can infer by this that he has definitely developed strategies of his own in dealing with his un-diagnosed condition.  A testament that if you don't let challenges define you, and have the proper supports in place, you can be successful! 

The Possibilities are Endless!

The introductory video introduced us to a number of assistive technologies, many of which I was unfamiliar with. 

1. Direct selection was shown twice.  Initially, the young man was using it with his tongue.  Further on in the video we saw a student using his fingers to select.  This opens up a world of possibilities to these students that they previously had no access to.  Students that benefit from these technologies could have a wide range of challenges; non-verbal, very limited mobility, uncontrolled or involuntary movements to name a few.  This tool provides possibilities!  Once again, enabling communication, building relationships and increasing students' independence. 

2. Early Intervention Cause and Effect games used to with pre-school students. 







3. Clicker sentence Apps - allows students to enhance and improve their written output.  This is an extremely useful tool for those students who struggle to get words down on paper.  Providing them with a sense of accomplishment and building their sense of self and success.  I would suspect that students who use this may get "bitten by the writing bug," take greater risks when writing and continue to improve production.

4.  Keeble Keyboard Ipad app-  Keeble allows students and adults with physical or vision impairments to type in any app.  There are many options on the Ipad/Ipod/Iphone that would be beneficial to students that have vision impairments as well.  To enable these settings, you must go to Settings, General, Accessibility and they appear. Anyone can customize to their specific needs.  What is great also is that several people can use the same device at different times, all they have to do is change the settings.  Below are a few screen shots of options available on these iOS devices.

 

Visually impaired students and adults can benefit from the many accessibility options on iOS devices.    Inverted colours facilitates viewing for some.  Larger text size helps also.

                                      

5. Montessori Crossword Reading App for Reading Remediation

6.  Switch Access to Ipad alowing students who have fine motor issues to use Ipads which had been otherwise challenging.

Anyone can activate switch control by going to Settings, General, Accessibility on their iOS device.  Once activated, it can be individualized as necessary.

7. Eye Gaze Technology

Enabling students to communicate, access the internet, play interactive games, compose music, write and express thoughts and emotions, do math, manipulate text and listen to music.  Not only will this assistive technology enrich the student's life but also the lives of those around them.  The ability to build relationships between the student and their family as well as those who work closely with them has moved to a whole new level!  


8.  Proloquo2GO - voice overs giving speech to those who do not speak.  "Proloquo2Go is an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) assistive technology tool that can help children dealing with a range of speech challenges better communicate and express their needs. Proloquo2Go provides images and symbols to depict common emotions, requests, and responses. Frequently used verbal commands or requests can be organized on the app’s main page for quick and easy access. Users can also manually enter text to be read aloud by one of the pre-programmed voices." 

9.  Siri - Speech to Text

Speak and Siri will convert to written text.  Fabulous for a variety of applications; students with fine motor challenges who find writing painful or labour intensive can get their thoughts down using Speech to Text technologies, not only Siri.  Siri has language capabilities as well which expands the target audience. 

One additional possibility for Siri and ESL students (present day - Syrian refugees)  is that they can speak to Siri in their native tongue, and then can translate it using Google translate to facilitate communication with those around them.  Consider the potential for decreasing stress in new immigrants to any country.  One less thing to worry about - as long as they are traveling with a device or can have one provided to them. In this circumstance, this would be an essential tool for survival.  

A few others consider that were not listed in the video...

GUIDED ACCESS
For students who have difficulty focusing on specific web paged or apps without surfing the internet or using multiple apps, enabling Guided Access limits individual students to one app or website.

 

 
OH YES, THE POSSIBILITIES ARE INDEED ENDLESS!

The potential of Assisstive Technology, SAMR and UDL.

Our evening began with a powerful video that demonstrated the endless possibilities offered to students and adults alike using assistive technology. 

Aiden demonstrated the power of Eye Gaze technology.  Although Aiden had only been on Day 2 of his training, he demonstrated his ability to quickly adapt to this new technology.  The pure joy on his face when he saw what he was able to do with it.  It opened a world of new possibilities.  It will allow him to communicate, access the internet, play interactive games, compose music, write and express his thoughts and emotions, do math and manipulate text and listen to music.  Not only will this assistive technology enrich Aiden’s life but also the lives of those around him.  The ability to build relationships between Aiden and family as well as those who work closely with him has moved to a whole new level!  

Presentation #1  Imovie trailer on SAMR model

Julia, Krista & Mairi

  

Using an iMovie trailer to deliver their information, group #1 did a great job explaining the SAMR model through graphics and additional descriptions using classroom integration to model it for the rest of the students.

 

SAMR was explained as a method to assess the integration of Technology in the classroom:

S- Substitution (enhancement)
A- Augmentation (Functional Improvement)

M - Modification (Redesign)

R- Redefinition (New tasks otherwise inconceivable)

 In using a Lesson in math about Fractions, the group explained how they would break it down using the SAMR model. 
S - Use a google sheet in colour
A - Use a Google Sheet in colour and provide direct feedback
M - Offer online examples to supplement student learning
R - Provide a Fraction App  for additional practice and extension.

Using the SAMR model to assess whether you are using in your classroom is effective in evaluating whether it is being used effectively and to enhance learning.

Presentation #2  iMovie trailer + additional information. UDL

Gina, Mandy, Tanya

Universal Design for Learning was presented as a method of planning for the diverse needs in our classrooms and in doing so we ensure that we are providing multiple opportunities for:

-Expression,
-Engagement

-Increased accessibility to learning opportunities FOR ALL.

In doing this, we must take the three Learning Networks into consideration. The Recognition , Strategic and Affective Networks.

Much of the nformation for this presentation was found on on the UDL Centre website.

Some suggestions for planning the integration of many modalities in our classroom delivery:

EVERYONE IS CAPABLE OF LEARNING IF MATERIALS AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES ARE  ACCESSIBLE TO THEM.

IF THEY KNOW THE TARGET - THEY CAN COMPILE STRATEGIES ON  HOW TO HIT THAT TARGET!

EXPLAIN THE WHAT, HOW AND WHY OF LEARNING. 

Do we need technology to implement UDL?

If the purpose of UDL is to provide ample opportunities for all students to become expert learners, there should be a variety of ways to meet this ultimate goal.  If we take into consideration Learning styles and Multiple Intelligences, it is clear that everyone does not learn in the same way therefore ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL.  As educators we must be creative in our content delivery and assessment practices to ensure that our students are being given a variety of opportunities to inquire and demonstrate their learned knowledge.  FLEXIBILITY is crucial for both educators and students in order to have this unfold in a successful manner.

The use of technology, makes their learning journey a much more fulfilling one as it allows those who may not have taken risks otherwise, using conventional methods of demonstrating meeting outcomes,  to go out on a limb, and make their language & learning come to life!  Technology should be infused into our lessons. Technology integration is not specific to one subject – it is an integral part of curriculum delivery and invaluable to students as it provides a wealth of tools that they can use to demonstrate their proficiency level in achievement of outcomes.

The Integration of technology offers our students 

                                                                   Blended learning

       Differentiated instruction

    Outcome based  Choices/Options

 Practical application

   Social and Emotional Learning