Some more thoughts on technology

So here I am, almost done with our Technology class. And I am trying to complete my website, which is half way there. Some of the things we had to do for class were nothing new to me- the excel worksheet, formatting, powerpoints, etc. But others were- the website!!!! As I learned how to do new things, I had to use what I already knew. Its amazing what we can do with technology these days and the really amazing thing is we aren't done yet! Everyday, something new is coming out or being introduced. Technology puzzles me and I am thankful that I can at least attempt to learn new things.

Article 1

http://www.specialed.us/autism/assist/asst10.htm

Assistive Technology for Children with Autism

This article was interesting because it discussed many ideas we already use in a 'regular' classroom. Assistive technology is any equipment,item, or system that is purchased to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of persons with disabilities. Children with autism generally process information better visually than auditory.
Some of us from Head Start just received training on Boardmaker, a program used as a communication aide. Visual representations are very important for a child, and starting with basic stick drawings and moving on to photographs or concrete representations. Another program that can be used is Picture This, a program allowing more real photos to be used.
Skill areas associated with autistic children are low technology, mid technology, and high technology. Low technology is items like dry erase boards, file folders, photo albums, 3 ring binders, etc. Mid technology is simple battery operated devices like a tape recorder, overhead projectors, simple voice output devices. High technology are items like video recorders, computers and the adaptive hardware, and complex voice output devices.
This article is a good resources for programs that can not only be used with autistic children, but any child. What child wouldn't want to see themselves on video or on a tape recorder?

Technology update

So since I last posted, I have gotten a new computer. And it was a pain. It all started when I wanted to update my old computer to Windows Vista to use my MP3 player. To make a REALLY long story short, I had to get new computer. It's been going, but learning a new program like Vista has been a little bit of time consumption. New technology is a struggle to learn sometimes, but I guess it helps us for the most part. It's just a matter of using it for good, not evil.

Me, myself and I- and technology too!

Hello there! My name is Jess Gauger and this is my second year at UW-O in the accelerated program for Education. Many of my peers know about me, but in brief, I live in Oshkosh with my boyfirend and his seven year old daughter and our beautiful 5 month old son. I work at Head Start and have been there for six years as a lead teacher, but look forward to hopefully getting a "real" job in a school district some day.

Working in a preschool setting, we use technology, but also working in a program that works with low income families and being very limited for funds (federally funded) we have a computer, but it doesn't have much available. It works when it wants to and the computer games are very outdated. I would love to have internet access for the children in the classroom, but the teaching staff just got upgraded with our computers in the office so I don't think internet access is a priority for the children at the moment. I use email to communicate with parents and they seem to like it because majority of my families have internet at their home.

In conclusion, technology could be an important tool. But I think its going to a tool I need to provide and implement myself.