Through its legislative efforts in 1992, Congress recognized the importance of assistive technology (AT) devices and services as tools to assist students with disabilities in leading independent and productive lives. Congress addressed the students' needs for AT services by providing specific definitions of these services1 in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDE),(http://www.ucp.org/ucp_channeldoc.cfm/1/12/69/69-69/979). As a teacher it is my responsible to ensure that I include any assistive technology device in my students IEP. It would be wrong of me to sit by and not seek to provide my students with any means necessary to be successful in the classroom. I have had a student who is unable to write clearly and was failing his classes as his teachers were unable to read his writing. It was my job to place in his IEP that all assignments should be done on a computer and that the student should be given extra days to turn in all assignments.
What are your rights regarding copyright and fair use if you modify the access methods of your course materials? How can you make this work for you in your classroom?
As stated in http://home.earthlink.net/~cnew/research emerging technologies bring new challenges for today's teachers. The Internet and availability of computers and digitizing equipment provide ready access to great reservoirs of information and knowledge. Newer technologies also allow teachers to transfer, copy, and digitize learning materials faster and easier than ever. Digital images may travel great distances quickly, leaving no trail. Text and images can be copied instantly, and then easily saved in computer files (Carter, 1996, p. 4). I try to give my student the most up-to-date information this has gotten easier because of the internet but I let my students know that it is very important to site their source at all times. I teacher my students two things how to find and modify information found on the internet, also to convert information into their own words.
Students with special needs do have greater opportunities due to today's advanced technologies. I think it is important that teachers do their "homework" and find the programs, tools, and information which will best suit the needs of their students. I sounds as if you are both willing and able to research the AT beneficial for your students. I also liked your comment about teaching your students "how to find and modify information found on the internet, also to convert information into their own words." Teaching students how to access and utilize information is crucial for 21st century education.
ReplyDeleteWayne,
ReplyDeleteYour students are very lucky to have you as their teacher and providing them with the assistive technology they need to be successful in school and life long learners. It is great what the internet has done for teaching and teaching your students to site their sources is very important. It is so hard for my ESOL students to convert information into their own words and we are always practicing this skill. Have a great weekend.
I'm sure if you check with any publisher, the either have text that is digitized or would give you permission to convert it. If they are an actual textbook company, I think they legally have to do this.
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