Fotobabble

I chose Fotobabble because the description on Larry’s website really caught my eye. It sounded interesting to be able to record discussion my own picture or website.  Fotobabble would help a student  who may be hearing impaired. It may also assist a student who needs to see things visually when they are learning. A child with a disability in an inclusion classroom who may have a hearing impairment may need sound or discussion amplified. For this student I would allow them to go to the computer center and go to the fotobabbles that I have set up. I would also have headphones plugged into the computer on a higher volume setting. Student would be allowed to sit by themselves with the headphones on and listen to the fotobabbles I have created. Depending on the grade level student maybe allowed to take notes. After a student has watched the fotobabble they would be able to complete the worksheets and activities that go along with the information they were presented with. For example I created a fotobabble about King Penguins. The picture available is a photo of 3 king penguins. As they look at the image my voice would play in the background stating the facts about the king penguin.

This could be used during a science lesson on animals. I could use many different animals and create a recording of information related to each animal. Using fotobabble allows for a student who maybe hearing impaired to focus in on what they need to learn with no distractions and to hear my voice and only my voice through the headphones with no other voices or background noises. Since fotobabble is used online through the computer students could also be getting practice using basic computer skills.

Fotobabble would also be good for students with autism because it can be downloaded as an APP. Lately researchers have shown that the use of IPads and tablets help those with autism. Students with autism could have their learning recorded with a picture or video. Once again they would be getting the basic technology skills, fine motor skills of using the devices. As well as a more hands on and verbal approach. 

My Example Fotobabble is one about the king penguins. A picture of king penguins and then a commentary of the information related to king penguin species. 

Module 3-WEB 2.0&UDL

A classroom routed in Universal Design for learning fits into the Web 2.0 world because both are about letting the children both with and without disabilities can work hands on during their learning experience. A universal design for learning helps to “prevent barriers” for children, allowing all the best opportunities to perform tasks. Children with disabilities struggle with everyday tasks both inside and outside the classroom. In an average week students spend more time in the classroom than they do anywhere else. With the technical advances being made around us they rely on technology to help them through certain tasks and activities. Students with disabilities work better and gain more practice and experience when they work hands on, especially with technology. 

Web 2.0 does just that allows students and learners to work hands on. One important feature of Web 2.0 is its “ease of use”. This is ideal for those students with disabilities. Web 2.0 is also known as “read Write Web” not only allows for students to look up and research information but allows all of them no matter disability or not to “present and participate in creating information”. Web 2.0 gets rid of the barriers as in a UDL, giving all including those with a disability the opportunity to be involved. Our technology is at its highest peak right now with so many positive changes and advances. A computer and other devices such as the IPAD and the Tablets are helping those with disabilities especially those with autism. With no barriers in place web 2.0 provides a new way of communication. Students can share the information they have found throughout their research. When using web 2.0 a student with autism can feel open and have a way of open communication with their teachers, fellow students and even others using the web 2.0. Through Web 2.0 students can branch out to those on social networks and share their findings while learning more network. Web 2.0 works in a UDL classroom because it creates a flexible curriculum and removes all barriers. Web 2.0 and UDL work hand in hand in providing a restriction free learning environment and experience. 

The today show video “What is the Internet Anyway” is the reaction of a group of digital immigrants. The three TV personalities do not know a lot about the internet and every changing technology. They are not native to the ever changing advances being made when it comes to the internet. The Today show cast members are not a part of the Net Geners.  They are not accustomed to how to use the internet and the terms, etc. As we are digital immigrants as well when it comes to our up and coming students who are digital natives we will have to stay up with all the changes in technology and the internet. As a teacher to stay educated we can take classes and communicate with fellow teachers. Sharing our knowledge and asking fellow teachers of their knowledge can keep ourselves educated. As educators we need to keep ourselves educated just as much as our students.  As teachers working with topics we may not know everything about we should consider branching out and asking for help. There is no shame in asking for help. Whether it is from fellow teachers, friends and family, etc. There is also nothing wrong with listening to our students a little bit, they may be able to teach us a little something here and there and there is nothing wrong with that.