Well, it’s official. I’m slightly overwhelmed. I knew coming into this course that I didn’t know much about Assistive Technology, it’s one of the reasons I wanted to take the course. But wow, I know bupkis.
One of the things that struck me today was the wide variety of items that can be included in Assistive Technology. I always thought of AT as things that had to be plugged in. Realizing that I have used some AT already, something as simple as a Movin’ Sit, oddly gives me a bit more confidence as I prepare to learn more. I have never heard of most of the computer programs and hardware that was talked about today and look forward to learning about more ways to help my students.
I was really excited by all of the different ways that iPad Touches were used in class and on the videos today. I couldn’t stop thinking of all of the ways that I could use one in my classroom, and all of the reasons my 2-year-old would benefit from it as well. Having never used and iPad, iPod or iPhone, I’m really excited to try them and learn about at least some of the different APPs that are out there.
I also really enjoyed “The Secret Life of the Brain” excerpt that was shown and have included part of it here.
(The portion about reading begins at 8:12). It always strikes me as amazing how many millions of things have to happen every second of every day for us to do all of the things that we take for granted. It helps me to appreciate how much of a difference AT can make for people who need a different way to do these things.
