Two fav chapters

All of the readings helped me in this class and with assignments, and it is hard to pick two favorite chapters. However if pressed, Chapter 9 in Odin, was extremely helpful in aiding me to understand the automation needs of the school library. I have never worked in a school library, and as a substitute teacher haven't spent alot of time there. This chapter helped me to understand exactly what goes on in the library with regards to the administration of technology in a library setting. I know have a better grasp of automation systems including those used for cataloging needs and circulation. This chapter gave a good general overview of the planning, acquisition, and funding processes.

Shelly's Chapter 6 also provided some important information in regards to integrating technology in the curriculum. Technology can only work as a learning tool if it is implemented properly and supports curriculum standards. Shelly provided good ideas for training and implementation and how to go about integrating a technology rich learning environment that provides outcomes to be proud of.

Module 5- wrap up

The Assistive Technology blog from Classroom learning 2.0 was extremely informative. I learned many things i did not realize before beginning this interactive web quest. First of all, I had no idea there was such an amazing variety of assistive technology available. I think it is fantastic that students with disabilities have such a great choice of assistive technologies that perfectly meet their needs and vendors are making new technology available constantly. I will embrace these technologies and lobby for the students that need them to get them. I will also generate and teach specific lessons about disabilities that are geared toward general education students. I would recommend the classroom 2.0 and assistive technology tutorials to anyone interested in learning more about all different types of technologies and think it would be a good professional development tool. I will also utilize the Library Thing books that I have been made aware of. I learned much by following this tutorial and I hope that my previous blog entries showcase that learning.

Digital Citzenship

In our technology driven age, cyber-bullying has become a huge issue. Digital citizenship is a key thing that needs to be explicitly taught to students so that they understand the expectations when they go online. http://www.cyberangels.org/101/index.html
is a great site that encourages digital citizenship and gives educators ideas and tools to help others learn what is expected of them online. http://www.education.com/ also offers a wide variety of resources to use for teaching and understanding digital citizenship. I feel respect for others and self is imperative, and this is the same in an online environment. I also feel that it is important for our school s, teachers, and librarians to demonstrate what digital citizenship is and offer instruction in the proper online etiquette. In "Library 2.0 and Beyond," Courtney lists the dark side of the web and includes online predators, viruses, identity theft, stalking, cyber-bullying, and invasion of privacy as aspects to watch out for (80-81). These are all issues that should be discussed in schools so that students gain a true understanding of the pros and cons of the Web and understand how to protect themselves in an online environment.

Courtney, N. (2007). Library 2.0 and beyond.. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.

Module 4 – web annotations

As Shelley notes in the text, "Integrating Technology and Digital Media in the Classroom," huge improvements are being made in the area of assistive technology, especially with hardware, software, and Web-based tools. Because of these innovations, there is much information on the web about assistive technologies. I did a search for “assistive technologies” and I found these 5 websites to be quite useful in helping me gain a better understanding as well as offering tools that I could use in my own classroom environment.

http://assistivetek.blogspot.com/ is a blog on the topic of assistive technology, eLearning, min mapping, collaborative tools, and visual learning. It is run by Dr. Brian Friedlander from New Jrsey, a graduate professor at the College of St. Elizabeth and a consultant to various business organizations and school districts.

http://www.cildrc.org/ -as mentioned in an earlier blog, this is the website to my local indepenedant living center: The disability Resource Center whose mission is "To assist people with disabilities, those who support them, and the community, through information, education, and resources, to achieve the highest potential and benefit of independent living."

http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/assistivetech.html Is the Department of Education’s effort to comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and ensure the accessibility of its programs and activities to individuals with disabilities. “The Assistive Technology Program provides assistive technology solutions to disabled employees at the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and also ensures that the agency’s electronic and information systems are accessible to employees and members of the public with disabilities.” It offers some good information for all about the use of assistive technology.


http://www.resna.org/ - RESNA is the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America. Their purpose is to improve the opportunities for those with disabilities and help them achieve their goals through the use of technology. They promote research, development, education, advocacy and provision of technology.

http://www.pluk.org/AT1.html -PLUK is a private, nonprofit that was formed by parents of children with disabilities in Montana. Their purpose is to offer information, support, training, and assistance to aid their children at home, school and as adults. “We are people with disabilities, parents, professionals, relatives, and friends who want to assure that persons with disabilities participate in the community and have access to high quality educational, medical and rehabilitation services.”

Shelly, G., et al. (2009). Integrating technology and digital media in the classroom (5th ed). Boston: Thomson Course Technology, 2008.

Module 4 – Independent living and assistive tech centers

I was unable to visit a local center, however I did have a chance to look online and see what services are offered in my area. The “Disability Resource Center” is in the Fredericksburg, VA area and offers a wide variety of services that I had no idea were available. They offer many workshops and classes, help with Medicaid issues, offer children and youth services, support groups, nursing home transition help, and many other services. The four core services that they offer fall under the categories of: independent living skills training, information and referral, advocacy, and peer counseling. I am so excited to know that we have a place that offers services like these to whoever needs them.

Module 4 – The quiz

I must say that I feel that I am pretty savvy about etiquette dealing with all members of society, even those with a disability. I always try to use “people first” language and accommodate needs when necessary. But there were a few questions on the quiz that made me think twice before answering. I tend to be very accommodating to all people, and I will now think twice before automatically accommodating a disability (such as shaking someone’s other hand with a prosthetic arm). I will treat people with disabilities the same way I treat others and allow them to accept a request for accommodations or help instead of automatically doing something first. The quiz offered some real world insight into questions that people are often afraid to discuss.

Module 4 –Classroom visit

I, unfortunately, do not have my own classroom right now- I substitute teach.  But I do feel that bringing those with disabilities into the classroom environment is an important aspect of the social classroom experience and learning how to deal with those who have disabilities. It would give students a chance to see life through another’s eyes just for a moment.  We tend to get caught up in our own world as adults, and students are even more caught up in their own lives and they tend to think everyone sees the world as they do.Giving them the opportunity to meet someone who not only sees the world differently, but navigates through it in a different way as well, would be a tremendous opportunity to teach students to accept all and understand the obstacles that some people must face everyday, as well as the way they overcome those obstacles.