Build an Assistive Technology Tool Box

Ahrens, k. (2011, November). Build an Assistive Technology Tool Box. Learning and Leading with Technology, 22-24. Retrieved October 13, 2012, from ISTE

What: This article describes how there are programs that can be installed for special needs students. It shows how to go about getting your IT support to install programs for special needs students. It describes what features are available for special needs students and what the primary function of the program is. It shows what programs are out there such as magnification for students that have trouble seeing. There are also on screen key boards, voice over or narrative and other different ways to help students with special needs use a computer.

So what: This is important to an educator because you never know when you will have a special needs child in your classroom. With technology becoming such a big part of our lives this will help make it easier for students with special needs and teachers so they can help special needs students. I know as an educator I have had special needs students in my classes I know how stressful it can be for both the teacher and the student.

Now what: As an educator I will get together with my schools IT department and have them install these programs if they are not already installed. It is important to remember that educators are there to help all there students. It may be stressful for the educator but think of how stressful it is for the student. If one of these programs can help a student understands and succeeds than it is our duty to ensure these programs exist on campus for our students.

What, So What, Now What: Learning Connections: Students Dig Up Dirt to Learn about Internet Safety

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Morehouse, J. (2012). Learning connections: Students dig up dirt to learn about Internet safety. 34-35. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-leading/issues/september-october-2011/learning-connections-students-dig-up-dirt-to-learn-about-internet-safety

Students Dig Up Dirt to Learn About Internet Safety:

What: In this article by Jesse Morehouse, he describes how easy it is for any one to find information on people over the Internet. He allows his class to try and find facts about him on the Internet. He also has them try and find as much information as they could in 20 minutes on a complete stranger. It was scary how much information students could gather one someone in the course of just a few minutes. Then in the article he showed how to accurately set privacy settings on social networks so that strangers could not look them up. It was an experiment in Internet safety.

So What: this is important to anyone who has a digital footprint. Internet security is a big deal and should not be treaded lightly. He has given his class profound knowledge of keeping their information safe, and keeping themselves safe. This is important for all Internet users. Any one who has a digital footprint should keep their privacy in mind when making profiles or blogs. It is not difficult to find information about people who have a digital footprint.

Now What: I can use this article in my own life and rethink my privacy settings on my own social networks. I can also use this article in my own classroom to ensure the safety of my students and their information. All teachers to ensure their students remain safe from Internet predators should use this safety technique. I can also help my parents and family by creating safe Internet practices for them, to help guarantee their safety as well as my own safety. I would recommend to all who read this blog to look at their own privacy settings and change them accordingly.