T Houde

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hi my name is travis houde and this is my first blog. yay!!


Friday, January 30, 2009

assistive technology

There are many reasons why we need to have assistive technology. On the assistive technology site it defines assistive technology as "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability."( IDEA, 1997, 20, USC, Ch. 33, Sec. 1401 [25] US). Depending on the disabled students at the school, they should budget for technologies that will help them to learn. Some of the students do not need any high tech gadgets, others do need them. ( learning point associates)

Friday, January 23, 2009

technology

I think technology is a key role in teaching. As a coach, I see fellow coaches that are teachers use technology. Many teachers use computers, email, word processor, excel and PowerPoint to get the students to know the information that is being taught.

As a coach, I have to email weights of the kids to the schools for tournaments. I use excel to put the kids weights into their categories. As a teacher, I will have to use power school and other grading programs. I will also have to create syllabus's and worksheets using word.

Technology is a big part of teaching. If I am able to work with these technologies, I will succeed in my chosen field. I plan on teaching physical education or mathematics. Today most students are proficient in technology. A teacher needs to be able to keep up with the growing demand for technology. Technology also allows for teacher to explore new way to teach their students. The student is also learning about the technology that they will be using in the work force.

In one of the articles about technology, it talks about students being "digital natives." I think this is a good term for the students. We live in a world of computers and ipods. The generation under me is going to know how to do many of the basic things by the time they get out of elementary school. Many young kids have cell phones. That is a technology that will allow teachers to stay in touch with the student and with the parents.