VoiceThread+and+Learning+Disabilities

// Learning Challenge: Learning Disabilities // // Web 2.0 Technique: VoiceThread //

// As an educator I want to make my lessons meaningful and engaging for all my students. I do not want to be known as the teacher that does not care, is self-absorbed and therefor has teacher centered lessons. It is important to me that my students not only learn the subject matter but learn tools and techniques that will benefit them throughout their lives. I feel that it is imperative that students learn to become capable computer users. One issue that I face as a teacher is the 2.0 accessibilities of someone with learning disabilities. Learning disabilities effect how they learn and perceive information. These students may have problems reading text, understanding mathematical functions, finding solutions to problems, finding the words to express themselves and listening to the instructor. Having learning disabilities makes learning and understanding the subject challenging and sometimes discouraging. // // Students with learning disabilities can sometimes get lost using technology that is unfamiliar to them so as an educator it is imperative that a teacher model any and all new 2.0 tools and be on hand for assistance when a student needs help. An active teacher needs to take the time to model as well have an example to show the students before and during the project to ensure that students understand what to do and are successful. //

// One 2.0 tool that I have found to help students break down the learning barrier is with Voice Thread technology. This is a very collaborative resource for students to work on projects together, enter into discussions, and post comments. What is interesting about this web 2.0 tool is that it can be used by students of every skill level. Integrating voice thread into a lesson can be as easy as having the students leave comments to a short teacher made video or as advanced as having the students use a webcam to make skits or collaboratively work on a presentation. A student with learning disabilities can use this web 2.0 tool with the help of a teacher or group member. // // Credits: // [] [] [] []

Many teachers across the nation are feeling the same way. How can we reach each student everyday? I found a resource that goes right along with your statement. This resource is a great starting off point of were we as teachers can begin closing the gap. Universal Design [|UDL Tools and examples]

__How I Use VoiceThreads in my Class__ As a Special Education teacher of students with significant cognitive delays I've found integrating various forms of oral assignments provide a more accurate picture of students abilities. My students are able to participate in more general education project than ever before. For voicethreads they are able to actively participate in group activities in a less intimidating setting, cyber. In this environment no one is checking for spelling or reading and they are more actively participating in what they actually learned, not how to get it on paper.

__**Additional VoiceThread Accessibility Ideas**__ __**By Robbie Reed**__

I think every teacher goes through the struggle of wanting to create student centered lessons so they do not become that self-absorbed teacher that only presents teacher centered lessons all the time. Student centered lessons have shown to help improve student achievement by allowing the students to actually get hands on with the material instead of just listening to the teacher deliver the material to them without any work or input from them. All of this is easy to do with regular education students, but students with disabilities must also be included in the lessons as well. As you stated, Voice Thread is a great tool to allow students with learning disabilities to work with the material from class. This technology could give students the chance to do many things including the ability to view a teacher video as many times as is needed. The ability you mentioned to add comments is also a great tool for them as well, as it is with all students. A point you not of thought of is that students with learning disabilities can also create their own video in a way that may help them tell the teacher what it is they have learned from the material that was presented. The best way for a particular student to be able to learn might be by verbally telling someone else what it is they learned that day. They may have a disability which makes it difficult to write or one which causes anxiety when they have to perform in a classroom situation. This could allow a way for the teacher to know that the student understands or doesn’t quite understand the material while also allowing them to work within the limitations of their disability.