Chapter Ten

This week there were two course readings: Chapter ten and the article “On Your Mark….Get set…Wait!” Chapter ten discussed distance learning and tools to help teachers while the article talked about using technology for the general population in schools in addition to special education. I couldn’t help but feel that these reading contradicted each other. The book claimed that distance education originated to serve students in remote locations. They both agree that teachers are having to use technology more and more, especially with No Child Left Behind being passed. The book also endorses the use of online learning etc. However the article stated that using assistive technology is not as effective once it is used in isolation. I know of a few elementary schools in town that use assistive technology in isolation only. I suppose it could be to avoid jealousy from other students. Or it could be to keep the peace of the classroom atmosphere. If anything, I can’t help but wonder if there is more evidence out there to tip the scales?

Comment Questions: What AT do you want to use? How will you use it in your classroom? Will you use it in isolation or will you try to integrate it into the classroom? What do you think about the situation of isolation vs Integration? Why?