Journal 9

Adaptive Technology (NETS - 2,3,5)

Speech-language pathologists (SLP) treat patients using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.  These devices are tools in which people with severe or significant speech impediments are able to express themselves.  AAC devices offer a means to enhance or supplement  communication via electronic devices, pictures, symbols, and sign language.  For those whom have unintelligible speech, it becomes imperative to use an AAC device.

Low tech devices such as image boards or word cards can be made from pictures, books, cards, and even from family photos.  Sign language is also considered a low tech means of communication.  There are also specified software programs that can be utilized to create personalized communication books and picture exchange cards (PECS), one software option is BoardMaker.

High tech devices are commonly seen as computers, smart phones, etc.  These devices have the ability to elaborately display pictures, speak out loud with synthetic speach (text to speech), and have interactive buttons.  Often high tech devices are very costly and is much more difficult for a client to learn and understand.  Some devices may also be too big and heavy, making it challenging to bring everywhere.  However with the creations of newer technology, devices are becoming more convenient and much easily managed.  An example of a hightech device is the Vantage, which is a powerful and portable communication aid.  It has an advanced operating system including Spelling and Word Prediction.

Augmentative and alternative communication enhances and supplements communication.  Speech- language pathologists can work on activities of daily living with clients to improve their capabilities.  Functional activities allow clients to maximize their communication skills in real life situations.  

Journal 7

Personal Learning Network (PLN) 

NETS - 5

A Personal Learning Network, or PLN is often comprised of various people who collaborate and interact with one another in order to increase their knowledge base via resources and ideas.  People have the ability to create connections with one another in order to develop a network contributing to their professional or educational development.  Often those whom comprise a PLN do not personally know each other, or ever truly meet, they simply share information by means of technology.  Such technological tools consist of Twitter, Google Docs, Diigo, Skype, and many more. The PLN that I am creating will aid me with furthering my knowledge of becoming a speech-language pathologist.  My PLN can improve my knowledge about current technology, assessments, as well a treatment techniques.


Twitter
Twitter is an online social networking tool that allows a user to increase their PLN.  Twitter allows me to find others whom share similar interests and/or goals as well as take part in online chats with people whom I can connect with to increase my knowledge and further my education.  I have actively been building my network with fellow students, teachers, and speech-language pathologists (SLP).  Some of the people that I am following consists of Kimberly Murphy, an SLP specializing in language-literacy disorders; Home Speech Home, which provides speech therapy ideas and tips from certified SLPs; Geek SLP, which provides information about apps and technology for speech therapists and teachers; Apraxia KIDS, a nonprofit organization for children with apraxia that is dedicated to providing up-to-date information for parents and professionals; and Jeremy, whom is an outpatient pediatric SLP.  

On Sunday, August 15, 2011 at 11am, I participated in the #SLPchat regarding ‘Literacy and the SLP.’  This chat was designed as a collaborative discussion for SLPs, future SLPs, teachers, parents, or anyone else interested.  Many SLPs expressed that literacy is not often the main focus of treatment sessions as they are frequently bound by timelines, IEPs, and parental demands.  Some SLPs assess reading literacy as part of the full language assessment during consultations as well as go over reading/language comprehension and expression.  One question brought up during this chat was “How do you typically provide treatment for literacy skills in developmentally delayed or physically impaired individuals?” Many felt that the speed/fluency of reading is not as important as the ability to comprehend what is being read.  Therefore, treatment would consist of rhyming, songs, stories, etc.  Also, phonemic awareness, retelling of information in stories, listening comprehension, and oral expression skills take a major part in literacy treatment.  After participating in this chat, I realized that it would be impossible to gain this knowledge from a textbook and that I would do most of my learning through first hand experiences or from the experiences through others, therefore using my PLN.

Diigo
Diigo is a social bookmarking site that enables me to expand my PLN.  With this tool I am able to collaborate with teachers, students, and SLPs in order to find information pertaining to any topic of interest. I am currently following our professor, as he provides current technological information as well as useful tools for education; David Warlick, whom is a writer, and programmer in the educational field; Elea Asher, whom is also working on becoming an SLP; and Alyson Heiney, whom is an SLP and provides current information regarding treatment.  Thus far, I have used Diigo to tag websites that provide information and further my knowledge in education and speech-language pathology.  I have tagged a few sites as PLN, including social media for SLPs, Augmentative and Alternative Communication Centers, as well as Speech-Language Pathology Sharing.  Each of these sites pertain to the field of SLP and provide current knowledge in the field, thus connecting me with others interested in the same information.  

Digital Discussion Forums (Ning)
As a part of my PLN, I decided to join the digital discussion forum on Educator’s PLN, which is also a collaborative site.  The badge for this site has been added to my ED422 blog.  On this site, I watched the video “Why Educators Should Join Twitter.” I chose this video due to the fact that we used Twitter in class as part of our PLN, and I wanted to see another view as to why it would be beneficial for educators to use the social networking site.  The video validated everything we learned in class, describing Twitter as a “global staff lounge” where educators from all over the world are able to collaborate with one another in order to share information and participate in chats regarding current and useful topics.

Journal 8

Find the Truth About the Pacific Tree Octopus (NETS - 1, 2, 3)

Ferrell, K. (2011, August). Find the truth about the pacific tree octopus. Learning and Leading WITH TECHNOLOGY, 39(1), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-august-2011.aspx


Often when doing research, students are confused about whether or not sources are truly factual.  Much of the information found  online are misleading, inaccurate, and come from non-reputable sources.  A teacher gave his students a research project with various topics; the students later realized that some of the information they found was false.  The teacher then discussed the topic of false information and ways in which to avoid it.  He explained that by using certain key words, such as ‘who, what, where, when, and why’ would aid in finding accurate information.

What are ways to find factual information on the Internet?

Websites with the URL suffix . edu and .org tend to be more reputable sites.  Using the key terms ‘who, what, when, where, and why’ when performing searches also aids in more accurate results.

How can this lesson plan be incorporated into other classrooms?

Teachers can use this lesson plan as an introduction to a research project.  The teacher can assign a few topics to investigate, then the students can share their information with each other in order to distinguish the accuracy of their information.  The teacher can then discuss the 5W key words, as well as explain the URL suffixes. 

Journal 6

Student Voices for Change (NETS - 5)

McClintock Miller, S. (2011). Student voices for change. Learning & Leading with Technology, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/20110607?pg=22&pm=2&fs=1#pg22

The students at Van Meter Community School in Iowa had an amazing opportunity to participate in a one-to-one laptop program, meaning each student in grades 6-12 had their own laptop at school therefore having a technologically based education.  Students collaborated with others around the world, and presented their work on blogs and other virtual medias.  At the Iowa House and Senate Educatoin Appropriations Committee, staff and students discussed their experiences with the one-to-one program by creating PREZI presentations as well as demonstrating their other virtual projects.  These students voiced their thoughts and opinions, thus causing a change in education.

What exactly is CEWL?

 
CEWL stands for Computer Efficiency Workers League, which is a technology group that was developed to assist students and teachers with any technological issues.  This group of people are considered ‘experts’ at the technology, thus are able to assist others.

How effective is the students’ voice?

As depicted in this article, it is very effective.  It appears that the younger generations are very technologically savvy and use this knowledge to further their education.  When students are given the opportunity to enlighten others about their ideas, the impact is greater than when heard from a third party as they are able to share fist hand experiences.

Journal 4

One Size Never Fits All (Nets - 2)

Courduff, J. (2011). One size never fits all: tech integration for special needs. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx

Courduff explains the obvious, that not people are the same; however in this article she applies this idea to the use of technology.  When working with any student, it is impossible to apply the thought of a cookie cutter as not everyone learns the same, thus various strategies need to be implemented to incorporate technology into their lives.  Often, special needs students also need speech therapy; these clients use augmentative and alternate communication (AAC) devices, speech to text devices, as well as microphones and headphones.  It would be beneficial to both students and teachers if the technology is utilized properly and if everyone involved understood how to use it, thus the three tiered training system.

Is the three tiered training system better than other training systems?

The three tiered training system allows teachers a better understanding of the technological tools used by their students since they are given time to learn the devices.  The students also show the teachers how they use the devices, and teachers also have the support of their colleagues.

What significance does the speech-to-text have in a classroom?

Speech-to-text allows students whom have difficulty comprehending writing, spelling, grammar, etc. to have the words spelled out for them.  This allows the students to visually see the words as they are spoken, and possibly aiding them in their struggles. 

Journal 3

Abracadabra - It's Augmented Reality! (Nets - 2)

Rapheal, R. (2011). Abracadabra—it's augmented reality!. Learning andLleading with Technology,38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx

Raphael discusses the technology of Augmented Reality (AR) and how it can be used to enhance the educational experience as lately it has become a part of many people’s lives.  Augmented reality may come in the form of applications, computers, rides at theme parks, and even story books.  Raphael explains the use of a program “Zooburst” which gives children/students the ability to create their own personalized pop-up books.  As the knowledge of technology increase, the possibilities of augmented reality seem endless.

How can I utilize the use of augmented reality?

When working with children with cognitive disorders or speech impediments the use of augmented reality can keep their focus on tasks as well as encourage them to speak and use their words in a clinical setting.  If they have the ability to make a pop-up book, they can talk their way through the process and explain to me what they want to do.

Are there any limitations to using augmented reality?

Though the possibilities with augmented reality are endless, not each and every person has the monetary means to purchase the devices that support this form of technology.  When working one-on-one with students in a clinic, there would only be need for a few devices, therefore clinicians can have the option of using them with their clients. 

Journal 2

Join the Flock! (Nets –  5)

Ferguson, H. (2010). Join the flock!. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(8), Retrieved  from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july- 2011.aspx

The internet has provided a wonderful means of communication and learning.  As Ferguson has discussed in her article, people can often incorporate their professional learning networks (PLN) as part of their daily lives via the use of the internet.  Educators and students can benefit from the use of a PLN by having a network of professionals and students of various experiences available to them with the click of a mouse.  Ferguson explains that utilizing Twitter can enhance anyone’s PLN by allowing people to find others with the same interests and goals.  People also have the opportunity to participate in discussions to discuss and share their ideas with one another. 

How can I use Twitter to enhance my learning experience?

I will use Twitter to gather information as well as collaborate with other students, SLPs, and teachers in order to aid me in reaching my educational goals. Various research and resources are available via Twitter allowing myself and others to find information in an easier manner.

Am I able to contribute information via Twitter?

Yes.  As I find information and websites regarding any particular subject that I feel may benefit my colleagues or others, I have the ability to tweet about the topic, making the information readily available.