Author Archives: lsmuthermanfolio
Augmented Reality and Education
Virtual Worlds: for Education
Social Media in the Classroom
New Media Literacies: How media practices influence our views of the world
Kindle app as an Assistive Technology
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According to the IDEA (2004), Assistive technology devices are “… (a)ny 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 children with disabilities.” The integration of e-reader and audio assistive devices/ applications can support literacy in the classroom for students who are reluctant readers or who struggle with reading aloud, using standard book print and keeping pace. There are several audio book technologies available, so I decided to focus on the Kindle app.
The Amazon Kindle itself is a series of dedicated e-book reading devices or e-readers designed to give users access to Amazon’s digitized library of books, magazines and newspapers. Connect to its virtual store to browse, download and read material, much of which are free or affordable. You only need an Amazon account to download the free app.
The Kindle app is more than just ‘a library in your pocket’, as it can be used as a no or low cost resource to facilitate and engage reading. This is applicable for students with documented disabilities or requiring learning accommodations. Looking at some of its enhanced functions and offerings, the Kindle and the app itself fall under the definition of assistive technology tools as either may be re-purposed as alternative reading aids for students in school or at home. The app works on smartphones, iPad and laptops or notebooks-and with Windows or Mac systems.
My experience with the Kindle app began on the laptop. I like the fact that I can browse a sample of the book before downloading and purchase. Many of the classic novels used in classrooms are available for free. There are also audible versions of a number of these titles. The following is a review of what the app has to offer using an Iphone.
Technology Features and Applications
Flashcards: Create decks with notes and quizzes. Flashcards can be flipped front to back as students type in their own questions and answers. It may be useful to help build vocabulary when students create dictionaries from the reading material, adding definitions later. This encourages students to interact with text as they make simple quizzes for each other and check what they have learned.
Highlighted text in audible recording: Words are highlighted in the narrated version of a book so readers are able to follow along. On the Iphone, tell Siri “open Kindle” and it takes you back to where you left off in reading.
Text re-sizing/spacing and backgrounds: Enlarged text, wide spacing and background options may compensate for visual impairments. Also, students with dyslexia or other reading issues may benefit from the different typescripts.
Access to variety of reading materials: The search options in the Amazon store offers a lot of free or low cost access to magazines, books and news. It includes which materials have narrated versions available. Students can search for articles or ideas to collaborate on projects.
Other Strategies: If the app is downloaded on a device, teachers are able to project the pages onto a screen in class. This allows students to see larger words and follow along, or for teachers to point out different passages and vocabulary for further discussion.
Drawbacks: For me, my eyes tired easily reading on the laptop screen and the Iphone is too small to really feel like I have a book in my hand. Additionally, some of the classic or notable books for students have narrations that may be annoying to listeners. I also think that using the devices pose their own problems as some students may not be able to navigate the interface due to physical/touch impairments and would need help. There is always the issue of distraction, too. Students may get off task clicking on the functions, something that doesn’t happen with paperbacks.
Overall. the technology presents itself as an appropriate literacy tool, if not perfect resource- for students with cognitive, communication and/or mobility (movement as well as homebound) barriers.
Resources and References
Moodle Overview
Introduction and Reflection: Technology Integration and Vision
Development of Personal and Professional Vision Statement on Technology and Learning
Why technology in school? Other than the obvious fact that we are surrounded by and dependent on it in nearly every facet of our lives (those of us on the grid), the White House Fact sheet informs us that…” by 2018, 51 percent of all STEM jobs are projected to be in [Computer Science] CS-related fields…” And it’s not exclusively IT or coding that will mark the future economy, it’s a plethora of digital and informational technologies that require skill and problem solving mindsets to embrace as well as continue innovation, with the hopeful purpose of improving life for all. Oftentimes, schools are the primary host for introducing students to diverse technologies in their educational journey and to their future as productive members of society.
In order to better understand technology integration, I spoke with a few of my colleagues in education. They overwhelmingly agree that technology is an important component of the curriculum; however, due to lack of support from administration and the district, technology integration is limited at this point. The educators I spoke with believe technology integration is both possible and necessary, but it will take a dedicated team of professionals, and changes in application and philosophy among teachers and administrators. This means getting away from traditionally held ideas of education, and moving towards a more innovative approach that involves the teacher being more of a guide. In my experience, technology in the classroom has been more of an afterthought. For instance, I see teachers who play the occasional video in class, or allow their students to go to the computer lab once a week; however, the technology has not been fully integrated into teaching. What I would like to see is a more welcoming approach to the technology, rather than viewing it as a crutch or extra responsibility. Some instructors are intimidated by technology due to their lack of knowledge or the feeling that they are effective in the methods they have used for several years (which do not involve technology). Nevertheless, if we as educators do not let go of what has long been considered the correct way to teach, students will continue to reap the consequences. Technology integration may not be easy, but it is necessary to reach today’s students. So, how does an educator find his or her personal and professional guide for technology integration?
After doing a great deal of reading and questioning and listening to others, I am convinced that the guiding philosophy for education stakeholders must be entrenched in one’s own individual and professional vision: that internal passion that motivates each of us to want ourselves and others to not only succeed but to also take exhaustive joy in the journey towards that success-whatever it may be.
Where does the quest to one’s vision begin? For me, it started with reviewing my and other companies’ vision statement as a part of a graduate course assignment. This led to asking a lot of questions on the internet-because, well, the internet knows all, right; ok, not really-the internet doesn’t have a clue as to who I am or my own experiences and goals. I wanted to find the authentic me and put it in my vision. I created a brainstorming map with students at the center and that helped. Finally, I searched backwards to what made my work as a social worker and teacher assistant and presently as a mother so important to me: the wins; the frustrations; and the ultimate joys. This mindful journey was the key to unlocking my vision.
An effective vision statement clearly and concisely states the intended direction of a company or organization. A vision statement answers the question: Where are we headed? A successful vision statement should be inspirational and memorable, drawing the attention of potential customers, and claiming the loyalty of current customers. Let’s look at the vision statement for Toys R’ Us, one of the most successful toy stores in the nation. “Our vision is to put joy in kids’ hearts and a smile on parents’ faces.” The company’s vision is clear, concise, memorable, inspirational, and most of all — exhibited in the hearts of minds of all Toys R’ Us consumers. Another successful visions statement is that of Amazon: “Our vision is to be earth’s most customer centric company; to build a place where people can come to find and discover anything they might want to buy online.” Amazon uses direct language to effectively describe their professional goals and aspirations. Now, an example of an unsuccessful vision statement: “”Our vision serves as the framework for our Roadmap and guides every aspect of our business by describing what we need to accomplish in order to continue achieving sustainable, quality growth.” If you had to guess, I’m sure it would be hard to pinpoint what company this vision statement represents; however, this is the vision statement for Coca-Cola, one of the most recognized brands in the world. Despite being a successful company, Coca-Cola’s vision is far too broad and generic to effectively connect to customers. Another terrible vision statement is that of Gillette, the popular men’s shaving brand. Their vision statement reads as follows: “The Gillette Company’s Vision is to build Total Brand Value by innovating to deliver consumer value and customer leadership faster, better and more completely than our competition.” Unfortunately, Gillette’s vision statement is neither clear nor concise, and does little to attract consumers. All in all, a successful vision statement is clear, concise, inspiring, one-of-a-kind, and easily communicated, while unsuccessful vision statements lack these characteristics.
Let’s take a look at the inspiring vision statements of well-known non-profits:
World Vision: For every child, life in all its fullness; Our prayer for every heart, the will to make it so.
Teach for America: One day, all children in this nation will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education.
Kiva: We envision a world where all people – even in the most remote areas of the globe – hold the power to create opportunity for themselves and others.
Creative Commons: Our vision is nothing less than realizing the full potential of the Internet — universal access to research and education, full participation in culture — to drive a new era of development, growth, and productivity.
My conclusion is regardless or in spite of circumstances, we all have some agency to set positive goals and the right to pursue them to improve lives overall. Expectations are critical-what better motivator than having people around us who cheer us on no matter what-who expect us to grow and learn and become our best selves. To this end, my vision is holistic and Kiva’s resonates with me more so than the others.
…Providing all students with rich opportunities to develop digital skills for the 21st century global economy.
When students are using relevant technology and producing media as a natural part of learning and communicating, they will grow to become leaders, explorers and innovators. One educational model to incorporate this vision is expeditionary learning (Learning by Doing) where students apply their knowledge and skills to offer viable solutions for real world problems-within their schools, communities or across the globe.
Technology offers so many possibilities for creative enrichment. For example, one article I read touted the power of a text message to keep college bound students on track during the application and financial aid process. Furthermore, educators have come up with amazing ways to support all learners through differentiated tasks using technology. One thing I truly admire about technology is that we can bring the outside world-cultures, language, politics-to our doorstep using social media, blogs and augmented reality tools. Integration of technology tools can provide avenues for at-risk or low achieving students to become motivated and productive students as well as community members.
Development of Group Vision Statement on Technology and Learning
“To be lifelong learners who strive to positively influence students to create meaningful experiences as leaders and global citizens.”
My group members for this graduate course were amazing. I learned a great deal collaborating on our projects and believe our shared vision is reflective of each of us and our passions when it comes to educational and personal growth. Acknowledging how each of us have different backgrounds, goals and experiences, we challenged ourselves to stretch our own perspectives and values through collaboration and conversation. I was able to envision the various ways technology and media may be introduced into the k-12 curriculum as we discussed our project and our life experiences throughout this course.
Our professor for this course was especially inspirational. The entire process of taking time to re-focus on myself and my own goals helped me to appreciate the journey I have taken thus far in my academic and professional life. To this end, I have a new determination to pursue a career path I had left on the back burner for years in the area of supporting families and helping students navigate the college process. This is something I was passionate about when my own kids were applying to college and seeking funding and we also helped many of their classmates do the same. One big part of that was connecting them to other students from the area attending the same university or just being able to ride-share. This is so crucial for social development and forging deep connections away from home.
References and Resources
Technology and Learning: Linda Smutherman 