How technology can help dyslexic students

Students with dyslexia often have problems with spelling, keeping appointments and managing their time which can be very stressful particularly around exam times. PDAs can help students keep up with assignments and schedules. They can help with organization as dyslexic students usually have problems remembering things. They are also constantly being updated as technology progresses so they are always adapting.

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Educational_Technology_Innovation_and_Impact/Assistive_Technology/PDAs_to_support_Dyslexic_Students

What I've learned

I have learned just how behind schools in America are compared to other countries around the world when it comes to incorporating technology in the classroom. It was surprising to hear that America ranked way down on the list. After watching the independent film, "Waiting for Superman", I really realized just how behind school systems are in this country. I've learned so much in this course about how to incorporate technology to enhance students learning in ways that I never knew existed. I really hope schools can take a step forward and incorporate these things to help students get the education they need to enter the workforce that exists today.

Digital Storytelling

I found the digital storytelling assignment to be a lot of fun! It was a great way to incorporate something interesting into my lesson plan for The Life Cycle of a Butterfly. Using Picasa to put my pictures together with audio and text was super easy! It reminded me of using Windows Movie Maker which I have used to make videos with family pictures for special occasions. I never thought of using something like this for educational purposes. Hopefully this technique can make learning interesting and fun for students!

Classroom Website

I've been working on making my classroom website using Google Sites. It was definitely more complicated than I thought trying to figure out the Google Sites but once I got the hang of it, I was really getting it done. It has definitely been a learning experience! I learned how to insert a Picasa slideshow and Google documents. I even made a form for parents to fill out about their kids. I am still working on the Google Presentation though. While making this website, I have realized how much information a teacher needs to have for their students, parents, and colleagues!

Portaportals

Today I learned what a portaportal is. I had never heard of it before. It is a web based bookmarking utility that lets you store links to your favorite websites online. That means your bookmarks are no longer limited to any one machine. How convenient! I could see this as a very handy tool for those who are teachers to keep track of resources and helpful websites.

Online learning

I do not think online classes will totally replace traditional classroom learning. There are some things you have to learn hands on in a classroom. Online classes are definitely more convenient especially for nontraditional students who work and have families. I think most online classes require more work than a traditional class. You have to do a lot more required discussions online and in a traditional classroom you might not be called on to discuss subjects every class meeting.

I do not think all students should be required to participate in online learning. It is not for everybody. You have to be very disciplined to keep with your work and due dates. I think a lot of colleges and universities will be offering more and more online classes. A lot of the general requirement courses are easily done online but a lot of upper level major classes would be better offered in a classroom setting.

Government Regulations on Fast Food

I do not think the government should pass laws regulating the types of food served at fast food restaurants. Most fast food restaurants offer healthier choices now. Also, it is the individual person's responsibility to make the right choices and utilize moderation when eating fast food. Restaurants like Wendy's offer choices like baked potatoes, salad, or chili with their combo meals instead of fries at no additional charge. The kids meals at Wendy's also come with the option of mandarin oranges instead of fries and low fat milk instead of soda. I also like that on Wendy's website you can build your meal and see the nutrition content of that meal. Healthy eating is all about planning ahead! Most fast food restaurants offer healthier options for kids meals. Burger King offers apple fries with a low-fat caramel dipping sauce instead of french fries. They also offer kids meal options like macaroni and cheese. People today need to take more responsibility for themselves instead of leaving it up to the government to regulate everything we do.