Technology and Teaching English as a Second Language

The fear the comes with being an English as a Second Language learner is unimaginable. Having grown up with English as my first language, it would be extremely difficult to learn the new language while trying to go to school. There are times where the English language is tricky for me and it can only be more challenging for an ESL student. I have worked at two different districts that have had ESL students and seen different ways districts have helped these students.

When I was working in Williamson we had an ESL teacher that worked with the students in small groups or one on one. She was also a very useful tool to teachers when they were looking for ways to help their student. There was a computer program that she would use to help her students. I believe it was Rosetta Stone. During guided reading and down times throughout the day students could gain access to the computer to help them. Additionally, she would create alternative center work and independent work to help the students. These resources helped students transition and become more comfortable while they were learning. Another very useful tool was a communication sheet that the student and teacher could use. The sheet would have pictures as well as English and Spanish sayings on it. This would allow the student or the teacher to point at the saying and the could each understand each other. When I had to substitute in a class with an ESL student it was very useful to help communicate with students.

When looking at UDL it would be very useful to have more of those words and phrases sheets to help students. I can go in and look at what words or phrases the student may need for that lesson in order to help them engage in the lesson. Eventually, a transition would be getting the student to say the phrase in their native language and then begin working on saying it in English. The only problem I have with most of the computer programs used to help ESL students they are not able to be edited. I would like to be able to go in and have the students working on words that are relevant to the work we are doing that week. It is extremely important for them to get a foundation but they will also need to know words connected to the weeks learning.

Technology and Emotional Behavioral Disorders

This weeks reading focused on technology and Emotional Behavioral Disorders. I have seen many of the emotional behavioral traits within the classroom I am currently working. One very important component that I have experience with is speech to text word processors. Throughout this week, I have been working on getting a program like this for one of my students to use. I have seen the amazing impact that it can have on students through my own sister. One difficulty she was faced with was typing and writing. Using the speech word processor she was able to say what she wanted to type and the program would type it for her. The program my sister uses is called Dragonfly. She talks into a headset and it types out into her word processor. She also uses the speech to text option on her phone when she is texting.

With my own student I have noticed many behaviors he shows when he is faced with a task that requires a lot of writing. He begins to disrupt other students by making silly comments, getting upset, walking out of the classroom or refusing to do his work. I have found that when he is able to use the computer to complete his work it is a lot easier for him. We are currently working on graphic organizers to help him through the lesson. Recently when I look at UDL for my lessons each week, I look to see what I can modify to help this student that way his disruptive behavior doesn't continue. When looking at the module for the week, I pull out all of the organizers and worksheets that we will be using and modify them. I create scaffolded worksheets where he only has to fill in a few words. When faced with work that requires a lot of writing my student shuts down and refuses to work. By creating sheets with a few fill in the blanks I am able to keep him engaged and willing to work. Also, once he has completed an organizer for an essay I allow him to type the essay for his final. He tries his best to write neat on his organizer so he can read it to make his final copy. Being able to plan ahead of time to avoid his refusal to work allows for him to have success.

One challenge I am constantly faced with is still explaining fair does not mean equal. I often have other students that get upset if a student is getting services that they are not. I try my best to remind them that everyone needs different things in order to be successful. It is my job to provide those tools for all students that need them. Any advice on how to continue help my students understand this is greatly appreciated. Have a great week!

Technology and Funding

As we enter the time of year where schools are getting ready to release their proposed budgets it is perfect timing to learn about assistive technology funding. In my eyes, I think assistive technology should be a crucial part of any special education budget. Funding should be available to purchase technology as well as to hire people who can teach how to use the technology. After reading this weeks articles, I want to find a way that I can advocate for assistive technology and its funding. I was unaware of many of the resources that New York State offers and I am sure that other people are also unaware of this.

When looking at why claims are denied most of the reasons appear to be clerical or time errors.

• The request supplied incomplete or inaccurate information. 
• The equipment or service was deemed not medically necessary. 
• No diagnosis was indicated on prior authorization forms. 
• The claim exceeded filing time limit. 
• The equipment would not lead to an increase in self-care. 
• Another device would be less costly, with no justification for the higher cost. 
• There were typographical errors in the request.

It is important to make sure that if you are going for the funding to be sure you are turning in a complete document. It may be extremely time consuming but it is better to do it once and do it right. Even though the process may take a while the benefits that come from it can be outstanding. Also, it amazes me that is is very common for at least one denial. I can see why assistive technology isn't used that much. The process of obtaining funding for assistive technology is grueling.

In Building an Initial Information Base: Assisitve Technology Funding Resources for School Aged Students with Disabilities, had a lot of useful information on what resources can by used and reimbursed to students with disabilities. I was not aware that often time Medicaid is being used to fund assistive technology. I always thought the financial responsibility fell on the school district. It is important to remember that these devices will eventually need to be used outside of the classroom setting. In the classroom we are teaching students how to prepare themselves for life. Being able to get these technologies for students to use once they are out of school is extremely important as well.

Overall, I spent a great deal of time reading all of this weeks readings. However, I am sure that I will need to read these documents many more times in order to retain all of the information they hold. There was so much information this week that I didn't know.

Technology and the Law

This weeks readings I found very interesting because it is very important that I follow the law to make sure my students are getting what the need to be successful. Having witnessed the IEP process with my youngest sister I realize how important it is to fight for what is legally yours. I have also witnessed my Uncle move from my grandparents home to his own apartment in an group home. At this building he has his own room but there is workers to prepare food and make sure that all of the housemates receive any medications. My uncle has also been able to obtain and keep a job at a local business. Most of the time he make applesauce variety packs but this is something that he loves to do and makes him feel apart of society. Without laws to protect people with disabilities many of the freedoms my Uncle has would not be possible.

When looking at assistive technology it is important that I give students technologies that are legally allowed to them. After reading about assistive technology law I see how the main responsibility falls on the IEP team in order to determine what technologies students need in order to be independent and successful. This can be a tough call for the team especially with tight budget cuts in past years. On The Family Center on Technology and Disability, I was able to find a lot of information on assistive technology. This website http://www.pacer.org/stc/ gives a lot of information on how to use assistive technology. When looking at the next steps, it is crucial that teachers provide the technologies mandated to students. However, once this is enacted it is important that teachers know how to use the assistive technology.

Through the readings this week the information I found the most useful was the following.
Assistive Technology Act
Public Law 105-394 [29 USC 2201] 
The Assistive Technology Act is intended to improve the provision of assistive technology to individuals with disabilities through comprehensive statewide programs of technology-related assistance.

The statewide activities include:

• State finance systems - activities to increase access to, and funding for, assistive technology devices and services, including development of systems to provide and pay for such devices and services.
• Device reutilization programs - activities that provide for the exchange, repair, recycling, or other reutilization of assistive technology devices, which may include redistribution through device sales, loans, rentals, or donations.
• Device loan programs - activities that provide short-term loans of assistive technology devices to individuals, employers, public agencies, or others seeking to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
• Device demonstration programs - activities that demonstrate a variety of assistive technology devices and provide assistive technology services.

With budget cuts a huge problem within districts I often wonder if students aren't always receiving the assistive technology they deserve because of cuts. I found it very insightful that there was information about obtaining devices. That includes rentals and donations.