Equal Access to the Digital World!

Hello, again! It is so hard to believe that it is already almost Thanksgiving! I know I spend a lot of time on here discussing the use of technology in the classroom. Today, I would like to focus on making that technology available for all students. Let's face it, we are all different. We all in some way shape or form have needs that are unique to us. So, how as an educator can I be sure that the needs of all students are being met? The truth is that while that is my goal, I am not always sure that I am successful. Sure, technology is GREAT!, but what if I had special needs that weren't being met by the everyday use of technology? Technology use is more than just plopping a computer down in front of a student. It must be purposeful. Thankfully, there are lots of ways that technology can help meet the needs of ALL students. One of those ways is that students could create a Power Point or picture slide show to prove understanding of a topic as opposed to a test. There is software available that will read books to students, software that uses voice recognition and turns that voice into notes. There are all sorts of different types of technology available, and I will do my best to make sure that I am up to date with them as best I can to meet the needs of ALL students in my class. For me, this means I am providing equal access to the digital world. Until next time!
Erin