Tool Kit

Overview of an AT Tool Kit:

There is a wide range of assistive technology “kits” that essentially help teachers plan, organize and utilize various resources and devices that promote a variety of learning in the classroom. These kits range from aids for daily living, to visual aids (electronically and non-electronically) to reinforce a better understanding of a certain subject.  Assisted technology is particularly useful when for students who have disabilities.

Specific software related to my tool kit:

Cosmic geometry: Middle school students/ mathematics

Cosmic geometry is for middle school students who are becoming familiar with geometry. This is a very fun interactive game that incorporates a variety of mathematic skills needed in order to complete the various games on the computer. The game is introduced in a “outer-space” theme that leads the player into a “space-village” where there are certain tasks that needs to be finished in the town. For example, at one location, the student enters a “geo movie” location where the student is challenge in geometric skills to help build a movie theater and a movie for the town. A fun triangle hosts the show.  There is another building called, “the boogie box,” in which music can be created and a robot is built through a variety of mathematical skills.

I really enjoyed interacting with this software. Cosmic geometry also relates the concepts to real-life scenarios where mathematical skills are necessary. There are calculators available as well on this software. When interacting with this, I was reminded of John Dewey’s educational philosophies of developing experiences for students to interact with and learn from. Although this is not a human to human interaction, this software is creating an experience for children that is electronically applicable to real-life scenarios that will hopefully increase their excitement and interests in mathematics.

1.       Who are these tools for?

These tools are for students to understand mathematical concepts through technology in a fun interactive manner. This is also to help teacher integrate math in various forms.

2.       What are the common challenges these devices help to overcome?

Students can become very frustrated with math because they can have a difficult time understanding the concepts in relation to how it is applicable to their everyday life, or grasping the concepts of them. These tools and software devices help students understand in a tangible and interactive way. Many of the tools that are available at WWU allow students to manipulate items to understand math. For example, there is a counting stick, a money calculator, flash cards, dice for a variety of games, and more.

3.       What tools are in the kit and what others are available and not displayed?

    

-       The items I viewed are as follows:

-          Daily planner

-          Dice

-          A variety of calculators

-          Videos

-          Self-management tools that incorporate math

-          Time cues (help develop time skills)

-          “Math Shark” a hand-held video game device

-          Key board and stickers to help typing skills

There are also a plethora of resources online as well. These are very helpful, however, the tangible tools are not easy to access.

4.       What resources are available for more exploration of matching AT from the kit with student needs?

Assisted technology is very useful for students who have learning disabilities. AT is addressed in levels of academic achievement and functional performance.  There are instructional accommodations, classroom testing accommodations, state testing accommodations, and many more. The IEP specifically ensures that students with disabilities have access to AT devices and services that they need to participate in educational programs.

PE and Health Integration:

AT are incredible resources for all subjects. I appreciate the modifications and interactions through these resources for these students. In terms of PE and health education, we try to integrate various subjects through physical activity or applying things to their every day lives, but it can be difficult to add various technology devices into PE. These provide great ideas for students to interact with devices that will challenge their knowledge about health or physical education. Regardless, I will definitely be using these resources for ideas and ways to challenge my students in various ways.