What one thing did you learn and what will you differently as a result?
I learned that the responsibility for assistive technology and accommodations does not just fall with the Special Education Department or the Special Education Teacher or even with the school district. Leadership and expertise comes from them. The media specialist and each school's technology committee should be working collaboratively with the Special Education Department and teachers to ensure that the hardware, software and accessories are available for students with special needs so that they can learn alongside their peers in the least restrictive environment and be successful. What I will do differently when I am a media specialist is to make sure that I interact and work collaboratively to ensure this vision is realized. Students with special needs have the right to be treated with respect and dignity even though they may need accommodations or different equipment to learn.
Do you plan to recommend this tutorial? If so, please elaborate.
I believe this would be a good course for teacher preparation. I would recommend this tutorial for an introduction to special education course or an inclusion course for all teacher preparation programs and continuing education. I have often heard that many general education teachers never took a course in special education even though they are getting more students with special needs. They need to understand IEPs and 504's, the differences between modification and accommodation, special education laws and their role in ensuring that they are in compliance and helping special needs students learn.
Do you plan to read or recommend some of the Recommended Reading books or add them to your collection? Will you link our LibraryThing list to your blog?
I will definitely read some of the books on the Recommended Reading list. I have read The Giver by Lois Lowry and The View From Saturday by E. L. Konigsburg (the latter a few years ago so I may reread it again). I recognize some titles from booklists and what students are reading. There are quite a few on the list that I will read after I am finished with this course. I have already linked the booklist to my LibraryThing account and will put a link in this blog as well.
It is really inspiring to know that media specialists can make a difference in the lives of students with disabilities. We have the power to provide our students with the tools that they need to succeed. This course really helped me to see how we can do this and what a difference we can make.
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