Hi there. Class is canceled this Thursday. We will reconvene for hiking on October 1st. Did you catch that? Class is canceled and you can sleep in.
MY JOB IS TO SOLVE ALL BLACKBOARD ISSUES
I can do this when I receive student passkey information from the publisher/NU Blackboard administrator. I appreciate your patience and apologize for the rocky start this semester with technology in general.
I will comment on everyone's blogs, upload grades so you have a sense of how you are doing, and respond to any emails.
YOUR JOB IS TO READ THIS ENTIRE MESSAGE AND COMPLETE BLOG #4
This week there are 4 quick response questions and 1 moral dilemma you need to answer.
Well, that sounds easy.
Err... ummm... not just yet!
The trick to this is that you must either podcast or make a short powerpoint of your response AND embed it in your blog!
Guidelines:
- Podcasts must be less than 4 minutes.
- Powerpoints must include a maximum of 4 slides and must include visuals (digital images that help support your point/response).
1. Use YouTube and/or Google to watch a video about embedding powerpoints and/or podcasts
2. Send me an email asking for help only after you've contacted three classmates (this isn't meant to be cruel, just challenging). If you send me an email, I will require you to submit screen captures of the emails from the classmates that you contacted.
Here are the questions:
1. How do we identify children with learning disabilities?
2. Describe how the Information Processing Model is used to show the impact a learning disability can have on learning. (Try using a metaphor in your response.)
3. Is there one known primary cause of learning disabilities?
4. Define sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. How does each affects a student with learning disabilities?
MORAL DILEMMA
Students with leaning disabilities often need modifications in their assignments in order to minimize the impact of their disabilities and to facilitate their success. Kevin's IEP, for example, includes extended time on exams, no penalty for spelling errors on essays written in class, and ability to use the computer for extensive written work. You are Kevin's high school English teacher, and one of your students has protested that giving these accommodations to Kevin is not fair. The protest is growing, and now several students have voiced their resentment of Kevin's special treatment. Blog about:
A. How will you handle this?
B. What are your personal beliefs about this issue, and how will your beliefs affect your professional decisions?
C. What does “fair” mean in the educational context for individuals with special learning needs?
THE FORECAST FOR OCTOBER
In October, you will take quizzes online OR blog about your experience in class. If there is not a quiz online that is assigned, then you will blog in relation to classwork (which will include digital images/hyperlinks and your reflection about what we did). You will also blog about your L&S. If you do not have a L&S you can reflect on your reading of text that was assigned that week and use the video as an observation.
BIG PROJECT: We will also be adapting a theatre guide (putting our knowledge of learning disabilities to use) for the play, She Stoops to Conquer.
Huh? you say out loud.
The purpose of this project is to have you connect your learning of content (information about teaching students with exceptionalities) into a REAL activity that will be used by REAL students. You will break down vocabulary, digital images and music that will provide access for students with disabilities to participate within an inclusive setting.
Here's what you need to do.
Visit the NU Theater website, find the play and get familiar with the story plot by searching the web
TO EARN 10 BONUS POINTS:
1. Post an additional blog entry about She Stoops to Conquer - the setting, characters and plot
2. Include a Hyperlink to the NU Theatre on your blog entry
3. Write a short paragraph about how we could create a Student Guide geared toward HS students who will come on campus to watch the play). To do this (and earn full credit) you'll need to consider the following:
When students with learning disabilities read, they may have difficulty engaging with a story if:
* they lack the background knowledge to understand the plot, setting, and characters
* they have not had much practice "putting themselves in the story"
* they only get one or two opportunities to read a text before the class moves on to something new.
So... what would you do?
I look forward to hearing your ideas. I also look forward to Blackboard working. Wouldn't that be something special!!
Please note:
To earn these 10 extra credit points you must respond to questions 1-3 and you must post to your blog no later than Wednesday, September 30th at midnight. Just 8 hours before our hike into the Gorge!
As always, you can reach me by email if you have concerns.
I encourage you to work together. REPEAT - I encourage you to work together. Everyone will receive full points for this bonus assignment as long as you submit a candid shot of your "team" (whether it be 2 people, six people, or 20 people).
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