E5163 Reflection

It seems that every course i take of my Masters program I think is the best one.Some are fascinating and others are practical. This AT course is fascinating beacuse it covers many issues in education, at all levels, all subjects and all agaes of students. It is one of the most practical courses. i have learnt so much about AT, ipads and apps that I can use tomorrow in my school.

Issues:

• I need to purchase ipads!!! To do this I will need to search for grants. This could be a good addition to the course (where to look for grants). I know I can purchase 2 or 3 for resource but a class set is a dream at the moment...it will happen!
• Access at home. Many of my students are ow income and AT is not the priority. Accxess at school is essential.

The things I take away from this course are:

• The range of apps that we have explored
• The use of the ipad in assisting students in their learning. I was quite amazed by the versatility of the ipad. It is more expensive than other tablet but you get what you pay for. Apple is the leader in computer tech and they have hit the big time with the ipad. I was laid up in bed for 3 days during this course. I had to continue to read and work whilst lying down and the laptop didn't work. This forced me to get to know the ipad quite well. It was a kind of blessing in disguise.
• the opporunity to explore issues and the process involved in reading and writing was brilliant. Although I was aware of the general process, the detail was enlightening to see. I can understand that a students may have a difficulty in any one step of the reading or writing process and have reading or writing diffciulties.
• Clear assessment and diagnosis is very important in knowing the strengths and challenges of a students and where intervention can occur.
• Whilst remediation is important, it happens with me often and I don't have enough time with a student one on one or small group. Because of this, compensatory strategies are vital.
• The ipad is a stem of the UDL umbrella but it is a very important stem.
• It was great to explore UDL and to pull it apart and analyse the different parts of it. I had been an advocator for differetaition in th classroom and I still am but that was all for me. Now I have a more knowledegeable view of the entire UDL umbrella. I am more able to support my teachers and students.

A diagnosed strength may not be a learning style. Explore learning styles with struggling students.
https://www.educationalplanner.org/students/self-assessments/learning-styles.shtml

Overall, I have enjoyed this course and hope to take the AT: literacy and leisure course soon. This has been one of the most practical and interesting courses. I t was by far the most fun.

Thanks Barb!

Simon