Using Computer Based Testing for Children with Disabilities

Using Computer Based Testing for Children with Disabilities

I am in my 3rd week of the Massive Online Open Course on Blended Learning through the Blended School Network.  This week we are discussing how computer assessments could help increase opportunities for differentiated learning.   However, for students with special needs, this means schools will be rely increasingly on their AT specialsits to electronically adapt tests and computers for students with disabilities.

I found this GREAT article called "Using Computer Based Testing for Children with Disabilities." Please read it.  It discusses the importance of Universal Design and the integration of the Ed. Tech and AT Professions.

Inquiry and Project Based Learning In Early Intervention

As a teacher of the visually impaired with a certification in assistive technology working in an early intervention consulting model, project based learning and inquiry based learning puts much of the problem solving in the hands of the family members that care for the child with disabilities.

During the home visit, I discuss current issues that are hindering their child from participating in the their daily routines, but instead of telling them what strategies would be appropriate, I could ask them an inquiry based question and have them research some solutions by reading resources on my Scoop.It Page before our next visit. I would then intentionally curate topical resources on my Scoop.It page that I know would be helpful. Then, during my next home visit, we could review the resources and strategies from the Scoop.It page that the family collected and find the best solution as a team.

The inquiry based learning model in early intervention would ideally happen in this  way:
1. Ask an inquiry based problem/question for the family to solve between visits.
2. Curate appropriate resources on the Scoop.It page for parents to investigate between visits.
3. Create a strategy works based on specialist's curated resources at the next visit.
4. Give the strategy or created implementation and try.  Then discuss the outcome.
5.  Let the family reflect on what worked/didn't work.

How Blended Learning Looks in Early Intervention

Adapting the basic Blended Learning Model to Early Intervention with Children with Special Needs looks something like this since the structure of intervention is different then the K-12 classroom:

3 Parts per month:
1. Home Visit in person
2. Video Consultation with family Using Adobe Connect (aka The Early Intervention Virtual Classroom).
3. Family applies new concepts to appropriate Web 2.0 Communities (Scoop.It, BSN Share, SoftChalk, Google Plus, etc). This gives the family the opportunity to connect to the resources that the education specialist posts on the appropriate Web 2.0 community and adapt to their child's learning. It increases the parent's involvement in their child's education.

I will elaborate on the current limiting factors of this model in a later post.

Today's Blended Teacher: Week One Resources

This has been amazing first week in my Massive Online Open Classroom course on Today's Blended Teacher.  My brain is swelling with new information.  I think the best skill I have acquired this week is the professional ability to "curate" resources to benefit my students and their families.  With my art background and my love for knowledge, finding purposeful information to increase a child's educational experience is crucial to being an effective blended teacher.  Today on the blog, I share with you 3 great resources on the definition and baseline of blended learning in a nutshell.

Week 1: What does Blended Learning Look Like

Blend My Learning-Resource for Blended Learning -Website, Blogs, Twitter
Blended Learning In Plain English-Youtube Video on the evolution of blended learning

A Special Educator's Experience with Blended Learning-a special education teacher reflects on his year working in a blended model
Videos on the Basics of Blended Learning-a great, short video on the models of blended learning

Today's Blended Teacher: A Massive Online Open Course

Blended Learning Defintion:  to combine any form of instructional technology (e.g., videotape, CD-ROM, Web-based training, film) with face-to-face instructor-led training.

I am currently enrolled in a Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) called "Today's Blended Teacher." sponsored by the Blended Learning Network.  The course is pretty much one big online collaboration and resource sharing party among teachers working in the various area of education.  Since many educators are active learners, we have all come together to experience what enrolling in a MOOC is like.  Not only that, but it is also a way for educators to become more in tune with the idea of the blended classroom and curriculum.

I wanted to give you a little sneak peek into the layout of this course as I will be referencing quite a bit on this blog over the next month:

1. The course interaction occurs using Google+ on a community page titled "Today's Blended Teacher."

This is where the class participants share resources, review content, and collaborate with other educators.

The whole course is divided into 4 sections: Learn, Curate, Connect, and Create.

2. In the "Learn" section, Dan Lucas, the class moderator posts a video of the weeks theme.

This week is theme is "An Introduction to Blended Learning."

3. In the "Curate" section, participants find resources about the week's theme and post it to the community and curation page on Google+.  

4. In the "Connect" section, the course encourages participants to then connect to other educators working in similar areas of the education by tweeting, creating their own Google+ circles, or connecting with other educational bloggers on matters that concern their day to day issues around Blended Learning.

P.S.-This blog entry is my "connect" homework assignment for this week.  I want to connect with more educators in the area of education and assistive technology as a whole.

5. Finally, the last part of this course is called "Create."  Participants create a lesson plan or activity designed around the theme or concept from the week and share it on our blogs or post on the Google+ site.  I will be networking this blog with BSN Share to further collaborate on innovative ideas in the area of educational technology and receive feedback for my ideas.

I am very excited about growing my technical knowledge in the area of Blended Learning!  What an amazing way to blend technology with connection and inspiration.