Which is better for students, low tech or high tech?
This is not a standard question to guide your meditation, like “What is the sound of one hand clapping?” but for my mind it works just as well. So many answers, all right or wrong depending upon the situation. Consider this example: A student is having difficulties accessing text. They can’t see it well enough. What to suggest? Zoom Text? iPad? Large Print Texts? In this case, a slant board was all that was needed. The student did not have sufficient mobility to manipulate a text to the optimum reading position. Going high tech would be overkill. Same question different student, only now it is vision related. The student can not decode text at the size printed in a standard text book. Now the questions regarding high tech are appropriate. This is where the case conference committee must look at what is the least restrictive option for that student. What options do we have to create an environment where a student’s disabilities become inconsequential. The lowest tech option in this case would be large print, but does that create an environment with the least restrictions? While it is hard to imagine a big book causing harmful effects, it is easy to understand where it might cause some restrictive differences. Some to consider are:
• Decreased access to full instructional opportunities;
• Diminished access to the full range of the curriculum;
• Lack of opportunities for social interaction;
• Decreased self-esteem;
• Stigmatization; and/or
• Isolation from peers in the educational setting.
The following is a direct link to the form a case conference committee must fill out prior to the determination of large print as the needed specialized format(s) is appropriate for the student.
http://www.icam.k12.in.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=28&Itemid=34
Helping educators to make these decisions by allowing students to try some of the higher-tech solutions available is one of the services the PATINS Project provides. The Coordinators are always willing to work through meditative debates with educators so that the students receive the education they deserve.
Are you an educator who is using technology to support innovative inquiry-based teaching and learning activities in their classrooms.
Matthew Callison, who helps run the Jacobs Educator Award Program at Indiana University, Bloomington recently posted this opportunity:
The Jacobs Educator Award Program at Indiana University Bloomington recognizes K-12 teachers across the United States who are using technology to support innovative inquiry-based teaching and learning activities in their classrooms.
Each selected Jacobs Educator will receive:
- $1500 stipend at the end of their one-year appointment,
- $1000 to be used to purchase technology resources to support their teaching,
- funds to support travel to Indiana University in order to participate in periodic events throughout the year.
Applications are now open and we are accepting applications until July 15.
Learn more: http://education.indiana.edu/jacobs
April is Autism Awareness Month!
Are you a family member, teacher, therapist or other service provider struggling with the complexities of autism? Need help solving the puzzle? This series of autism trainings was designed for you!
Know Your ABC’s + Technology and Autism
Event to be held at the following time, date, and location:
Thursday, June 20, 2013 at 8:30 AM – to - Thursday, July 18, 2013 at 4:00 PM (EDT)
Indiana Wesleyan Education and Conference Center
3777 Priority Way S Dr
Indianapolis, IN 46240
Registration and More Information
A GoTalk on your iPad: New App I came across recently from Attainment that sort of turns your iPad into a GoTalk. Interesting to me because the GoTalk is one of my most favorite low-tech/static display AAC devices and the iPad is absolutely one of my favorite high-tech devices! 
So, you can imagine my excitement when I came across this TED video this week. Maybe my tech-biology dreams aren’t so far-fetched.
