Blog #2: Reflections on Learning of "New" Technology

This evening, I've been reading the blogs of my fellow students. Beth commented in her blog: Reflection on AT class 1 how her learning of A.T. developed from wanting to be informed about the assistive supports one of her students used. Karen in her blog, Our first class! Notes from Educ 5163! comments about "keeping up with the latest technology", and "time" being "a factor". She echoes Beth's feelings about not having an overall comfort level with A.T.

I find it so comforting that I'm not alone in my thoughts! It's been a steep learning curve since first getting to know Technology professionally in 1998. Sometimes, when I've felt that I'm just hanging by fingernails, along comes the informed student, the knowledgeable colleague, the helpful webinar, the "okay... now I get it" professional development course, the "... what is that device called again?... A. T.C. visits, and the "bringing it all together" Assistive Technology course!
As exhausting, and as overwhelming this process sometimes is, from a professional standpoint, it certainly has helped me to be more sensitive about the different comfort levels of my students and colleagues.
Generally, students are quite excited about technology. I'd be a millionaire if given a dollar for the number of times I hear a student say, "Can I go on the computer?"
As Beth noted, encouraging the student to use the A.T. support in the classroom can be a challenge. Barbara W. comments that (she) hear(s) the statement all too often that students don't want to use the technology that can make a difference in their lives because it makes them look different.

Ian in his blog: three... two... one... GO gives his perspective, from the viewpoint of a Technology Educator. Again, he echoes our sentiments about the wealth in technological resources and the dearth in technological comfort and training. I insert this quote from Ian:

One of my biggest frustrations as a technology educator is that money at all levels is spent in the wrong areas. Why fill a school full of laptops (or an entire board) if the majority of your staff has no idea how to use them effectively in the classroom? Why not fill part of the school with laptops, grab some interesting software and peripheral equipment and invest the rest in training so that teachers develop the skills and knowledge necessary to use all of it?

I resoundingly agree, but I have one cautionary comment.

Dr. Maria Scherer notes A.T. may become abandoned or discarded if the person feels uncomfortable, insecure, or embarased using it.

From my experience, some educators are not always excited about incorporating technology into their professional lives, or into the classrooms of their students. We can not assume the educator will have an understanding of the need for assistive supports, if s/he does not use technology in their own lives.

Interested in hearing your thoughts.

Blog #1: Polio, Assistive Technology and Making Connections

Driving home from my first Assistive Technology course, I listened to "Ideas", a CBC radio program. The course instructor, Barbara Welsford, asked us to set up a blog entry following the course, and I was waiting for some inspiration for my first blog entry.

"Ideas" featured a documentary--"Remembering Polio". As I listened, I was struck by the continuation of the themes explored in our AT class. Barbara had shared with us videos of individuals using a variety of supports that they needed to continue being involved with life.
I think of Marie-France Bru who types using a switch access software and a muscular switch attached to her jaw. Such use of technology really inspires me... so practical in its function, and so creative in its expression.

In "Remembering Polio", one woman shared a story about needing to wear braces and orthopedic shoes . She hated them, and longed to be able to wear "pretty shoes"! On her wedding day, she wore her "pretty shoes", and in the first week of marriage, she threw out her "supports" (as she called them) and for a whole year, endured callouses ... and much pain. After a year, she did return to her "assistive supports".

With all the advances in technology, and with so many creative applications, just imagine... if this woman were to wed in 2008, how gorgeous and comfortable those wedding shoes could be!!

After the "Ideas" program, I 'googled' to find out more about polio ... I discovered Drive-Master, founded in 1952 by Alan B. Ruprecht after he had become seriously disabled from adult polio. This is a quote from the website: "(Ruprecht) soon realized that there was little he could do without the freedom of driving his automobile. Unfortunately, the hand controls available at the time were too costly and poorly constructed. Using his engineering background and vast experience with cars and metals, he designed the Drive-Master push-pull hand control system to operate the gas and the brake by hand. "

Marie-France Bru, our bride (whose name I can not remember!), and Alan B. Ruprecht... only a mere sample of individuals whose lives are shaped and transformed by assistive technology.

*Catherine*