Blog #7

Adaptive technologies play a very important role in the support of the diverse learner according to chapter four of our book by providing solutions for students with special needs by promoting participation and independence. An example is word processing software that allows students with Dysgraphia who cannot hold a pencil in their hand use commands to create a document. I personally have never used such software but I recall one of the first software was called Dragon which uses a microphone to speak words into the transfer into text on the computer screen and into a word processing document. As with any technology there are always challenges such as learning how to use the new technology and analyzing if indeed a student can adapt to this technology and use it to learn and achieve content goals established in the classroom. Whenever using the adaptive technologies the most important this to consider is using the correct tool to meet the student’s needs.

                I have never created an actual website, thus this experience was a completely new one. The most important thing that I learned is how important it is to understand what content should be posted on a website and made accessible to viewers and users. Also, the purpose of the website is essential to the author of the website as a teacher it is important to make certain that students find the website user friendly and can find the information they are seeking. I did not find the website to be user friendly. I found it difficult to navigate and this became frustrating. Here is the link http://mrandyrodriguez.weebly.com/

 

     

A paragraph on the new skills you learned from working with Diigo. How can this application be useful in your classroom, with team members, and in your individual professional efforts.                Some of thw new skills I have learned are to bookmark websites and you can put tags on them to organize and categorize them and find them later in an easier fashion. Also use can use sticky notes which helps as well when referring back to the material. Any tools such as the ones that Diigo offers are always useful for communicating with students and co-workers in a professional environment. Basically any tools that assist with being organized and effective in your communication are key and helpful.