Clickers

A clicker is used on game shows that add up the audiences answers. A way to use this in the classroom is that the students will take a poll using this device, then the teacher plugs it into the USB port on the computer to tally up the results. This is good for debates or presentations the students are doing.

Website:

http://news.plu.edu/node/1065

USB

The USB is a device where you can save items on there and transport it to different computers. You are able to save pictures or data on their for a back up as well as download programs to upload on other computers.

Website;

http://www.usb.org/home

Switches

Switches are a common solution for users with mobility disabilities, such as muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cerbral palsy, spinal cord injuriesm and head injuries, who need to use coputers or other electronic devices but have difficulty with the physical part. Instead of using the keyboard or a joystick (which they are unable to use) they are able to use this switch to be able to monuver the computer. It can be set up by a single button, a few buttons, a sensory plate or another type.

Website;

http://www.w3.org/QA/2003/03/web-kit

Screen Magnifiers

This is used by people with visual disablitities to get information on a computer screen. This software enlarges the information on the screen. It's software that interfaces with a computer's graphical output to present enlarged screen content. The simplest way of magnification is to present an enlarged protion of the original screen content, the focus, so that it covers some or all of the full screen. this enlarged portion should include the content of interest to the user and the pointer or cursor, alsoo suitably enlarged,

Website;

http://www.456bereastreet.com/archive/200707/introduction_to_screen_readers_and_screen_magnifiers/

Speech Synthesizers

Speech Synthesizers is a hardware device used for speech output. This is used with screen readers or optical character recognition/scanning software programs for people who are blind or visually disabled. It is capable of translating any text, predefined input, or controlled nonverbal body movement into audible speech.

Website;

http://www.answers.com/topic/speech-synthesizer

Alternative Mouse Devices

This is used to replace the mouse. The keyboard keypad can function as a mouse using mousekeys. his lets the user manage the cursor on screen using kes on the keyboard. The moust keys are built into the keyboard so the user can toggle between text input or mouse input.

Website;

http://atrc.utoronto.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=33&Itemid=9

Alternative Keyboards

This type of keyboard is designed to help people who have difficulty with the regular keyboards. This includes keyguards that prevent accidental key activation, to alternative keyboards with different layouts, sizes, etc. for people who have specific needs, to alternative input systems with require other means/methods of getting information into a computer.

Website:

http://www.tifaq.org/keyboards.html

Voice Recognition Systems

The voice recognition helps handicapped people to use their voices as an input device. This is used to dictate text into the computer or to tell the computer to open programs, pulling down menus or saving work.

Website for more information

http://www.iglou.com/vrsky/

Onscreen keyboard

There are a lot of people who aren't able to use a standard keyboard. This could be caused by limited movement or motor control to low strength in the hands and fingers. The onscreen keyboard can be accessed using the pointer device. Switches or alternative pointer, and regular mouse that's hooked up.

Here is the website where you can get more information on this.

http://portableapps.com/apps/accessibility/on-screen_keyboard_portable

Technology #1 Kurzweil

Kurzweil is a program used for any student who has difficulty with reading. This program will read to the student as well as the student can read themselves. The teacher will scan assignments into the program and it will read the worksheet to the students. It will create lines so the students can type in answers then print out to turn in. Also they have a writing program on there. It allows the student to write assignments in there and it will correct any misspellings. It will read back to the student so they are able to hear what it sounds like. Also it has a dictionary in the program. Very useful in the classroom and the students love it as it involves the computer.

Here's the website that tells more about it.

http://www.kurzweiledu.com/

Website Evaluation

Mary Miller
Site: Education World
Sept. 6, 2008
URL: http://www.educationworld.com
Time: 3:05 p.m.

1 = Poor 5 =Exceptional
Design1.
Navigation tools are good. Links are clearly labeled.
1 2 3 4 5.
2. Can move from page to page easily.
1 2 3 4 5
3. Site offers interactivity. The visitor is engaged.
1 2 3 4 5
4. Can easily find information.
1 2 3 4 5
5. This site is aesthetically pleasing. Good use of color and graphics.
1 2 3 4 5

Content
1. Site is properly titled.
1 2 3 4 5
2. Additional resource links are included.
1 2 3 4 5
3. Information is useful.
1 2 3 4 5
4. Rich content and will likely be revisited.
1 2 3 4 5
5. Rate this web site as it compares in content to similar web sites.
1 2 3 4 5

Technical Elements
1. All links work.
1 2 3 4 5
2. Thumbnail graphics used. Graphics are appropriately sized.
1 2 3 4 5
3. Alternative text page is offered when heavy graphics or frames are used.
1 2 3 4 5
4. Image links and image maps have a text alternative.
1 2 3 4 5
5. Site shows meaningful information within 30 seconds.
1 2 3 4 5

Credibility
1. Contact person is stated with e-mail address.
1 2 3 4 5
2. Indicates when this page was last updated.
1 2 3 4 5
3. Links are current. (Last 3- 6 months)
1 2 3 4 5
4. Resource links used to develop content are included.
1 2 3 4 5
5. States the name of the host school or organization.
1 2 3 4 5

Total Possible Points = 100
Total Score of this web site: 72

How to improve this site: I would put in more activities for students with handicapps. Make it more enriched for the challenged learners.

Comments: I like this website and I see things I could implement in my classroom. But theres a problem with putting it to the disabled level of my different students.


How would I use this site for teaching? I would use some of the lesson plans and modify it to fit my students needs.

My 10 Top Criteria

My top ten criteria for my students using the computer are:
1. Not all my students should be on the computer looking up the same things at the same time. This does make the computers run slow and slow up my lesson. Plus my students like to go off on their own websites and I don't always catch them.

2. The software needs to be able to be put in a program that will read to my non-readers. We use the program Kurzweil and not all things will go in there. This program will take websites or anything scanned to read to my students. Some websites aren't set up that way.

3. Students should have a knowledge befoing going online. If they aren't sure about some of what they are looking up, than it's harder for them to get information.

4. Audience. They need to know what type of audience they will have to know what websites are useful.

5. Content. This one is very important for my students as they are all at different levels. One student might look at something a totally different way another student will. Content is very important.

6. Credibility. There are tons of websites out there that you can't trust or just based off of opinions. I need my students to realize what websites are acceptable.

7. Visual Appeal. My students that need the visual needs to find websites that catch their eyes.

8. How recent the webpage was published. If it's on an important topic that's going on, my students need to make sure they get an updated website to get their information off of.

9. Biased Websites. Not all websites just give information. Some are based on feelings. My students need to understand so they are able to find the right website.

10. The last one is the students are able to find the evidence needed to support their opinions on the topic they are researching.