Nov 08 2010
Chapter 8
Chapter 8 focused on different groups of students within the education system who could benefit from the use of technology in the classroom and at home. Those include English as a Second Language (ESL) learners and students with special needs. Blogs are an excellent way to provide authentic language activities to those students that aren’t efficient with language than other students. In addition, podcasts are a great tool for those students that are ESL because they provide a way for those students to listen, memorize, and critique a foreign language. This would be a great way to reinforce some vital points that the students need to understand.
The other group of students this chapter talks about is students with special needs. There are so many technology tools that could benefit students with special needs. The use of technology can help these students learn with an appropriate way that just works for them. These students could also learn in a more in different ways including visually or auditory. If students are visual learners, blogs or vodcasts may be the tools they need. If they are auditory learners, using podcasts may help to retain or comprehend the material that was discussed in the lesson. I would recommend using any technology tools for students of all abilities. However, these two groups would extremely benefit and would be a lasting learning tool for your classroom.
Of course, when it comes to special needs, we need to make sure our computers are ADA compatible if necessary. If students are visually challenged we need screen readers, etc.