Van+Lowe

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Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_w5y32oUP4

My personal learning style: Auditory/Verbal

I believe this to a certain extent. I prefer talking things out with other people to understand something and working in groups.However, I do really benefit from learning visually. I like having diagrams and like having powerpoints to look at. Overall, I would believe that I am mostly an auditory learner, but I can also learn in other ways.

1. From the websites, I learned how much technology there really is out there for individuals with special needs. I am also surprised at how advanced the technology has really become. I thought the foldable ramp was really inventive and helpful for the individuals and those assisting them. 2. I thought wiggleworks was a really interesting website and can be used for different students who have different learning styles. I would definitely consider using it when I begin to teach. 3. I think assistive technology will ensure that children with different learning styles do not feel left out and don't feel behind the other children. This is because they will all be able to accomplish the same tasks, just in different ways. 4. In my high school we had a special education department and we had Best Buddies. When I joined Best Buddies I met a lot of the students who were in the program and used various technology. One student had a keyboard to talk to other students and it helped us communicate much better. 5. I think this will help me be more patient and understanding and help me teach more diverse students.This will enable me to be a much better teacher.

I think virtual field trips are a good idea for classes for many reasons. Students still get a hands on experience that costs less and are much simpler. You do not need to pay, get parents to sign permission slips and find parents who are willing to help. This also ensures that all students can be involved. Sometimes parents can forget to sign the permission slip or do not have the money to pay for a field trip. I would definitely incorporate these websites in my classroom for children to get involved.

In response to the principal, I would argue the importance of technology and how it strengthens lessons. Technology allows students to be more hands on and interactive with the teacher, classmates and material. There are many websites and programs that give students visual and auditory learning that benefits all different types of learners. Not only does technology have the advantage of using different type of learning, it allows students to have fun. Students tend to lose focus when they are bored and are not enjoying themselves. Technology, being a big part of the current generation, is fun for students. I feel that using something children enjoy in the classroom, makes students more interested in learning. Allowing them to participate also gives hands on learning like I mentioned earlier, which is also much more fun. Young students tend let their minds wonder and I believe technology use is a good way to prevent that.
 * My beliefs are still the same as they were prior to this class, but might even be stronger.**



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