Please note time extension **** Postings due Nov 30, 2006

While many participants in the cohort have been actively engaged - several have still not been able to navigate WebCT and a full cohort of 20 has not been established. I have been asked to to hold off on additional content postings to give the region time to get the 20 participants fully registered and give them time to "catch up". This will also allow time to meet with participants who are still having trouble navigating WebCT.

Quick Links

• SETT Framework forms
• LD Basics
• ADHD Basics
• Understanding the IEP process.
• AT Categories Overview [PPT ... PDF])]

Introduction:

We spent time looking at the federal and state mandates that have caused educators (and parents) to become more aware of AT. Through this weeks readings we will find the umbrella that has encapsulated such terms as Informational Technology, Instructional Technology, Educational Technology, and the newer Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), may soon engulf AssistiveTechnology or Assisitve Educational Technology (AET). The distinction between assistive and everyday technologies is becoming even less clear as the concept of universal design is incorporated into conventional technology. Tom Cutshall's reading will help shed light on the different options of definitions. Earlier session's reading helped define AT more specifically towards meeting the federal mandates, and opened the door for additional interpretations such as those found at the ldonline resource (see reading section for parts to read). Others have categorized AT (AT Categories Overview in readings). Before we delve deeper into the various "tool, applications and strategies" become familiar with the Quality Indicators for Assitive technology (QIAT) and the SETT framework that we will be using when we start to explore and make Informed Assistive Technology Decisions / UD Decisions—always keeping in your mind how could these also enhance education for ALL students. i.e, while the handicap door opener is specifically designed for those with specials needs—now many have found this application useful when you are carrying something and your arms are full of boxes?

Readings

• Tom Cutshall's attempt to unblur the definitions-not sure if I agree but good overview, and food for thought as to how AT may become "engulfed" in this generic definition. Connection with IT: http://www.arches.uga.edu/~cutshall/itdefhome.html.
• Cavanaugh, T. The Need for Assistive Technology in Educational Technology . Online at: http://www.unf.edu/~tcavanau/publications/site2001/AT_in_IT.htm
• Assisitive Technology Evaluation Guide for Students with Learning Disabilities Learning Disabled [PDF]
• Go to http://www.ldonline.org/ and navigate to the link
  • LD Basics and ADHD Basics. Skim through the general information found by each of the bulleted categories. You of course can delve deeper (and share) any of the content found under these that peaks your interest.
    • Read What is an IEP?
    • Creating Useful Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). (a short overview)
    • Understanding the IEP process. Take a look at the resources, examples to get an idea of "what an IEP is and looks like". The link has MANY templates/forms with explanations of how to fill out/ the third link -- Houghton Mifflin has an IEP sample already filled out. Bookmark this site for later reference—you will need this for your group IEP project
  • MacArthur, C. (1996). Using technology to enhance the writing processes of students with learning disabilities. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 29(4), 344-354.
  • Taking the Mystery out of Assistive Technology:Assistive Technology: Myths, Realities, & Action Steps
• Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology (QIAT) University of Kentucky http://sweb.uky.edu/~jszaba0/QIAT.html. Skim through the NEW Printable Version - QIAT 2005 Research-Based Update, paying attention to the areas of Common Errors (for example page 4). Also skim the QIAT Matrix. to get ideas of what is considered "acceptable"
• AT Categories Overview [PPT ... PDF]) short 10 slide overview
• Skim: SETT framework: At http://www.joyzabala.com/, read About Joy Zabala, and About The SETT Framework-old and revised.

You may have found that the information from this session has captured your attention and would like to read further. Here are additional resources:

• For those teaching or training adults read Day, S.L., & Edwards, B.J. (1996). Assistive technology for postsecondary students with learning disabilities. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 29(5), 486-492.
• For more information on IEP's visit IEP in the ldonline LD In-Depth section.
• Zabala's PDF or 10 things everyone needs to know about AT.
• A brief introduction to the SETT framework
• Quality Indicators for AT services

Asynchronous Postings:

Please revisit the previous week's threads and read the class summary for each thread

• 4.1: Josh Question 1
• 4.2: Josh Question 2
• 4.3: Josh Question 3
• 4.4: Josh Question 4

Please post threads through session 4 by Nov 30^th, 2006. Session 5 will be posted at this time and the course will again start back with weekly postings and content.