Student A is severely visually impaired. I discovered some Braille apps that I think would be beneficial for A. Because A can see with the aid of glasses, I feel that A would benefit from using Bumps-A Braille Guide. This application shows the Braille letters on flashcards. All 26 letters are displayed on the screen. You can single tap a letter to see only that letter. Additionally, the user has the power to turn on or turn off the English letter corresponding to the Braille letter (this is just an example of one of many Braille applications). I believe this program would support some of the work this student is doing with other professionals in the building.
Student B is a Spanish-speaking ELL student. I believe this student would benefit from utilization of the Voice Memo app. My master teacher or I could record ourselves reading books aloud and modeling our thinking. This student would have extra practice listening to us and looking at the words. B would hear us reading with expression - something he could use to help build his fluency. Additionally, B might enjoy being recorded reading as well to hear himself reading.
Student C is a student that needs reinforcement in reading and math. I found many first grade math applications - C would benefit from additional work around place value. Also, there are many apps related to sight words, which could help bolster C's reading fluency.
Before any of these three students had access to technology, they would need some training on how to appropriately treat and use it. I also feel that a frank discussion would need to be had with the class to let them know (without any specifics) why certain students get to use the Touches. I also feel these students would need to have an adult presence nearby to help them as they explore the apps and continue their learning.
(I am still feeling unsure about use of technology with first graders. I've seen the wonderful tech work of the students in Canada; however, I feel that so much of our learning is done together as a class. I think it would be difficult to have these students working separately without having an adult right next to them - something that most schools cannot provide.)
Excellent examples of ways that tech can differentiate. Some of the apps you're seeing are probably more effective than others, so some of the review sites on our class wiki could help to narrow down to good choices.
ReplyDeleteYes, we always want to sustain the sense of community in the class. I don't think that that changes. And what are kids doing when they are working independently? Or collaboratively with peers?
Would we give just these kids touches? What if we had ten in the room, and everyone understood that all kids learn in different ways and the Touches can help us?
And yes. We always set guidelines for any tech use. Always.
How can you learn about what kids can do independently with tech? How could you test your hypothesis that they'd need one-on-one monitoring? How can you find out from other teachers what they might be able to do alone and when they'd need support? Could class buddies help each other out?
All great questions about what happens as we introduce new tools into classrooms !