Although this last blog entry is titled Final Reflections, we all know that isn't true. Constant reflection is an integral part of every teacher's process of self-evaluation. We need to think about what we do in the classroom, concentrating on what worked and what didn't work. Since I have yet to obtain my teaching certification, my reflection doesn't pertain to the classroom but what I have learned in this course.
The things I have learned in this course are almost too numerous to list. That being said, a few things stick out.
Bennie, the young man who was destined to be trapped in his own body, who came up with the idea to stick a dowel on the bottom of his shoe so that he could use his one moveable limb, his left leg, to communicate with the world via a typewriter.
The good people over at CAST The Center For Applied Special Technology who formed their organization over a pizza lunch in 1984.
The Universal Design For Learning, which a set of principles for curriculum development, whose main goal is to give all students equal opportunities to learn.
I learned about the numerous types of Assistive Technology available to us to help us achieve our teaching goals. From low tech AT such as reading rulers to high tech DynaVox communication devices, the amount of AT out there is equally inspiring and overwhelming.
Ultimately, not having much experience with special education students, this course in conjunction with my volunteer service has given me the chance to put myself in their position, to see their views and experiences not through the lens of an adult teacher but as a elementary-age student. That can be, and was, a little scary. Even though special education students have it a little bit better today than during my time in elementary school, being a special education student can be very stressful and scary. This course has given me some of the tools and knowledge to make school a positive experience for all my students.
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