[etni] LD continued

From: Renee wahl <wahlrenew@xxxxxxxxx>
To: etni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:59:17 +0300
Thank you Rachelle for pointing out some of the pitfalls involved in using
the MP options.  This just strengthens my conviction that we should be using
the computers we have and not be trying to use every new gadget that comes
out - MP, CD, DVD, Bluetooth.  Keeping on changing the technology is costly
in money as well as in time to learn how to do it - not to speak of the fact
that by the time we convince the testing department to use it, it is already
obsolete.
Having said that, I suggest that we keep a collection of different
technologies and instructions for using them on the ETNI website, so that  a
teacher has various options and can choose the one(s) that are most
applicable to their situation.  I'll try to prepare a file on how to
download and use the text reader option that I mentioned and send it to
ETNI.  I suggest and hope others will take some time and write similar
instructions for some of the other options mentioned here or that have not
appeared here.  It seems to me that convincing the testing deptartment to
approve of the various options can best be done by Judy.
Those of us who have experience with teaching LD kids know that not only do
they have problems with remembering and organizing themselves, but so do
their parents (from whom they probably inherited the LD in the first
place).  They forget to bring notes, to show up for PTA meetings, etc.  But
I don't think we need to take the responsibility onto our shoulders.  These
kids have to learn to live in a structured society, and they have to take
some responsibility (or be taught it) upon themselves.  When they go out
into the wide world, they'll have to remember to take water with them when
they go on a trip to the desert, to set their alarm clocks to get up in the
morning for work, to iron their shirts before they need them, etc..

Someone else mentioned the fact that kids will always find ways to have
extra files on their MP players.  Well, I've seen whole tests, full files of
notes, not to speak of rapid text messaging etc. on mobile phones and how
many of you collect kids' mobile phones (all of them, not just one per
pupil) before a test?  What about the extra files that they write under
their watchbands, on their shirt cuffs, etc.  Why is it that we think they
can only cheat with the latest technology?  Why do we think we have to solve
this problem all by ourselves?  It's a cultural thing and has to be dealt
with on many levels.  This shouldn't be an excuse for not using a particular
technology.

Candella mentioned a bluetooth technology option.  Well, if regular
computers or MP3 players aren't available to everyone, Bluetooth is so far
out of most pupils' league as to put it into the future files - though I'd
love to see clear instructions and tech specifications up on ETNI.

Teachers who are technophobic cannot simply avoid the issue.  They need to
do their part, even if they need help doing it.  Either get yourself a
technology guru (this can be one of your pupils), or utilize the skills of
the computer person in your school.  Have them download the text reader
programs, burn the CD's, or better yet, sit down with you and teach you how
to do it until you can manage on your own.  After all, you learned how to
turn on the computer, type on a wordprocessor,  save and print materials,
use your school's computerized grading system so you can't be completely
helpless or hopeless.

Renee


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[etni] LD continued

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