I viewed the Webinar (Physical Access to Mobile Devices) a second time, did some research,and had discussions with my group members. My frustration is slowly being replaced with excitement! The key was to organize the information that was presented in a way that allowed me to access my limited prior knowledge in the area of AT. This makes me think of my students and how they must feel when I do not do a good job of helping them access their prior knowledge!
To illustrate how in-the-dark I was, here is a list of things I feel have been clarified that were causing confusion:
1. Mobile Devices - include iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad
2. iOS5 - the most up-to-date operating system that runs your mobile devices
3. App - Short for application
It is a shortened or narrow software application that does one function
*if you google “What is an app?” you will be amazed at how many different explanations there are. I combined a few to come up with one that made sense to me.
4. Switch App - Turns your devices into wireless accessibility switches to access your computer
5. AAC - Augmentative and Alternative Communication
*there are many AAC apps available
One good site was ipadacademy.com
6. Functions - Settings and options that are available on all iPads, iPhone’s, and iPod’s
Here is how I was feeling:
I am now feeling I have a "skeleton" to hang new knowledge on going forward in the course.
I am also experiencing a change in my thoughts toward doing a blog. I was initially resentful and thought it simply added work to doing a reflection without adding value. How wrong I was! I've learned that my emotions are a signal to examine what is really happening and upon reflection, I realize that I was afraid of doing a blog because it is completely new to me. Now, I see that it opens up many different ways of representing my thoughts and feelings and allows many options to help illustrate my points. This connects to my work in the classroom as I now have a better understanding of how my students (those requiring AT and those who do not) feel when presented with new material.
Here is how I feel now:
Toni thanks for your honesty! The fantastic part about you being in the stranglehold of frustration is that you utilized your skills, on your own, to seek and discover the answers - by googling, searching the internet, discovering and sleuthing out new knowledge. Many of your peers in the class are felt the same way at first - and how incredibly powerful it is to provide you with the information as course facilitator and you use the tools to seek out the background knowledge you need to put it all together! Awesome. That is what 21st Century Learning is and I love that you have become "enlightened" and are enjoying blogging.
ReplyDeleteIt is always hard to get out of our comfort zones but thank goodness that we do! That is what keeps us moving forward.
ReplyDeleteLOL, I love your visuals, Toni! I have to say that I felt the same way- confused at first with all of the terms and concepts. i0S5 is the one that confused me the most when it kept popping up. Now, having my own iPad, I am starting to get the lingo and am even using it more myself! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the visual. I know exactly how you are feeling. Thanks for the gloassary. Knowing the vocabulary of discipline is so important.
ReplyDeleteI can't communicate what I want to say in response to your post any more perfectly than Wanda did, so ditto!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog lay out. Thanks for definitions.
ReplyDelete