Technology for people with disabilities

I personally believe this is a great thing for anyone with a disability that can limit them.  The four main disabilities that may require technology  to assist them are: 1) hearing loss 2) vision impairment 3) speech disorders 4) learning impairment.  Technology for people with disabilities are so advanced.  Some of this technology can speak for someone who can't.  All they have to do is type what they want to say.  There is some technology that you can speak into and it will type what you said so someone who might be hard of hearing can read it.  There are even magnifying glasses you can connect to the computer screen for the visual impaired to use.  Technology has come a long way and I only see it progressing as new devices are coming out for people with disabilities.  I look forward to seeing the new devices that will come out in the future. 

The revolution of computers

The computer has really changed over the many decades.  The computer was introduced in the late 1930's.  Over the generations that has passed the computer has changed drastically.  The things that has changed was the size, weight and the way they make it.  The people who are making the computers are finding ways to make them smaller and weigh less.  I feel that computers are eventually going to be the ways of the future.  The computer will always change and that's why people have to keep up with learning how to work it.  Most jobs want people to be computer savvy because everything is heading towards technology.  I like to think I'm computer savvy but there are plenty of things I don't know about it still.  The future of computers seem to be very bright, not only because they are getting smaller, but because smartphones are like mini computers. 

Why technology?

Section 2 of the reading packet discusses the pros and cons of bringing technology into the classroom.  I have a mixed opinion about this topic.  I do believe bringing technology into the classroom will get the students more excited and willing to work.  Yet I feel learning would not happen if it's based on mostly using technology.  I like using technology but if I had to choose between a strictly online class and non online class I would choose a non online class.  I feel I get a better understanding of the work instead of solely using the computer.  Some children learn better using the computer.  I do believe all children learn differently but I also believe that some things the computer cannot do.  One of the main things that should be done by teachers are assessments.  The computer will never really know how much a child knows and cannot challenge a child academically as the teacher can.  I understand the article says that using the computer doesn't make them feel judged but learning should always be more teacher related.

Integrating blogs into the classroom

I believe blogs in the classroom would be a new version of keeping a journal.  It would be good to do it, especially in an English or Writing intensive class.  It's also a way to keep the children computer savvy.  Having them do a blog may be a good way to keep them interested in writing.  It's more interesting than writing in a book.  They may like that people can read what they wrote and respond to it.  It's a great way to discuss topics that are being discussed in class.  Blogs are also great for writing responses to reading assignments.  Some children have a hard time getting their words across when they speak but may be able to write out their thoughts. 

What does education mean to me?

I believe education is very important.  Education is something that no one can take from you because it's the knowledge you accumulated over the time of being in school.  My goal is to get my Bachelors in Mathematics and to teach math in a high school.  Preferably an urban high school.