Clicker 5 grant

Thanks to a very generous grant from the Snohomish Education Foundation, we now have a site license for Clicker 5 for all of the elementary schools in Snohomish (9 total)!! The site license, or "district license kit", enables us to add on additional copies of Clicker 5 for $30 per computer--this is a greatly reduced cost as Clicker normally costs $199 per copy. We were able to purchase 18 copies of Clicker 5 with the grant which will be added onto the 12 or more copies that we already have in the district. We also were able to purchase one copy of Clicker Paint, which is a fun program that allows students to create their own drawings and artwork to use in Clicker 5.
Next month, we (Linda Kautz and I) will be offering 2 hour "Intro to Clicker 5" classes through the Spring course offerings....site to be determined. We still need to determine how the 18 copies of Clicker 5 will be initially distributed...any ideas are welcomed!! There are several resource teachers who have expressed a strong interest in using Clicker 5 and they will be first to receive a copy, especially those who already have experience using this exciting program.

Universal Design for Learning vs Assistive Technology

Here is a great podcast that clarifies the differences between Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Assistive Technology:
http://www.connsensebulletin.com/csb003.mp3
To sum it up, Universal Design refers to "a learning environment that is as inviting as possible for a wide range of students." These students may or may not have disabilities, but different learning styles and abilities are taken into consideration. In a classroom that embraces UDL the instruction provides the following:
1) Multiple means of representing material--the teacher presents the material in a variety of ways so that all students are engaged, regardless of learning style. (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, etc)
2) Multiple means of engagement--material is not too hard or not too easy. Expectations are "just right" for each student so no one is bored and no one is overwhelmed.
3) Multiple means of expression--students can express what they know through various means--written, oral, individual work, team projects, etc.
Assistive technology on the other hand, is directed toward the needs of the individual student to increase, improve, or maintain participation in the learning environment. AT is person centered, UDL is classroom environment centered.
In a classroom that uses UDL concepts, AT may not be needed for an individual student because the environment and learning is already accessible for a wide variety of learning needs. However, a student with a disability may still need assistive technology to more fully and independently participate in the learning environment.

What's new?

Here is a list of the latest and greatest assistive technology--hardware and software--that was presented at a recent AT conference:
http://www.connsensebulletin.com/atia2007.doc

Check out this blog!

Check out this blog by Karen Janowski that discusses educational technology solutions for ALL students ...
http://www.teachingeverystudent.blogspot.com/