SPED595T
Applications of Technology for Special Educators 13403 (3 Units)
Spring 2011
Contact Information
- Susan Cullen
- Department: # Department of Special Education # and the Universal Design Center
- Office Phone : 818-677-2152
- Fax Number : 818 677 4434
- Office Hours : By Appointment Only
- Office Location : Oviatt 5
- Email : susan.cullen@csun.edu
Instruction Materials
There is no formal textbook. An online Course Reader and Activity Schedule is provided to registered students on the campus Learning Management System, Moodle.
Course Information Overview
- Applications of Technology for Special Educators 13403
- Final Exam Times : August 15-18
- Course Meeting Times : Tuesday 4:20pm-6:50pm
- Meeting Type : Traditional
- Building Room Number: ED 2119
Course Description
This course will provide an overview of specialized computer-based technologies as they relate to the teaching and learning of all students, as well as the use of assistive technology to facilitate the successful integration of individuals with disabilities. This course does not cover basic software in Microsoft Office. Selection, modification, and classroom use of technology to improve or bypass physical, sensory, communicative, learning, and social limitation will be explored as the technology is used. May be used to satisfy technology requirement for Level II SPED Credentials.
Course Prerequisites
General ability to use a computer in a Windows or Mac environment.Prequisite Related Links
- COMP 100, SPED400 or 508 or equivalent
Student Learning Objectives
Students will be:
Able to identify common technological resources available to improve a student’s access to learning and facilitate class inclusion.
Knowledgeable about the unique needs individuals with different abilities may have in the areas of learning, hearing, vision, physical limitations, and psychological variances.
Able to consider the skills needed for a student to learn and operate various Assistive Technologies.
Grading
| Grade | Points |
|---|---|
| A | 93-100 |
| A- | 90.0-92.5 |
| B+ | 88.0-89.5 |
| B | 82.0-87.5 |
| B- | 80.0-81.5 |
| C+ | 78.0-79.5 |
| C | 72.0-77.5 |
| C- | 70.0-71.5 |
| D+ | 68.0-69.5 |
| D | 62.2-67.5 |
| D- | 60.0-61.5 |
| F/U | 59.5 and below |
Make Up Policy
All missing class time must be made up within fifteen (15) days, or before the end of the current term, whichever comes first. Any student with more than 52 hours of absence must make up the class by attending another class of the same subject. If the student has missed less than 52 hours of class time, lecture time must be made up by watching the PowerPoint Presentation of the missed class (2 hours for missed massage class/4.5 hours for missed science class). Missed hands-on (practical time) must be made up in the student clinic (two clinical therapies). Any student not completing make up time, midterms or final exams before the end of the term in which the absence(s) occurred will be given an F for the course(s).Attendance/Absence Policy
Class attendance is an important aspect of the student’s learning experience. The student is required to attend all classes. If the student is unable to attend a class, or classes, due to unforeseen circumstances, the following policies apply: Being late to class constitutes tardiness; three tardiness reports will result in one absence, the equivalent of 4.5 hours of missing class time, which must be made up. Students with more than 13.5 hours of outstanding missing time will be placed on academic probation until all time is made up. Students failing to make up time while on probation are subject to termination Any student missing more than 20% of any course will be given an “F” for the course. All missing class time, midterms, and final exams must be made up prior to the end of the term. Any student absent for more then five- (5) days without notification or medical excuse will be automatically dismissed from the program. Absences will be calculated from the student’s last date of attendance.Course Assignments
Web Resource Profile (5pts)
Each student will conduct an Internet search to find a web resource related to AT which has not been covered in class to date, or previously submitted by a classmate. The website URL (address) and a brief description explaining why it is a useful resource will be emailed to the Instructor. An online social bookmarking system will be used to share online resources. On online social bookmarking system.)
Alternative Input Device for Physical Limitations (10pts)
Each student, or team of students, will be assigned an Alternative Input Device to research. A student, or team, may request a particular device, that is of interest to them, be assigned by the Instructor. This request must be made in writing to the Instructor at least one week before the first presentation is due. The type of devices or software in this category are for individuals that cannot utilize a typical keyboard to operate a computer or device. Each student, or team, will present to the class a brief explanation of how the device works and what limitations are typically assisted by the use of the device. The oral presentation should be approximately 5 minutes in length. An Information Reference Sheet must be provided to the class at the time of the presentation and posted to the Class Forum.
Software Experience Projects (3 in class projects, 10 pts each )
These projects will involve in-class work on assigned software products. Students will demonstrate a basic level of mastery of the software to the Instructor by completing Software Experience Projects. These will include short essays regarding the application of the software for educators. Past Software Experience Projects have included: Outlining a lesson plan using Inspiration Software. Include the use of Notes, Hyperlinks, etc., and Incorporate the use of the Kurzweil Reading System into a lesson plan.
Evaluation Guide Project for Assistive Software or Equipment (15 pts)
Many teachers are asked to recommend software or equipment for their classrooms or resource labs. An Evaluation Check List will be provided to each student and modified to help them organize an evaluation of software. Key factors for evaluation will be formulated into the checklist to help organize and record the findings. For example, if auditory information is critical for the learning environment, than evaluating the auditory functionality of a product is a key factor in the evaluation. The class will be given a Technology Evaluation Form and throughout the semester the class will discuss categories found on it and the utility of the form as well as how it may be improved. This project will culminate with the use of the form in the evaluation of software in the classroom.