After finally arriving on Wednesday night it was great to see some familiar faces in the room! This is a course that is long overdue for me. I know that as we learn from each other, the strategies and tools that we can offer our students will grow over time as well! I do admit that although I am a Program Support Teacher, keeping up with the latest technology has not been as high as it should be on my priority list! I know this course will help immensely with that!
I have done some personal reflecting on the topic of assistive technology. Specifically, I have pondered the reasons why as a PST in a number of busy school settings over the past 11 years I still do not have an overall level of comfort with it!?
The conclusion that I come to is that as a PST, "AT" for me has been considered on an individual basis as opposed to examining it from a more broad, global (awareness) perspective. In school, we look at the need presented to us and we examine ways to solve the problem or meet the challenge. Generally we are presented with the information through a CORE team or Program Planning team meeting as we are working toward successfully programming for a student. In a school setting, time is a always a factor. Examining technologies as they are created just for the sake of familiarity is considered a luxury.
It is for that reason among others that I look forward to learning about all of the opportunities that are available to individuals searching for ways to increase their independence and face their challenges in life. I know that as I work with a variety of students with various needs, being exposed to this information (in this hands-on way) will be very beneficial for me in the school setting and beyond.
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