Blog Post Assignment # 3

Peer Editing

Peer editing should offer suggestions for improvement in a positive manner. The video gave some tips on how to peer edit. It is important to edit without hurting someone’s feelings or making them feel less confident about his/her writing. I think it is extremely beneficial to model peer editing prior to the assignment. Students do not need to jump right in and start “marking” the writing up. It suggested not only finding mistakes about another student’s work, but also point out things the student did well.  Peer editing teaches students how to give and receive constructive criticism (this is sometimes harder for adults than it is children). However, one thing I do not think the video takes into account, is an ESL student. Do you edit their work the same? What if the student is ESL? What if you know the student is trying real hard, and doing their absolute best? I had to think about this after reviewing my C4C. You certainly do not want a child to get insulted or frustrated, when they are trying their best. I think to reinforce the “stay positive” attitude; I would require each student with some type of peer editing checklist.On the checklist, I would include specific things for each student to check together such as punctuation and spelling. I would also have the student write down some positive things they liked about the writing; some ideas to make it better and explanation. I would encourage them to work together and talk about each thing being recorded on the checklist. I think the ultimate goal in peer editing is to produce confident writers who can express themselves through words and do it well.

Technology in Special Education

It is amazing how using technology in the classroom can open so many doors for special education students. Technology not only can enhance their learning abilities but build self-esteem, as well.  In the video, it shows a teacher using varies types of technology to instruct and communicate with her students. Without this technology, it would be very time consuming and frustrating for both the teacher and students to communicate and complete simple assignments. Each and every student needs to be able to have an opportunity to enhance his/her learning, increase productivity, communication skills, and promote creativity. Technology is a wonderful way for special education students to feel comfortable and experience success in the classroom. It is essential teachers understand the many types of technology available and incorporate it into their classrooms for all students.  

How the iPad Workswith Academics for Autism?

Autism Awareness

Before watching the videos, I did not really think about the obstacles special needs students have to overcome. Both videos opened my eyes to how technology and apps could make learning and life so much easier for them.  It really shows how there is no limit to learning for special needs kids with today’s growing technology.  I love educational apps and my children use them all the time. The instant feedback children receive using education apps provide such encouragement and seem to keep them engaged. Apple.Education Apps.com has so many educational apps I could have spent all day looking through them.  



The Learn to Talk app is an innovative flash card application for toddlers on iPhone and iPod Touch. It uses both sight and sounds to teach your toddler basic vocabulary words and boost their language skills. The description states Learn to Talk is an application for toddlers but I think the app could be used for all ages. It is simple enough for non-vocal special needs students and could help with their language skills, so they could start talking and communicating. It seems simple but starting simple is better.  I think if you start off with something simple it increases the level of success. It can help boost self esteem. They feel a sense of accomplishment.  I’ve always looked at educational apps as great learning tools, but never knew their endless possibilities.

Gary Hayes Social Media Count

WOW! At this rate, how are we ever going to keep up?? It seems impossible with these statics growing in a matter of seconds.What does this mean for a professional career as a teacher? Teachers must learn to adapt and evolve with current and future technology; explore it, use it, and learn from it. It seems like you can learn anything from watching YouTube, so why do we need teachers? Let's just Google what we want to know! Right? Well, I do not think the internet can replace the guidance of a knowledge teacher. The guidance of a knowledge teacher can enhance the learning of students.Teachers are always going to be a part of learning, its just going to be a matter of how they do it; YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Skype, etc. Technology and Social Media is going to allow them to reach out to students across the world.  

A Vision of Students Today

Our world is not the same as 50 years ago, and it's not the same as five years ago. The video strikes up a legitimate question, why are we still teaching like we were 50 years ago? I think it is because so many people are scared of change. I can hear the answer; it worked then so why change it, right? This answer is just downright wrong. We are not driving the same cars, from 50 years ago. We are not using the same phones, from 50 years ago. Why, because we want bigger and better things. We like cars that get better gas mileage; cars with satellite radio and cars that can be started by the push of a button. We want smart phones. Why? We are multi-taskers and need to be able to talk, text, and surf the web at the same time. Our world is rapidly growing and ever changing. With this being said, one might ask the question; why is our education system and teachers still teaching the same old fashion way?  Kids are taught to pass the test, and make good grades. They need to graduation high school and go to college. They are being told they cannot get a job without a college education. What if this education has not prepared them for the real-world? They are left without a job and most of the time in debt. In today’s world, employers are searching for employees that have some experience, not just a piece of paper showing they were able to pass a test. Yes, this helps but if they have some experience; it is even better. Personally, in my previous job, I wanted someone that had some experience with computers. I did not have the time or the desire to teach basic computer skills.

 I needed to focus on training the key aspect of the job. The curriculum should focus on more real meaningful-life experiences and not just textbook facts.  This is why I am enjoying EDM310 (not to say it is not a lot of work), it is giving me the real world tools needed to teach effectively in a technology based and ever-changing world.