Writing Requirements for Project Based Learning on Plastics

The end product in our Project Based Learning assignment, is the creation of a blog designed to display our information. The process of creating a blog involves a number of writing skills. These could include but are not limited to the following:

-computer accessing skills
-recording research
-record blog entries
-notes for organization of thoughts
-brainstorm/organization webs

In the following blog entries we will be looking at the learning needs within our Class Profile and suggest possible assistive technology that will allow the students access to the above mentioned writing skills.

Severe Dysgraphia

This student has motor dysgraphia which means both spontaneous written and copied text is illegible, however, oral spelling is normal. He also has trouble with drawing but excellent keyboarding skills.

-personal laptop

He will record information via his laptop after researching information on plastics. This information can be incorporated into blog posts.

Gifted LD

One student in our class is a gifted LD student. She has excellent computer skills, however cannot read or write. She also has highly developed musical and artistic abilities. She is able to cope with standard classroom expectations.

-Kurzsweil
-Dragon Dictate (demonstrate and show app)
-Inspiration

She will help design the layout of the Inspiration brainstorm web. She will also contribute her thoughts via Dragon Dictate for another group member to enter into the web.

LD- Severe Dyslexia

This student has difficulty with reading, writing and spelling. He may also have challenges with learning math problems. At times, high stress results from performing on the spot. He lacks organizational skills. He does have above-normal intelligence.

-Kurzsweil
-Co-writer (good word prediction)
-SpeakQWordQ (speech to text)
-Dragon Dictate app

He will read through information on Plastics (specifically "alternatives to plastic")  and record important notes using one of the above examples of AT. His responsibility will be collecting as much research about the topic and relaying this to his group members who are creating blog entries. He likes using Dragon Dictate because he is able to send information via email.

Cancer

We have one student with Cancer who is going through chemo treatments. She spends most of her time at home and has frequent hospital visits. She is a creative person and is very interested in graphic design and has experience with graphic design programs. She has above average intelligence and is an independent learner. One of the biggest considerations for this student is maintaining contact with her class.

-Skype to keep in contact with her class from home and the hospital.
-PhotoShop Elements
-iPod touch with camera
She will be creating a poster depicting the impact of plastic on the environment. This will contain powerful written and graphic messages.

ADHD

We have two students with ADHD in our classroom. They both are very intelligent and creative (known for thinking outside the box). Both have trouble focusing and following through on expectations because they can't sit still or pay attention.

-therapy ball to reduce fidgeting
-wiggle seat
-iReward app to track behaviour
-Checklist app for organization of tasks
-reduce seating distractions
-personal laptop

These students can research information specifically on "Alternatives to Plastic" and create blog posts, embed videos and create a list of websites on the topic.

CHARGE Syndrome

This student has some vision and hearing impairments. She wants to be in charge and in control of the situation which leads to behavioural concerns. Communication issues can be a factor in certain cases. She occasionally misses time in school due to long hospital stays.

-Clicker 5
-Cochlear Implant at 6 months
-Skype for missed time in school
-iReward app for behavioural tracking
-Fluid app for relaxation

She could look for videos about plastic on YouTube.