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.

Severe ASD

This student has limited verbal skills, is a non-reader, requires sensory breaks and shows distress by crying or laughing for unapparent reasons. He avoids eye contact and has odd repetitive motions.

-pressure vest
-Fluid app for sensory issues
-BubbleWrap app for sensory issues
-visual schedules
-Proloquo2Go

He will be responsible for tracking each groups progress using Proloquo2Go (for communication purposes) as well as a visual chart with magnets. This visual chart would contain a grid that lists each groups job for a particular day. The groups would be represented by a picture and the magnets would be colour coded to whether the job is done (green) or incomplete (red).

Aspergers

We have two students in our class with Aspergers. They both lack organizational and planning skills and have some difficulty understanding classroom routines. They each have average academic performance and both lack social skills. They tend to perseverate on a task.

-Lists Free app to record their findings (URL)
-Microsoft Word to save information (text or images)

-First Then Visual Schedule app or
-RoundToIt app to keep transitions smooth and students on task.

They will choose the topic they are interested in underneath the plastics web and research the material required. They could then record their findings.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

This student is very defiant in the traditional classroom setting but responds more positiviely in a small group setting where choices are available. It is important for this student to feel that they have ownership and control of the learning activity. They have high cognitive abilities and very creative.

-iRewardChart app
-Time Timer app
-IBonsai app for relaxation
-AllDone! app to keep track of jobs completed

They will become the Blog administrator keeping track of what is getting posted and designing the layout of the blog.

Down Syndrome

Our student with Down Syndrome is non verbal and globally delayed. She is an emergent reader and writer and can be social or non compliant.

-SmartBoard
-Proloquo2Go
-Clicker 5 http://www.atomiclearning.com/movie/16639/play_window?type=Tutorial&sid=1373

Finding various plastics on the internet and create a collague with sentences on what the picture shows.

Cerebral Palsy

Our student with Cerebral Palsy has verbal abilities, limited gross motor control and is a dependent wheelchair user. He has difficulties with fine motor skills, a slight visual impairment and is able to read well and comprehend with enlarged print.

-Use zoom or use large text features within accessibility features of computer
-Keyguard-direct selection of keys
-Track Ball for mouse manipulation
-WordQSpeakQ

He could help create a brainstorm web on Inspiration.