Simple Technology Integration

in the Classroom:A Workshop Model

That WorksBonnie N. Young & Wendy

HomlishAssistive Technology

ConsultantsCarbon Lehigh Intermediate

UnitSchnecksville, PA

Why do it?Student Issues: Student doing the same thing day after

day The “fun factor” Relate switch use to a functional activity Get students more involved in classroom

activities Increase participation with peers

Why do it?……Staff Issues: Use simple battery operated items

in a novel way Get away from “Hit your switch!” Increase awareness and

implementation of IEP goals and objectives

Think “outside the box” Process vs. product

Who…… Teachers of the Multiple Disabilities

Classes Elementary Secondary

Regular Education Teachers Instructional Assistants Speech Language Pathologists OTs

How did we determine need?

Poll teachers Classroom observations Research

Web based Listserves

Materials-the beginning

Determined what teachers already had in the classroom

Put together a list of items for secondary & elementary levels

Gathered ideas for activities from a variety of resources (internet, manufacturers, resource books)

Materials – the final product

Battery operated (off the shelf): Cars/trucks Fans Bubble machines Zizzers Spin Art

Manufacturer’s products: Switch adapted

camera (AbleNet)

Pourer (Enabling Devices)

All-Turn-It spinner (AbleNet)

Disposable items… Specialty papers for

spin art Window Cling Magnetic Paper Photo Paper Postcard/Business

Cards Items for:

“heavy/light” & “sink/float” activities

Velcro

*Battery Adapters AA & C

*Notching tool

*available from AbleNet

Workshop Set-up Five color coded groups

Pre-set by presenters – why? Color coded name tags

Group picture schedules

Five curriculum-based centers with task cards

Five CentersMathReading/LiteracyLeisureArtScience

Math Center Activity

“Go the Distance Math” Materials

Switches Masking tape Yardstick Adapted cars/trucks

Objective & Activity Description

“To actively participate in a cooperative math activity”

Make “distance line” on floor with tape Mark off increments Activate cars Determine distance (concepts of

farther, number, inches, feet, less, more)

Exploring Measurement

Ready…Set…GO!!!

Reading/Literacy Center Activity

“Book Report” Material

-Book-All-Turn-It Spinner or adapted Spin Art-Pre-written sentences about the book

that was read-Switch

-Book report template

Objective & Activity Description “To prepare a book report of up to 4

sentences”1. Student “reads” story (IntelliKeys, tape

player, etc.)2. Student activates spinner to create

sentences in book report (pre-created by teacher and placed on spinner)

3. Partner writes sentences on book report template

4. For last line of report, student indicates (pointing, eye gaze, AAC device) whether he/she liked or didn’t like this book

Creating a unique story

Playing the “Match Game”

Leisure Activity Center

Activity “Boat Races”

Materials Switches Adapted fan Tub for water Small plastic boats

Objective & Activity Description “To actively participate in a leisure

activity”1. Attach switch to fan2.Fill tub with water3. Place boats in water4. Have student activate fan to blow

boat across water5. See who wins!

Boat races – “I win!”

Art Center Activity

“Bubble Art” Materials

1. Switches2. Adapted bubble machine3. Bubble solution4. Food coloring or pain5. Easel or kraft paper

Objective & Activity Description “To design and create

bulletin board background/wrapping paper/book covers, etc.

1. Color bubble solution with powdered tempera or food coloring

2. Tape paper to floor3. Activate bubble machine and

create design4. Use templates for variation

The budding artists hard at work…

Science Center Activity

“Sink or Float” Materials

1. Switches2. Pourer (Enabling Devices)3. Small objects of varying weights4. Container for water

Objective & Activity Description

“To actively participate in a cooperative science activity”1. Fill container with water2. Assemble items of varying weights3. Put items into pourer and have student dump each item into the water4. Discuss which items sink and which items float

Blown away by science!

Task Card ExampleActivity: (ART) Creating Bulletin

Board Backgrounds**************************************

****** Objective: To create bulletin

board background paper for Halloween

Materials: Adapted bubble machine Switches Bubble soap Paint or food coloringWhat you do:Attach switch to bubble machinePrepare bubble soap by adding

paint or food coloringPlace paper on floorBlow bubbles on paper to create

design 

Variations:Use shape templates (cut-out with adapted scissors) to create designsEither directly paint on the shapes placed on the easel paper (when removed, an unpainted area will remainUse paper from which the template was cut, and paint “through” the hole to create a design Note: Most Bubble Machines are also fans! Since they’re already adapted, why not use it to dry your creation??!!

**Have communication board/device available for student to choose colors, as well as comment on the project.

 

  

   

Simple Tech Kits Elementary and Secondary

levels

Rotating basis

Contents

Ongoing development

This……

…or this??!!!

Resources AbleNet Resource Guide www.ablenetinc.com www.ataccess.org www.projectparticipate.org Breaking Barriers, Levin, Jackie, and Lynn

Scherferenberg, (AbleNet) Book of Possibilities, AbleNet Childfun.com