Autism

Autism is a learning disability that "characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior"(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke). Autism is a disorder that can limit an individual's abilities to socially interact with others, to the extreme where some individuals can not maintain eye contact, or even talk with others. Often times those who battle with autism are quite intelligent, they just struggle with communicating not only what they want, but what they cognitively understand. These struggles can greatly impact the lives of those with autism, their loved ones and the people around them. However recent developments in technology have opened the door of communication and to better the lives of those living with autism. With the development of iPad technology schools are able to use the devices to better improve communication with those who are living with autism. New apps on the iPad are enabling students to be able to communicate with teachers through apps that can express emotion. For example students can click on the emotions that they are feeling, pictures of what they want, and more. Not only does it increase communication, but it captures and keeps the attention of students attempting to learn, this can be used to more easily see progress in students. The Lighhtwriter SL40 is another device that is being used as an aid to those with autism. It is an easily transported keypad that looks similar to an old fashioned typewriter. As a user types, words are formed that can be read to help understand what the user wants to communicate. It would be excellent in cases where having a speaking device is not always ideal because it can be read rather than listened to. I foresee that the Assistive learning technology in the future will continue to progress in ways as seen with the iPad. With more and more apps being developed that can provide pictures to help vocalize what a person wants and more. Resources

Ohio DL Options

If I were to have to send my child to a Distant Learning program within the state of Ohio I would look into sending them to ECOT. Initially when looking at the website it is clear that the school had money to spend on developing a very clear website that is very professional and very easy to navigate. This is important because not only are first impressions very important, but if the program is able to spend the money to develop a nice website it has the money to ensure that the programs that the students are using for their classes. Not only does the programming look very well put together but it is set up to where a representative is able to talk to at all times. The curriculum looks not only like it follows the common core standards, but that it goes above and beyond to challenge the students. I would not however send my child to Virtual Community Schools of Ohio. While the website did highlight important features of the program such as staff and the resources that students would have access to, in my opinion they website seemed at best sub-par. Some of the answers to questions asked on the FAQ pages seemed as if they were answered by the students themselves rather than professional educators. I feel as though just through looking at the website I would not like sending my student to a school where effort is not put into making the page look not only more modern, but more professional in general.

More cool videos on language.

I enjoyed the video by the woman in my Prezi so much that I found a few of her other videos that I thought were interesting and deserved to be shared as well.

My Prezi

http://prezi.com/w5zbknr9fv64/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

My prezi was written for students at around the high school level who are thinking about taking another language. I tried to use experiences that I had where I was unable to communicate with others to stress how important it is to be able to vocalize what you want and need with language. I tried to include a video that while humorous still provided valid reasons why language is not a subject that cannot be ignored. 

This was not my first time working with the Prezi soft wear, it has greatly improved however soft wear has been greatly modified since I used it last. To me Prezis are not only more visually stimulating for the audience, but they are more creative and frankly more fun for the presenter as well. I always enjoy making a Prezi because the sky is the limit for what is able to be done with them. It will be a program I hope to take advantage of in the future not only for my presentations, but for my future students as well.

Three Great Teacher Blogs

http://www.justintarte.com/2014_08_01_archive.html
I enjoyed this blog due to it's insights. The initial article I read was about why extra credit was not only bad for assessing a child's true knowledge and ability; and how it was even unfair in a socioeconomic setting. This was such an insightful idea that I would never have thought of. Many of his other article brought in a different perspective, focusing less on traditional ways of teaching, and instead trying to direct readers into pathways of teaching that focus more on the students. Along with written articles, his blog contains many links to lectures and powerpoints that he has made to show his thoughts on teaching in yet another medium.

http://www.thenerdyteacher.com/2012_01_01_archive.html
What caught my eye with this blog was the banner with the robots carrying a logo depicting "The Nerdy Teacher". As I took more time to look over the attributes I noticed several award banners declaring him as teacher of the year for several organizations. These credentials made his blog more credible in his knowledge of what he was talking about. Unlike other blogs I had seen I saw little to no material on anything outside him as an educator. The passion and dedication that comes through when he does discuss his experience make his blog an exceptional one.

http://2cents.onlearning.us/?m=201407
Initially looking at this blog I was very impressed with the header seen across the top. With eye catching colors and an intriguing name as 2 Cents Worth it was defiantly a blog that catches ones eye. The author of the blog did something else unique that I hadn't yet seen; he was not the sole contributor. Bringing in the perspective of another author shows that he is willing to see the world from another's eyes. The blog, while containing educational concepts, contains the comings and goings  of his own life, his own interests and updates on his upcoming book on the history of educational technology.

Welcome to my blog!

Thanks for stopping by! My name is Lindsay Wolford, and I am currently studying at Columbus State for my Associates of Arts, with intentions of transferring to Kent as an Education Major. I enjoy studying language and traveling. With working and school, I feel as though I have little time to myself but that is alright because I enjoy being able to immerse myself into whatever I am working on at the time. When I do have free time I enjoy reading, I am a firm believer that one can never own too many books. I also spending time with friends whether this means going out and doing something together or staying in watching movies, as long as I am with those who are important to me.

For as long as I can remember I have desired to become an educator. All throughout school whenever a new topic would peak my interest I would ask myself if I would be willing to teach that subject. I was never able to give myself a clear answer until probably my second year of French; I decided I wanted to be a language teacher. I owe this revelation to my teacher Madame Young, she taught me for 3 years and during that time she was more than just a teacher. She became a confidant, a mentor and at times she was a friend to me. In seeing her passion for not only the subject she taught but the desire to see her student succeed she instilled in me my passion. I want to be the "Madame Young" for future generations. To be able to make a difference in a young persons life is all I want, whether it be my leading them to their passion, showing them that it will all be alight or simply just being an ear. I want to make a difference in at least one child's life.