http://www.cocomment.com/comments/KJanowski Copyright 2007 coComment.com 2009-11-23T05:26:05.568+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/images/logo4rss.gif http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=KJanowski&conv=1014283&comment_id=19567235 Karen Janowski Jeff, What you are talking about is what those of us who work with students with learning challenges call Universal Design for Learning. We advocate for multiple methods of representation, engagement and expression and that is only possible when embedding technology throughout the curriculum. Have you ever read "Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age?" (the entire book is available online at the www.cast.org website). When technology is seamless, ALL learners benefit. Using this model puts the student first. When the teacher's fears, lack of knowledge, etc are emphasized, students suffer due to lack of understanding what works best for them. It has to be student driven - what do our students need to become successful learners no matter what their skills and abilities? The range in our classrooms is great - from gifted/talented to learning disabled to cognitively challenged. How can we successfully teach to all levels? The ONLY way this is possible is to embed technology. To offer less is to abandon our students. 2007-09-25T23:45:13.850+02:00 2007-09-25T23:45:13.850+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=KJanowski&conv=580497&comment_id=11034116 Karen Janowski Kimberly, Love your post - will you consider moving out to Massachusetts? We need more innovative principals in this area! Even the fact that you are so transparent on your blog speaks volumes. To Chris, You ask why would anyone pursue teaching at this point? To me, it is the most exciting time ever to be an educator! Look at all the tools and resources that are available in unprecedented ways. It is possible to engage students in ways never before possible. (Of course, I know that YOU know that!) I am an instructor in a graduate program for Special Education and infuse the technology throughout my entire course. My students so got Web2.0 and brought it back to their classrooms and to their schools. It's a ripple effect, but it's got to begin somewhere. Karen 2007-03-26T17:00:45.183+02:00 2007-03-26T17:00:45.183+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=KJanowski&conv=464820&comment_id=8714516 edtechsolutions This is excellent! Thanks for sharing beyond the confines of the PETE&C! 2007-02-15T17:57:55.138+01:00 2007-02-15T17:57:55.138+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=KJanowski&conv=481182&comment_id=8714492 edtechsolutions This is excellent! Thanks for sharing beyond the confines of the PETE&C! 2007-02-15T17:56:31.410+01:00 2007-02-15T17:56:31.410+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=KJanowski&conv=463291&comment_id=8368687 Karen Janowski Konrad, Great post! Thank you for trying to inspire your students, you are modeling lifelong learning to them. We learn best what we are passionate about and I'm sure every one of your students is passionate about something on some level. Tap into that - ask them what motivates them, inspires them, what do they do on the weekends, where is their passion? Involve the parents as well - they have a great deal to share about their kids and can give you new insights into reaching your students. Web 2.0 connects all of us globally - connect to your parents locally. (I am one parent who is sick of hearing, "Oh, my teacher told me I don't have to know that for the test." UUGGGHHH!) 2007-02-08T18:03:47.596+01:00 2007-02-08T18:03:47.596+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=KJanowski&conv=435492&comment_id=7739229 Karen Janowski I'm so glad you mentioned the "Thriving in School" blog written by a friend. I mentioned it at www.otexchange.com in the message boards because this is just such good practice and I'd love to see other OTs using blogs effectively. Congratulations to you as you embark on this new Web 2.0 adventure. I can promise you, you will never practice OT the same! 2007-01-29T18:12:00.923+01:00 2007-01-29T18:12:00.923+01:00