Blog #7

I have been using Twitter for years now, but in a different way than how I have been using it for class. I learned how many niche communities there are within twitter; united underneath hashtags. The benefits of twitter are the open expression and sharing of unique perspectives, resources, and opportunities that don't exist so openly outwards. Some of the issues I have been facing is using twitter, and using it at the same times as the specific talks and events are. When I become a teacher I believe it will get better as I immerse myself into that community.

Working on the website assignment helped me learn more about organization of content online, and the actual ins and outs of building a website for a class. I did not like a lot of the complicated aspects of the website. I built a website that a company would use more than an actual classroom site. Due to the issues with the education.weebly website, I had to use the normal weebly websites. Next time it would be nicer if there was a more simple webpage and back-up type of site that can be used if there are still problems with the education weebly. I think making the website gave me good experience for assisting students in a project that they could do for a book report that is more interactive and engaging.

Assistive and adaptive technologies are crucial to the success of all students in the classroom, because a class is only as strong as its weakest link. Assistive technologies work to assist students who are facing challenges and this technology aims to ease that challenge. This can be speech-to-text for students with Dyslexia, or visual impairments to help them write their essays and papers with the assistance they need to be successful. Adaptive technologies are those that in some way change the standard technology to make it accessible. For example different desks for those with physical disabilities, different keyboards, or computer screens to adapt to students motor skill limitations. I have not had to use any of these assistive technologies, although I worked in my schools Best Buddies club, and watched these assistive and adaptive technologies change the entire educational experience for the students who require these technologies.
The only issues I can anticipate are those of my own adaption to these technologies, by the time these students would reach my classroom, they would be extremely well versed in how these technologies work, and assist them, whereas I will be nearly completely ignorant, and left to try to figure out how to make my lessons inclusive, or accessible for these students.

• Website:

flemclass.weebly.com