It's that time of year again. Time to reflect on what a difference a year makes. As Karl Fisch said in his video, "Did you Know?" we are living in exponential times where "Shift Happens!"
For me, that is the 2006 reality.
How can education ever be the same? How can my work as an assistive and educational technology consultant ever be the same? There are so many opportunities for collaboration; so much information to be shared. There are so many new online tools that benefit struggling learners or help me in my profession; sometimes it's overwhelming to stay on top of things. But what is so encouraging is to see the changes for our students.
Just last week, a high school student told me that CueCard was the greatest thing for him in preparing for an English quiz. He said that what would normally take him well over an hour to prepare for, took less than half that time. He was THRILLED because he recognizes that he is a slow processor and this tool facilitated the process for him.
Another parent called me and told me her fourth grade son who dreaded writing anything, was now coming home excited to complete his writing homework because of strategies and tools that I recommended in his report. She was so grateful because the battles were over.
Technology makes a difference. And it's not just the availability of the technology but the applications and instruction that must occur simultaneously.
Shift happens - let's be a part of that paradigm shift that promotes independence and success for our students. Let's not settle for anything less.
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