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 * [[image:http://getthespecialists.co.uk/ESW/Images/kids_small.jpg?xcache=3073 width="253" height="113" align="right"]] Wikis in Special Education **


 * 06.25.10 **

Hello, my name is Emily Benjamin and I have created this page to display the knowledge that I will gain regarding the use of technology in my content area, Special Education. I am currently pursuing a master's degree in Special Education, with a focus on educating students with Moderate to Intensive needs. Throughout this course, EDCT 501, I will be posting journal entries describing what I have learned and the applications for this new knowledge in Special Education.

Developing an editable site, such as this Wiki site, has many uses. It allows many users to collaborate and share knowledge with each other in a manner that is easily accessible. In an educational setting, a Wiki site can be used to allow students to share knowledge as they ask and answer questions amongst themselves. In addition, a Wiki site can be used to collaborate with parents and/or colleagues. In a more personal sense, a Wiki site can be used to share life experiences in a journal formal with family and friends.

In the field of Special Education, a Wiki site can have many uses. It can allow students to keep track of the material that they have learned (ex. as a portfolio or study tool). It can be made easily accessible for those with physical disabilities and can serve as an electronic journal, replacing a paper notebook. A Wiki site can also be used to communicate assignments and questions that students have with their peers and instructor. In addition, a Wiki site can be developed by the instructor that highlights key information from various units and lessons.

I can see myself using a Wiki site in my future career as a Special Educator. In addition to the many uses described above, I see myself using a Wiki site as a way for my students to share what they have learned with their family and friends. I may also use a Wiki site to communicate special events, allowing it to serve as a bulletin board where I, parents, and students can post noteworthy school and community events that others may be interested in. A Wiki site would also be helpful to facilitate discussion with the parents of my students regarding any questions or concerns that they may have.


 * 06.30.10 **

I am excited to have learned how to make a concept map with Webspiration. I already have a use for this technology as today I was assigned to make a concept map for another course. As a future Special Educator, I am excited to one day share this tool my students so that they can organize their thoughts and knowledge. What a great tool for them to use as they write, study, and share their knowledge!

​​ **07.01.10 **

After reading the first three chapters of the text I am excited to see what the rest of the book covers. I never expected the authors to give so many specific examples of websites and software that are currently available. I have already begun checking some of them out for myself. I particularly enjoy one of the websites discussed in the text, [|www.surveymonkey.com] . What a great tool to use when conducting formative assessments to gauge student knowledge and learning, especially prior to introducing a new concept or unit!


 * 07.06.10 **

I never realized just how many tools are available under Google Documents. I have had a Google account and used Gmail for years and it was all right under my nose. A Google Form would also be a great survey tool, in addition to Survey Monkey as described on 07.01.10. I have also learned a great deal about modeling with technologies over the past few days. I’m excited to try out some of the new technologies that I’ve learned about in the classroom.


 * 07.08.10 **

I have just finished making a newsletter in Microsoft Publisher and really enjoyed using the program. It was very user friendly and allowed for a great deal of manipulation. I can definitely see myself creating a newsletter in the future. What a great way to keep in touch with parents, communicate upcoming events, and allow students to share their work!

I really enjoyed making an interactive PowerPoint this week. I made it with a student in mind, and it has been designed to assist him with practicing basic reading comprehension skills. In the PowerPoint he is asked to read a short sentence and answer a question regarding what he has read. I tested it out on him today and he enjoyed using it much more than participating in traditional reading comprehension exercises.
 * <span style="color: #ff001f; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">07.12.10 **

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">**07.13.10** <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I was surprised at how easy it was to make a movie in Video Pad. I have never used software to make a video as I always assumed that it would be too difficult. With a little time and patience it was actually quite an enjoyable process. Now that I have figured out how to use everything in the program I imagine that it would take about half the time to make a second video!

**07.19.10** I made a WebQuest on Mammals this week. I can see how a lesson like this would be extremely useful and motivating for students. I know that I will be using these in the future. I was actually even able to design a lesson around it for another class! Here is the link to my WebQuest if you're interested... []

**07.21.10** I really enjoyed making a word cloud with Wordle. I was unfamiliar with word clouds prior to this lesson, and am excited to start using them one day. What a great way for students to identify some of the main ideas after brainstorming. In addition, it can be a great way to quickly communicate/display information in a project (such as on a poster).

I learned how to captue screen-shots using Jing today. I found a website, [|www.photovisi.com], and use screen-shots taken with Jing to make a tutorial. Photovisi is a really neat website... and it's free! You can import pictures directly from you computer to make collages, and there are tons of templates to choose from. I can definitely see myself using both Jing and Photovisi in the future!
 * 07.24.10 **

After completing this class I have learned a lot about technologies that I was previously unaware of. I'm excitied to get to use some of them in the classroom one day. I think that I can especially make use of the communication technologies. In addition, I learned how to use existing technologies that I was familiar with, but in new and exciting ways... like by using PowerPoint to make an interactive game.
 * 07.26.10 **