Student Guide Corner

For those new to twitter, and who are still asking the question, "why should I use Twitter?" read what Howard Rheingold writes in his article, Twitter Literacy . I couldn't have said it better myself.

In the span of one hour, I learned: How to Make Interactive Videos via @ zmanrdz Best Science Visualization Videos of 2009 via @ jackiegerstein who RT'd @ thecleversheep Back to School Intro to Social Media via @ web20classroom (Steven Anderson) Useful Technologies for Dyslexics via @ dystalk (Josh Pull). Found this especially helpful as it explored issues that are frequently overlooked. Sensory Responses, Anxiety and ADHD via @ ytherapysource. I also learned, once again, that Twitter provides the best free professional development for me as an educator. All this was all before 9:00 AM! What did you learn this morning?

You've heard a great deal about the social studies or the science or the math or language arts curriculum. But, are you familiar with the term, " hidden curriculum ?" These are the unwritten or implicit rules we were never taught but just seem to know. The stress of the "first day of school" attire is one example of the hidden curriculum. (Do you remember it?) It's so important to be seen as wearing what everyone else is wearing and not stand out in any way, at least initially. Students with disabilities are often "left in the dark" when it comes to an understanding of the hidden culture within the school. I will never forget the graduating senior girl with whom I worked many years ago. It was the tradition for seniors to wear the same shirt on class day, a shirt that was purchased prior to the actual day. This student was unaware of the tradition and was the only one to attend class day not wearing the shirt. I saw her later that day and she r...

Note: This is timely considering my last post. Great news to share! Two incredible educators, Lisa Parisi and Christine Southard have been selected for recognition for their exemplary work at the Denton Avenue Elementary School in New Hyde, NY . Read about their extraordinary co-teaching model at the CAST UDL Spotlight site. (Full disclosure - I nominated them and am thrilled to see that CAST believed they are worthy of recognition as well). What is UDL Spotlight? Educators around the world are applying key aspects of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in highly innovative ways. CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) is pleased to feature these examples of UDL features in teacher practice, in applications of technology, courses, tools and web sites to support teaching and learning. In each Spotlight, we highlight segments of the UDL Guidelines that are met by any implementation. We hope these exciting ideas will spark even more UDL innovation and serve as a forum for all o...

When you discover something that is personally tranformative, you share it with others; it's too difficult to keep it to yourself. And because I repeatedly observe teachers struggling with the challenge of how to reach all the learners in their classrooms, I am on a mission . I will do whatever it takes to teach others about UDL, or Universal Design for Learning because I believe UDL transforms teaching practices and makes learning possible for struggling learners. I can not keep this to myself. Recently, I had the opportunity to share about UDL at both NECC in DC, at the interactive UDL Playground and at EdubloggerCon East at BLC09 in Boston. I'm continually mystified by the reality that so few educators have heard about UDL and even fewer are applying the principles of offering multiple methods of engagement, presentation and expression to tap into students' affective, recognition and strategic networks to reach all learners. The connection between new media techn...

Most of my best blog writing occurs when I'm lying in bed, contemplating whether or not to finally get out of it. My mind wanders to pondering the great education issues of the day. Unfortunately, putting those thoughts to digital text rarely happens. I have to get better at this, especially since I recently celebrated four years of blogging. You'd think I would have learned by now. How do you do it? I marvel at how prolific some bloggers are. Can you share your secrets? Do you record your ideas on your iPhone and then flesh them out later? Do you keep your computer next to your bed so that you can write your ideas as they come to you? Or do you have the self-discipline to sit and write when the ideas flow? Curious minds want to know.

We've all heard about the numerous iPhone apps that are mindless distractions, keep us organized or productive, offer us 24/7 Twitter access or help us learn new languages. New iPhone/iPod Touch apps are released daily ("There's an app for that!") for every imaginable purpose. Well, what do you do if you are someone who has difficulty speaking due to ALS, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Autism,or Down Syndrome? Yes, there's even an app for that! Augmentative Communication devices can cost thousands of dollars. Proloquo2Go is a $150 app that works with any iPhone or iPod Touch and makes communication possible. The enormous smile on the face of this 20 year old college student who sustained a Traumatic Brain injury as a result of a car accident belies the importance of the Proloquo2Go app. Watch this video to learn more.