Class # 3

I really appreciated having time in class to get to know my group members and work on our project. Often, class time is not allocated for this, so the getting to know each other is often placed on the back burner with most emphasis placed on getting the project done due to time constraints. It is important to allow time to work on building community to help create a climate that promotes sharing and learning. Learning will not occur if an environment conducive to learning is not established. This is harder to establish in an online classroom and requires more attention due to the lack of face to face interaction. However, after just three classes I already feel a sense of unity by participating in activities and sharing in our group. This is important to keep in mind when using group work in our own classes. A feeling of trust and respect should first be established in the group as it will give pace and energy to the assignment and helps to empower the people involved. Our group, at first, found the project a little overwhelming at first in terms of trying to condense so much information into a 15 minute presentation! There was so much great information in the communications disorder apps webinar, we found it difficult to pick and choose. But once we discussed our outline with Barbara we felt more at ease with our presentation. I really enjoyed searching the iTunes store and found many reasonably priced apps that would also help assist students with communication disorders. In discussing these with a fellow Resource Teacher colleague, I found out that, as this is Autism Awareness month there are many free apps you can download. Below are a couple of links to get you started. You can search the App store for "autism" to discover free apps. Also search "ABA". Free offers can change daily so check throughout the month. Although the free apps are designated to support students with autism, many are very useful with other students as well. There are some great deals. Happy apping!! http://autismandtheipad.blogspot.ca/2012/04/april-is-autism-awareness-month.html http://autismandtheipad.blogspot.ca/2011/04/temporary-free-apps-in-recognition-of.html