Tim’s Blog

Dan has taken upon a very interesting topic of interest, Special Needs learning. Having read his review of “Assistive Technology and the Multiage Classroom” I have realised that technologies really have a place in assisting students with additional needs. What stuck out ot me the most was the use of technology “opened new pathways for students with alternative learning styles” (2002, p. 38).

I agree with Dan that with the use of technologies can assist students to work at their own pace and assist them with their own needs. Dan stated: “It seems to offer endless opportunities for learning, and works to break down the limitations that impede on the learning of students with needs that vary from the norm.” To which I wholeheartedly agree.

I followed the link I found on Talia’s Blog about the Digital storytelling programs the Country Areas Program has been running. It is encouaging to see the government funding such
initiatives to support and equip teachers in rural areas with the knowledge of technological teaching resources such as digital storytelling. From what I read the workshops seem to be basic but productive with teachers producing their own digital story from media they have selected themselves.

From my own experience I have found that creating digital stories myself has given me the confidence to incorporate digital storytelling into the classroom during my future teaching endeavors. Just like children it is important that teachers can learn new methods of teaching by the tasks themselves. The constructivist theory applies to teachers as well as students!