RE: computerdisc-l: Inclusion

["Patti S. Abraham" <psa1@ra.msstate.edu>]

Harold, I wonder if we could forward messages like this to the special ed
expert at the MDE.  Maybe they could help us answer questions or maybe it
would make them more aware of the problems.  OR who could the teachers
email directly?

Dr. Patti S. Abraham psa1@ra.msstate.ed
Professor, Department of Technology and Education
Mississippi State University
Voice: 601-325-2280	FAX: 601-325-7599	Internet: psa1@ra.msstate.edu

On Tue, 19 Jan 1999, Cynthia Kahler wrote:

> Inclusion students, by virtue of their special needs, have always presented 
> special challenges in my classroom.  I've tried to make those at decision 
> making levels understand their own personal needs as administrators when 
> learning to use the computer.  By virtue of the subject, it demands as much 
> one on one as possible.  Special education students, it appears, require 
> one-on one-more because of their "problems" than most.  So what do you do?? 
>  I know I can't sometimes get to everyone that needs help in one class 
> period, much less the special education student that is use to essentially 
> one-on-one assistance most of  the time.  Therefore, they often get lost 
> very quickly.
> 
> We've urged that a special ed teacher be trained and spend a period in the 
> classroom to assist.  Unfortunatelly this has never happened.  This year a 
> university intern from the university spends time in the other teacher's 
>  classroom that has the most special education students in one class 
> period.  This seems to be helping.  Unfortunately all schools don't have 
> that option.
> 
> In my opinion, until the special ed personnel and administrators understand 
> that computer skills are more vital to their students than to others, we 
> have a problem.  These may really need the skills to survive more than 
> most!!
> 
> The only thing I've been able to come up with is allowing extra time to 
> come in and complete lessons and to get other students to assist when 
> possible and they are willing.  I've found it very difficult to "cut down" 
> on the work, because then it's difficult to show profficiency.
> 
> Sorry to expound, but this is a problem near and dear to my heart - and 
> very frustrating to overcome.  I'd love some suggestions too.
> 
> Cynthia Kahler
> Oxford Middle School
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Patti Flint [SMTP:pflint@panola.com]
> Sent:	Tuesday, January 19, 1999 7:20 PM
> To:	computerdisc-l@Lists.MsState.Edu
> Subject:	computerdisc-l: Inclusion
> 
> How do you each handle inclusion students in your classrooms?  I find many 
> of them progressed nicely throughout the keyboarding units but are not very 
> bogged down in Word Processing.
> 
> Patti Flint
> Batesville Jr. High
>  << File: ATT00000.html >> 
>