Re: computerdisc-l: need advice - SPED/ESL

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

Cassandra, I am definitely not the expert here, your cohorts can probably
tell you more but one thing to remember is that the sped students are
probably getting a certificate and not a diploma and may not have to
master everything that the others do.  I think you work on this with their
sped teacher as you set up the IEP.  

I'm not sure about how to handle the esl student.  We have the same
problem at the University and do not know how to handle it.  If there are
others out there who have suggestions, please share them.

I hope you get some good answers.  Some of these Computer Discovery
teachers have been teaching a while and have probably experienced this as
well.

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 Mon, 29 Nov 1999, Cassandra Shidler wrote:

> Currently, I am dealing with some SPED situations. This is my first year
> to teach computer discovery, and I am curious as to how other computer
> discovery teachers handle them.  I realize that certain modifications
> can and should be made, but how far can I stray from the competencies in
> the framework or the requirement of 20/wpm by the end of first semester
> and 30/wpm by the end of the year.  One of our resource teachers
> mentioned a program in which a student could talk into a microphone and
> the computer would do the typing for you.  Although I have also heard
> about this neat type of program, how do you grade students on their
> typing technique and ability when they aren't typing.  (The particular
> SPED student we were discussing has no physical disability.)
> 
> Also, I am concerned about an ESL student.  Seeing that this student has
> only been in this country 3 or 4 months, I empathize with the language
> dilemma and realize that completion of MicroType lessons will take more
> time.  But, what worries me, is that as more time passes, the more
> behind the student will become.  Then there's the Horizons book....
> 
> I would appreciate any and all advice anyone could see fit to send me.
>