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First Blog Post

OK, I'll confess. I have been lurking on other educational blogs for a couple of years now. I love seeing other perspectives and opinions about what’s working in K-12 classrooms. It is inspiring to hear about the creative ways educators and therapists are using technology to reach and teach all learners. Regardless of learning challenge, technology can level the playing field, providing scaffolds and tools so that everyone can access curriculum. Were it not for the emergence of blogging, I don’t think these compelling ideas could be shared in as meaningful a manner. Hearing the excitement in the voice of an educator who makes a difference is always an astonishing experience if you ask me.

Here are my two favorite blogs for educators. For those working with low incidence populations, such as students with autism, or learners with the most intensive special needs, try following this one.

Teaching Learners with Multiple Needs

For those working with high incidence populations, such as students with learning disabilities or dyslexia, try following this one.

Teaching Every Student

You know what’s great about both of these? Both are created by Simmons alums! Educators, therapists and parents worldwide follow both blogs!

From my perspective, it’s all about professionals creating healthy learning environments and helping each other to understand what they learn along the way. This just might be one of the best professional development models ever!

Posted: November 8, 2007 5:48 pm | 2 comments
Tags: access, alumna, classroom, curriculum, education, K-12, Simmons, technology

Thanks Simmons Techies

Thanks so much to the Simmons "techies" who are blogging. As a frequent early adopter of many classroom learning technologies, sometimes I'm not sure where to look for support. In browsing through the Simmons blogs, and reviewing some of the blogs being posted by Simmons "techies"in particular, it's a great way to feel validated. Some of your same technical journeys are similar to my own! In reviewing others' blogs I learned that Leopard really does have some quirks and Vista is still a bit over the horizon right now. Geeze... it's great to know these quirky things are happening to others too! Not only are there blogs about technical challenges, there are also blogs about some next steps thinking.

Great professional development while sipping on my tea!

So.... thanks Simmons "techies" for thinking out loud and sharing your ideas!

Mads

Posted: November 12, 2007 6:04 pm | 1 comment
Tags: blog, Simmons, technology