Raring2Go

 Tonight was a very challenging but interesting class with Barb. She challenged us to consider the intricacies of communication and the development of Augmentative Communication. Considering the multiple steps of developing communicative language, it is amazing how we develop communication skills at such a young age. We viewed a working definition of communication and were reminded of the many considerations re. communicating: the goal, focus, duration,content,predictability, rate, scope, number of partners and familiarity with the partner.....all things we take for granted hundreds of times a day. The discussion moved toward presuming confidence...assuming that the child has the intellect, desire and ability to learn. It is up to the teacher (or parent as we will see later) to continue to explore and develop methods to enable the child to reach their full potential. This is demonstrated in the following video ABC 20/20 Video re Carly Fleischmann  Watching Carly develop communication skills using a computer after many years of struggling with autism clearly demonstrates how communicating gives power over your environment. Her book, Carly's Voice, is available Amazon.com and would make an interesting read for all teachers and those who work with people with communication difficulties.
Moving on, we discussed the convergence of technology and disruptive technology. Convergence of technology is the movement of different technology systems towards performing similar functions.

 

The development of the iPad and iPod would be examples of convergent technology. They perform a variety of functions: camera, email reader, GPS, calculator, word processor, user of a multitude of applications, and many more. One stop shopping for many of our students who need assistive technology to assist in their communication and opening many doors for all learners as they develop or enhance their communication skills.

Disruptive technology is best described as a new technology which suddenly makes an existing technology obsolete. The telephone, the wheel and electricity would be examples of disruptive technology. Barb clearly demonstrated that the development of the newest Apple products, those listed above and the iPhone are also examples of disruptive technology. Many of us probably have laptops, pda devices and even land lines which gather dust as we move away from the need to have many tools which are easily replaced by the iProducts.
After discussing various kinds of communication: gestures, nodding, emails, verbal and written communications, eye movements, etc, we began to look at the app of the evening, Proloquo2Go. Designed by AssistiveWare, it is a series of communication grids which utilize text-to speech, symbols and pictures, volume and speed controls, text size, differentiation of backgrounds, colours, a variety of voices and other tools to develop effective communication for people who have difficulty with oral communication. Watch Max as he learns to use the Proloquo2Go app and again as he uses the app to talk about his favourite things including his friends. Check out the how-to manuals to learn how to use the app effectively.