Week+8+-+Mar+8

**BITSTRIPS**: This is an interesting online software to create comics, characters, avatars etc. Playing around with this tool, I created my avatar and a comic character of a new teacher who is over enthusiastic on the 1st day of teaching in school!

 **My Avatar:**

 **Comic - New** **Teacher**

 Even though I didn't have the opportunity to use assistive technology as part of my volunteering, I received training in Kurzweil and Dragon Naturally Speaking software. I don't believe you have to be a special education teacher to be trained in these softwares. Because of the inclusive classroom setting, it is important for teachers to be aware of these technologies and knowledge of how to use them.
 *  ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY: **

It is the ability to analyze and be aware of all the media. It requires critical thinking, analysis and understanding of what lies behind media productions. Three stages of media literacy are:  In 2009, Internet was the main choice for searching information. For students, learning now occurs in wider space and time and teacher encompass the role of a very critical guide. Younger kids have access to technology in their homes but not so much in schools. There is definitely the need to recognize the importance of the effective use of technology to learning and student engagement. Standards established by a number of Ontario school boards list some very critical priorities. These include funds for internet access, a computer, shared projection device, document camera etc.
 * MEDIA LITERACY:**
 * 1) Making the right media choice and managing the time spent
 * 2) Learning to analyze and question what's being presented
 * 3) Exploring behind the frame issues
 * Technology in the 21st century classroom:**
 * Skype, used for videoconferencing etc is also quite popular among kids
 * Web based tools used by teachers for easy access to lessons, assignments etc for students, anywhere and anytime.
 * Virtual schools in different school boards offer high school credits

** Resources: ** <span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> What if:Technology in the 21st century classroom <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> <span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Media Literacy <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> ([|Media Literacy] ) <span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Bitstrips <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> ([|Bitstrips] )