Mobile Learning Proves to Benefit At-Risk Students
As we explore the potential of mobile learning, especially as it relates to reaching out to disenfranchised students, the most recent results from Project K-Nect seem that much more relevant. The pilot program based in North Carolina, which we covered here on MindShift, was designed to make math more engaging for low-income kids with the use of mobile phones in Onslow County School System.
From mindshift.kqed.org, July 28, 2011
Colleen Starkloff: Decades after ADA Became Law, Disabled People are Still Fighting for Full Inclusion
"The ADA has had a tremendous impact on our society, but people's attitudes toward the disabled are not where they need to be," she says. "Attitudes still need to change. When they do, we'll experience the full promise of ADA of equality and independence for all people with disabilities."
From www.stlbeacon.org, July 28, 2011
On Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Obama Administration Recommits to Enforcing and Protecting the Civil Rights of All
On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. That landmark civil rights legislation reaffirmed the idea that all our citizens, regardless of disability, are entitled to the same privileges, pursuits, and opportunities as everyone else. As the Obama Administration marks that anniversary, there still remain many steps we must take together to ensure that the spirit and letter of that law are upheld. “The promise of the ADA was that all Americans should have equal access and equal opportunity, including Americans with disabilities,” said President Obama. “The ADA was about independence and the freedom to make of our lives what we will. We celebrate that today, and we recommit ourselves to ending discrimination in all its forms.”
From geneva.usmission.gov, July 28, 2011
FCC Releases EAAC National Survey Report on Emergency 9-1-1 Calling and Persons with Disabilities
The FCC has released the report submitted by the Emergency Access Advisory Committee (the "EAAC"), as required by the Twenty-First Century Communications Accessibility Act (the "CVAA"). The national survey was conducted in April and May 2011. The survey was available in alternate formats, such as American English, American Sign Language (ASL), Spanish, and an "easy-to-read" version.
From transition.fcc.gov, July 28, 2011
TechNews: Playing on a Tablet as Therapy
Multitouch technology, like that used in iPhones and iPads, is gaining ground with researchers for its therapeutic powers. Games and software played on multitouch screens has been found to help children with autism and other disorders develop social skills.
From online.wsj.com, July 27, 2011
USA: Access Board Releases Rights-of-Way Guidelines for Public Comment
On July 26th the U.S. Access Board released for public comment proposed guidelines for accessible public rights-of-way. The guidelines provide design criteria for public streets and sidewalks, including pedestrian access routes, street crossings, curb ramps and blended transitions, on-street parking, street furniture, and other elements. The specifications comprehensively address access that accommodates all types of disabilities, including mobility and vision impairments, while taking into account conditions and constraints that may impact compliance, such as space limitations and terrain, as indicated in an overview of the rule.
From access-board.gov, July 27, 2011
K-12 to See Double-Digit Growth in e-Learning through 2015
Worldwide, the growth of electronic learning technologies and services is slowing. But the growth in K-12 electronic learning in the United States will continue in the double digits at least through 2015, according to a revised e-learning forecast released this week.
From thejournal.com, July 27, 2011
Study: 3D Video Causes Eye Strain, Fatigue
3D displays cause extra eye fatigue, according to a study published by the Journal of Vision today that was funded in part by Samsung's R&D arm. A group of researchers from the University of Califonia-Berkeley found that when test subjects watched 3D displays, they reported more eye strain and fatigue and less vision clarity afterward than when they watched 2D video.
From www.cnn.com, July 27, 2011
USA: Social Media Find Place in Classroom
The principal of New Milford (N.J.) High School has nearly 12,300 Twitter followers (his handle: @NMHS_Principal). He and his teachers use Facebook to communicate with students and parents, and students use it to plan events. In class, teachers routinely ask kids to power up their cellphones to respond to classroom polls and quizzes. Rather than ban cellphones, Sheninger calls them "mobile learning devices."
From www.usatoday.com, July 26, 2011
Four Ways iPads Are Changing the Lives of People with Disabilities
Noah Rahman has moderate Cerebral Palsy affecting his communication, cognition and upper and lower body movement. When he turned two, his language, cognitive abilitity and fine motor skills were diagnosed by a developmental specialist as being at least 12 months behind. Then Noah got an iPad. Four months later, his language and cognition were on par with his age level. His fine motor skills had made significant leaps.
From mashable.com, July 26, 2011
