5/6/2018
Topic:
Students with Disabilities
Bruce Scott
|
Let's call him Ricky, because I did that by accident, then it became a running joke. He is wheelchair-bound and has very limited motor skills with his hands. Part of our Music Engineering curriculum involves using music software on the computer. Ricky was always very persistent, but would struggle using the mouse. I found a joystick online that would work with an iMac computer but also had to find an app that would recognize the joystick. It turned out to be a great find because Ricky experienced much more joy and success during our time on the computer. |
5/6/2018
Topic:
Tools and Strategies
Bruce Scott
|
- Option 2: Describe at least one way you have used technology to meet the needs of a student with a disability in your music classroom. Be sure to identify or describe the specific technology and the student's disability. Share your response in the threaded discussion.
While using CAI (computer assisted instruction) with my Music Engineering class, I discovered that Ricky was having difficulty using a standard computer mouse. He is confined to a wheelchair and has limited hand movement. I ordered a joystick and installed it on his assigned computer. His experience and success were greatly enhanced. |
5/6/2018
Topic:
Assessment of Learning
Bruce Scott
|
Option 1: Provide/Describe one or more examples of adapted or alternative assessments you have successfully used in the music classroom for students with disabilities. Be sure to identify the student's disability. Share your response in the threaded discussion.
When teaching Middle School Band, I had a student named Ann, who had fairly good motor skills with her hands, but was confined to a wheelchair. I had several thoughtful discussions with her and her mother to determine which instrument to play. We also tried a few instruments and the clarinet was finally chosen because of accessibility and exercise factors. I had her use a neckstrap (usually for saxophones) to help her hold the instrument. She enjoyed being part of the band and was assessed based on a subjective combination of effort and achievement. It seemed to help with finger dexterity and also provide cardiovascular exercise. I do not remember what caused her condition, her bother had the same condition, only much worse. |