[blindkid] 4th Grade Math and introduction of technology

[Tene Gibson]

That I understand - as far as regarding the problem set up - I understand the need to know this.  My issue is - Is there an easier assistive technology to do this on.  I am not looking for an easier way to get the answer - I want that concept learned as with the rest of his class.  I am looking at a workflow point of view. Last I heard the new Perkins is still on backorder - so we are still dealing with the oldy goldy - clunky hard key machine. Like does it make sense for Na'im to work thru the problem on his computer using Duxbury and a word document and to print it out using an embosser? Are there cons with this method and what are they? Are they just positional issues? Na'im is given 20 long division problems a night sometimes  - 2 per page may fit barring any mistakes. 




________________________________
From: Debra Baxley <debrabaxley at bellsouth.net>
To: "NFBnet Blind Kid Mailing List, (for parents of blind children)" <blindkid at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, February 3, 2009 10:47:18 AM
Subject: Re: [blindkid] 4th Grade Math and introduction of technology

Somehow, doing Math with the Perkins brailler causes the concepts to be
understood better because of the physical movement on the page.  Because I
did Math with a Perkins brailler, I can now type a Math problem in print
because I understand the formatting so well.  

Debra

-----Original Message-----
From: blindkid-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindkid-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Tene Gibson
Sent: Tuesday, February 03, 2009 7:50 AM
To: NFBnet Blind Kid Mailing List,(for parents of blind children)
Subject: Re: [blindkid] 4th Grade Math and introduction of technology

How do we lessen the frustration?  Although I may agree some repitition, I
believe that in some circles that the "drilling" method, even in children
with sight, has been proven defunct.  Lord knows both of my children hold to
the standard "I did that already and I am not doing it again."  Na'im has no
problem identifying the  concept of math or the process it takes to get from
point A to point B.  The issue is when do we move in the 21st century? When
do we grasp what we have available in the schools as far as technology is
concerned?  I learned how to start a fire by rubbing sticks, but I still
prefer matches or a lighter.

Tene




________________________________