january 29, 2010 class blog

Autism and Robots

In our class this past week Sister Morse mentioned research being done recently to use robots in helping children with autism. This sparked interest in me, and so I decided to research it for my blog post this week.

I found an interesting video on the today show called “Can Robots Help Treat Autism?”. You can find and watch it at: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/30225368#30225368

I also found an article called “Robots to Fight Autism” at: http://www.popsci.com/scitech/article/2009-04/robots-fight-autism

When I first heard about robots being used to help children with autism I was slightly against it, but open to at least do the research and possibly change my mind. I thought that robot interaction would allow these children to become more and more comfortable with robots over time, but I did not see this leading to improved interaction with humans. After all, there is a huge difference between the two and autistic children are often described as robotic already. I worried that the technology was not really in line with the goal of helping these children become more social with other people. The whole topic really made me think back to the balance between technology, pedagogy, and content. I was skeptical that with the robot technology these three things would have good balance. My standpoint before my research was that you would not see a correlation between improved interaction with robots and improved interaction with humans.

It is a good thing I am not too stubborn of a person because after I watched this video and read the article my view has at least been shaken. I was grateful that my concern was addressed in both the video and article. With the evidence given in both it is obvious to me that robots have been beneficial to these children. It is amazing the increase in their speech and interaction with humans because of the interaction with the robots first. The most impressive example of this, in my opinion was the description of the little girl in the article. Although she began not wanting to have anything to do with the robot, she slowly became more and more used to it, eventually becoming quite affectionate. There was a flaw in this example however because it never mentions an increase in human social interaction to correspond to the increase in robot interaction. There was however convincing evidence in the video with the graph of proven increase in verbal expression due to robot interaction.

While I was once skeptical about this use of technology to help children with autism, I am now in agreement that with more research and testing robots could be beneficial. I do not think robots are ready to be implemented as a therapy yet, but perhaps sometime soon. I also would love to have more research done on these robots being able to tell the emotions of children with autism. I can say from personal experience that it is often difficult to know how a child with autism is feeling, and what caused those emotions. This could be very helpful in teaching strategies.

I would like to know your opinion before and after reading the article and watching the video. Do you believe robots being used as therapies are a good thing, or do you think that the use of robots is counterintuitive? Please explain why.

Approaches to NCLB - What would you change?

Click here to this webpage then click on the article titled "NCLB - A Crossroads for Special Education" to find out what Gloeckler and Daggett have to say about the issue on of NCLB in special education.

Rather than being a solely two-sided argument, the authors list things options that those involved in Special Education react to No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). These options are: (1) do not do anything about it and just let it be, (2) allow the students with disabilities different standards, or (3) pull students with disabilities completely out of NCLB. The authors' opinion is that NCLB and Special Education can operate together, thus taking the second approach about modifying some things about NCLB to make that happen, but also that some change their mindset about NCLB as well. My personal opinion is that I agree with what the authors have said about Special Education and NCLB working together. Most of my siblings are involved in education in some sort of way in their careers and have had to deal with NCLB. I remember one time while I was in High School when one of my brothers told everyone how much he hating NCLB and all of the problems that it brought with it. That was always the sort of vibe that I got from my teachers at school as well about the issue. I had never heard of anyone that said how great it was and were overjoyed there were when the bill passed. I admit that after reading this article, my opinion about NCLB has changed somewhat, at least for the realm of Special Education (not necessarily for education as a whole). What I like most about what the authors said is that Special Education has reached a point of accountability. In its history, that has never happened for Special Education, so I see progress toward greater things. I see accountability as moving towards having good, certified and qualified teachers in Special Education, putting more trust into those with disabilities, and most importantly, I see it as a focus on abilities rather than disabilities. I feel that we are moving towards a better view of those with disabilities. One of things that I agree most with the authors is their suggestion to have a different approach for Annual Yearly Progress (AYP). I like the idea of changing AYP for students with disabilities to improvement rather than reaching a certain number or figure. The reason I like this idea the most is that it goes hand-in-hand with the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals that are the focus of Special Education. For these students, the focus should always be on reaching new heights and progress, so an approach for AYP that focuses on improvement would be perfect. One that I that I would change about what the authors suggested is to have Special Education teachers also be focused on a certain subject matter along with being trained for teaching those with disabilities. I the idea of it is great, but I do not see an actual implementation of it being carried out because it would be too difficult. Preparing for those with disabilities in and of itself is challenging. Having Special Education teachers also learn a subject matter on top of this would discourage more students to go into Special Education my opinion because the difficulty level would be higher. Do you agree with the author's point of view about making Special Education and NCLB working together or do you take the (1) or (3) as mentioned above, to NCLB? If you disagree with the authors', why do and what would you change about NCLB or why would you keep it the same? If you agree with the authors', what parts of their suggestions would you try to implement and which parts would you ignore or change and why?

Dating Services for the Disabled

Although it may be something that we do not ponder often, it is a very prevalent issue within the disabled community. I found it fascinating to read about the instruction provided for those who are disabled and seeking to date. It is such a natural human instinct that we have, to desire the love and company of another, so it seems like common sense that those who have disabilities would hold that desire as well. While I imagine that the dating websites would be convenient, I wonder whether it is just one more way our society ostracizes those with disabilities. I was glad to see that there are sites, and social events geared towards individuals with disabilities meeting others with disabilities, but I feel like it may send the message that they are only welcome to that one option which is, dating someone who has a disability like themselves. After reading these articles, what is your reaction to the services provided and the instruction given? Do you see them as beneficial or detrimental to the disabled community?

Reach Out For Dating Services For Disabled

Author: Peter Finch
There are innumerable dating services for disabled websites on the internet. They offer special services to their users or members. Many of these websites for the disabled also feature dating services for their members. They help and assist in bringing together like minded people who, besides companionship issues, need to deal with their disabilities.


As with normal people, the need to feel loved and wanted is very real for the disabled. The need for intimacy is very real, though there are many physical and emotional barriers that the disabled needs to overcome. The society sets a very high standard of virtue and beauty and some disabled people feel that they are unable to meet these standards.


Many times, these standards can be very challenging, especially for the disabled, as they do not fit into the mould. Many of the disabled have negative thoughts and feel inferior when they can not meet the standards that have been set for them by the society.


Since dating services for disabled websites offer services and resources for dating, it becomes much simpler for the disabled to look for companions. The advantage of the internet is that it makes people anonymous. They are not judged outright on their physical aspects. This gives the disabled singles ample scope for interaction without having to worry about their disability. The relationship centers more on making a connection and a bond. In this environment, relationships blossom. Inhibitions are reduced when online disabled people actually meet face to face. There would be no awkwardness when they meet offline.

The dating services for disabled websites help the disabled to voice their concerns. It gives a bouncing board and a chatting board to share their thoughts and feelings. Issues can be highlighted while tips are well appreciated. It is a meeting ground for people of like minds. Many problems are discussed and solutions are found from within the community.

These services provide a networking platform, not just for disabled but for those who are looking for relationships. Many of the dating services for disabled websites postings are ways through which people can vent out their feelings or just simply talk to each other. For many people, anxieties are overcome when they talk. It helps the disabled to combat the feeling of loneliness.

Many of those accessing these sites are able bodied. Or many are those who are living with disabled partners. These websites also offer them advice on how to cope with various insecurities and anxieties that are faced by both the able bodied and the disabled. There are many people out there who are also interested in dating the disabled.

These websites offer the opportunity to all sections of the society, where the society could not have given them these chances. There are so many sites and so many people, who are actively connected that the chances of finding a companion are greatly enhanced. Where earlier there were only friends and family who did the networking, now the disabled can also network with the help of dating services for disabled websites.

About the Author:
Are you looking for one of the best disabled dating sites on the internet? If so, visit Disabled Dating Club now. We have a huge database of friendly people who want to meet you. Disabled dating and disabled personals datinghave never been this easy!Membership of Disabled Dating Club is free, so sign up right now. You'll be glad you did!
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Reach Out For Dating Services For Disabled

Dating Disabled Woman - What You Should Know?

Author: Peter Finch
Do you know that the elderly disabled people are shocked when they hear about disabled people dating? This is because until recent time, the society considered disabled people as asexual beings. Disabled individuals are also human beings and they also crave for love and companionship just like anyone else. Disabled people had trouble finding potential mates before and those who had severe disabilities had little or no chance of finding potential mates. It is no wonder that elderly disabled people find it shocking to hear disabled men dating disabled women.

It was never easy for a disabled woman to meet people like the rest of the normal woman. Ever since the dating agencies and online disabled websites started to work together to eradicate this problem, it has become possible for disabled women as well as men to date.

Dating disabled woman is no different than dating a "normal" woman. This is because one would find the same amount of apprehension, excitement, fun and passion when dating the disabled woman as well as a normal woman. If the woman you are dating has been confined to a wheel chair then make sure that you take her to a restaurant that offers wheel chair facilities. There are these small but important things that you will need to look into when you are dating a disabled woman.

The introduction phase is very important while dating disabled woman. This is the moment when two people would get to know each other. Try to find out how sensitive she is about her disability when you meet her for the first time. You should do this because you need to understand her before deciding to carry your relationship forward. Do not say things that would hurt her feelings and you should also not completely overlook her disability.

There are a lot of people who feel over conscious about their partners disability and they prefer not to make any comments that might make the woman uncomfortable. This kind of attitude does not make the woman feel comfortable at all. It would only make her feel inferior.

While dating a woman with disability, you should make allowances for the disability that the person may have but do not make it too obvious. Try to put a balance between the two.

While dating disabled woman, it is always better to get a good understanding of the kind of disability she has; irrespective of whether you are a normal man or whether you are a disabled man. This will help you understand your partner and make you more tuned to her needs. With this kind of mature understanding, the whole process of dating would become much more fun and it would be a thoroughly enjoyable experience for both of you.

To make the dating disabled woman much easier and comfortable, dating agencies and online dating sites are working side by side. It is because of their efforts that the darkness of yesterday has faded away and tomorrows sun is going to bring an even better future.

About the Author:
Are you looking for one of the best disabled dating sites on the internet? If so, visit Disabled Dating Club now. We have a huge database of friendly people who want to meet you. Disabled dating and disabled personals datinghave never been this easy!Membership of Disabled Dating Club is free, so sign up right now. You'll be glad you did!
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Dating Disabled Woman - What You Should Know?

Top Concerns About Dating That Worry Disabled People

Author: Peter Finch
Dating can be a fun and exciting way to make new friends and find that someone special. But at the same time it can be stressful, worrying and quite difficult!

All men and women share some basic concerns. The same dating worries plague disabled people too. But in addition there are some special concerns that revolve around disability itself.

A glance at the message board of any disabled dating site reveals the host of anxieties that cloud the horizon. Dating presents a real challenge for disabled people and queries range from handling the first date to fertility issues.

Some of the common concerns are -

Self consciousness - Feeling that everyone-is-looking-at-me is quite often a constant companion of disabled singles. However, for a relationship to work, both parties have to like the other for themselves. So, while the dating partner has to look beyond the disability, the disabled person too has to stop constantly trying to assess the others reactions!

Companionship - Most singles share this concern and for those living with a limiting disability, it is one of the primary reasons for entering into a dating relationship. Finding the right partner and coping with the future as a single are a constant worry. Hence combating feelings of loneliness and a need for companionship rank high on the list of concerns.

Attitudes towards the disabled - When dating able bodied persons, disabled people are concerned about how their disability will be received. Two people may have been connecting online for a while but when they decide to meet in person, both are worried about the disability angle. They are conscious that believing something in theory and being able to live out those beliefs in reality are different ball games altogether.

And hence the fear of whether the impairment will prove repulsive and how it will affect the relationship surfaces. The dating site Lovebyrd advises -You are not defined by your disability, so do not let your disability represent you on your date.

Sustaining long term relationships - Many of those who are in dating relationships wonder whether they will be able to sustain them in the long run. For the disabled in particular, the worry is how their partner will cope with the day-to-day challenges of living with a disability.

Sexual desirability and performance - While dating, disabled people tend to be very conscious of how desirable they appear to their partner. Feelings of inadequacy and low self-image raise their ugly heads and if these thoughts are not combated successfully they can hamper the relationship and prevent both partners from having a good time.

Sexual performance can be hampered by impairment and problems like impotency and loss of libido are very real. How this will impact the relationship depends on the strength of the bond formed earlier.

Fertility issues - Fertility problems and the possibility of not being able to have children are issues that many disabled people are challenged with. The dating relationship can be affected by this and the reaction of the partner becomes vital to the continuance of the alliance.

The only solution to this is an open discussion. Do not be afraid to voice your concerns - only then will you know what the person at the other end feels. Be confident about yourself and it will all work out!

About the Author:
DisabledDatingClub.com has a huge database of friendly people who want to meet you. Disabled dating and disabled personals dating have never been this easy! Disabled Dating Club has many members and has many ways to meet through chatrooms, I.M.s and email. Membership is free, so sign up right now.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Top Concerns About Dating That Worry Disabled People

Is a technocentric approach to technology integration adequate?

In the article Teachers' Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge: Curriculum-based Technology Integration Reframed, Harris, Mishra, and Koehlher make a case for why a technocentric (bottom of page 3) approach to technology integration is inadequate. Explain what you think that they mean and whether you agree or disagree and why. In your response you need to state their main argument and why the TPCK framework supports their argument and whether you agree or disagree and why. Your response should be approximately 150 words (give or take. I will not be counting the words but this will give you an idea of how in depth I want your response)