Tons of Technology

       I am taking a technology class for graduate school.  The reason I started this Blog is because of that technology class.  Over the course of the previous weeks we were required to do certain assignments using certain social media or web resources.  We learned about Facebook, Twitter, Social Bookmarking sites like Delicious and Diigo and how to Blog.  I was amazed at how much technology and web 2.0 has taken over our every day lives.  There is so much you can do and it is literally at your fingertips thanks to smartphones J As I explored these resources, I often thought about how they could and would benefit the lives of my ADHD students. 

           ADHD students have a lack of organizational skills, often not completing homework because it gets lost somewhere between school and home.  A Blog or classroom website would be a perfect place for the assignments to be posted in a centralized location that cannot be misplaced.  Also, for the ADHD student who lacks focus and concentration, having their classroom lesson posted on a Blog would allow them the opportunity to re-visit the concepts discussed multiple times.  This is great because ADHD students are not good note takes so the Blog or website could serve as an online study guide.

            Some students would also benefit from the iPad and all the apps that are offered. This is something I am striving to have in my class. I feel interactive devices like iPads capture and hold an ADHD child’s attention longer.  Not only will the student have access to the web where ever they go, all their assignments would be with them. With the use of apps, students would become more organized and feel more prepared. Due to the mobility, students could work on an assignment almost anywhere.

Below are two links that are resources for ADHD apps:

http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/8698.html

http://www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com/main/library_special_needs_apps.html

            There are tons of other valuable resources that can benefit these students like incorporating Wikis into their daily instruction. Teachers can make assignments to meet a child’s individual needs and the child can work at his or her own pace. 

            There are so many technology resources available that I never new existed.  The sad thing is I may have never known they existed if I hadn’t taken this class.  The fact that I was required to complete certain assignments caused me to inquire more about what I was doing. There is tons of ways to incorporate technology into our student’s lives, we just have to challenge ourselves to do so. 

Adults with ADHD

As I attended the Graduate Honors reception Tuesday, I shared with my table the topic of my blog: ADHD.  One of the guests asked what did the research say about adults with ADHD. As I prepared to answer her question, I realized I had not researched that area.  My focus has been on children with ADHD. But wait a minute, these kids grow up, so what happens to them as adults?  I had no idea, so I researched and the information I found was pretty interesting.

Children that are diagnosed with ADHD/ADD carry some symptoms into adulthood.  But you don’t have to be diagnosed as a child to display symptoms as an adult. Adults with ADHD/ADD have the same difficulties as children:

·        Distractibility

·        “Zoning out” without realizing it

·        Overlooking details

·        Struggling to complete tasks

·        Difficulty paying attention or listening to others

Even though adults with ADHD/ADD struggle with staying focused on a task, they also have a tendency to obsess or become hyperfocused on a things.  This simply means they become so engrossed with what they are doing that they tune out everything else around them.  Hyperfocus can cause you to lose track of time and become neglectful to other things you need to do. I often find myself consumed with tasks and I may lose track of time.  I never thought of it as ADHD. I wonder do I have it.  Hummmmmm…… In a previous blog I mentioned that we all have a “touch” of ADHD.  Certain skills like concentration and focus are things we have to practice or work hard at developing.

Adults with ADHD/ADD sometimes feel out of control. They act before thinking, they are impatient, they rush through tasks, they are unorganized and they interrupt others or talk over them. They also struggle emotionally, some common symptoms include:

·        Stress

·        Short tempered

·        Lack of motivation

·        Insecurity

·        Low self-esteem

·        Mood swings

Many adults suffer for years and never realize they have this problem.  There are tones of treatments available but before you go medicating yourself let’s try gaining control of your life without the use of “the pill.”  There are simple alternative methods to try some include: 

·        Getting plenty of rest-sleeping 7+ hours

·        Eating right and exercising-working off excess energy

·        Time management

·        Teaming with someone to help with organization

·        Technology integration-smart phones (set reminders, make lists, organizational Apps, etc.)

Living with ADHD does not have to be a burden.  There are many adults who function just fine with it.  There is hope regardless of how hopeless and frustrated you may feel.  A good support system, structure and organization skills can make a world of difference for the life of an adult with ADHD/ADD.  I hope this blog brought better insight to the life of an adult with ADHD/ADD.  There are so many myths surrounding this diagnosis.  The bottom line is…………………………….these adults can function in society just like everyone else. They’ll be JUST FINE!

This are great resources for adults and others wanting to learn more about ADHD/ADD http://www.add.org/

http://www.chadd.org/



ADHD and Sensory Integration Disorder

Over the years I have dealt with many kids I felt acted differently.  They did “strange” things and responded oddly to sights and sounds.  After talking with an Occupational Therapist, I learned about kids with sensory issues.  This blog is dedicated to informing others about Sensory Integration Issues.  ADHD and Sensory Integration Disorder are more common than you think.  ADHD is one of the most common childhood diagnoses.  ADHD causes difficulty with attention, focus and hyperactivity.  Sensory Integration Disorder or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) creates challenges with sensory issues including under and over reaction to sensory stimuli.  Many have never heard of Sensory Integration Disorder.  Simply put, it is the inability of the brain to fully utilize information it gathers through all the senses in an effective or organized way.  When children have trouble processing, it makes it difficult to appropriately react or respond to normal things he or she sees, smells, hears, tastes and feels. 

Children with ADHD and SPD display similar behaviors.  Instead of walking down the hall, they may skip. Excessive fidgeting may be observed while reading.  Off task behaviors or blurting out answers are also associated with ADHD and SPD.  Balance is an issue as well.  Some kids struggle with sitting up straight in a classroom desk. There are many other symptoms you may recognize, some may include:

·        Sensitivity to sound

·        Sensitivity to smell

·        Coordination problems

·        Fascination with lights

·        Sensitivity to lights

·        Indifference to temperature or pain

·        Refusal to wear certain type clothing

·        Refusal to eat certain foods

·        Texture issues

·        High awareness of background noises

·        Strong reaction to stimulation to face, hands and feet

·        Avoids contact with people

When the brain is struggling to process information properly, kids may appear to “misbehave.”  They are not “acting” inappropriately; they are dealing with the feelings of fear and terror.  These everyday issues we deal with are very uncomfortable for kids with SPD.  The softest and smallest sounds to our ears are startling and loud to them.  Background noises, the lights humming, the texture of foods, and the uncomfortable feeling of walking on the floor all are very painful.

Sensory Integration is not a topic that has received a lot of recognition.  Many researchers relate it to only being present in kids with autism or aspergers.  It is now becoming more prevalent in kids with Attention Deficit Disorder. Treatment usually includes occupational therapy, integrating multiple sensory experiences.    Because ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder overlap, parents, medical professionals, and teachers may mistake one condition for the other.  It is important to research and know the difference so you are treating the kids based on their needs.

To find out more about Sensory Integration Issues, please visit the following links.  Happy Learning!

http://www.sinetwork.org/

Star Center

Mmmmmm Social Bookmarking……….that was DELICIOUS!

              

       When I first received the information about Social Bookmarking I immediately thought, “Here we go again.”  I felt like I was being required to do something I probably will never use again.  These feeling came about because I had never heard of Social Bookmarking.  I had no idea what it was and I really wasn’t that interested in finding out.  To my surprise, as I began working on this assignment my interest started to grow.  I joined the Social Bookmarking site called Delicious.  As I explored the site I was amazed at everything I could do. I no longer had to save articles or websites to folders; I could save them to my Social Bookmarking site for easy access.  I also learned the use of Tags.  I have often seen this sign (#) followed by a word but I never knew what it meant. Tags are an easy way to view similar articles with relevant content by attaching key words or tags at the end.      Another great feature of Social Bookmarking sites like Delicious is you can download the tab in your favorites bar or at the top of your computer screen.  Whenever you come to a site or article you would like to save, click the tab and it will send it directly to your Social Bookmarking account.  Isn’t that AWESOME?

               I will continue to use Delicious to bookmark interesting sites I find as I am searching the web.  I feel this valuable resource will come in handy when it is time for me to start the research portion of my graduate studies.  This awesome tool will make things easily accessible and keep them organized in one spot.  Social Bookmarking sites are a great resource for anyone who likes to explore, research, and save things for future reference.  As I was exploring topics in education I found so many websites and links pertaining to special education.  I am going to share two of my favorite websites I found while exploring Delicious:  http://www.do2learn.com/ - This is a web resource for individuals with special needs.  Topics include disabilities, social skills, academics and behavior management.  http://www.edutopia.org/adopt-and-adapt -This website deals with what is going on in education.  Topics are broken down by grade level, blogs, classroom guides, strategies and videos.  I have really enjoyed learning about Social Bookmarking.  I am attaching the link to my Delicious account.  If you are looking for great information on special education, web 2.0, professional development and other educational topics please view http://www.delicious.com/zlwilson4 . ENJOY!

That Causes ADHD!

          Children love anything with screens: TV’s, video games, computers, etc. It is amazing how a hyperactive child calms down when you place him or her in front of a TV or computer.  These type of devices capture and keep our attention. While they hold our attention for hours, they irony is some people lose their ability to stay focus once they are back in the real world.  Technology has some effect on the attention span, but does too much technology cause ADHD? This is a question I continuously look for answers too. While researching this topic, I found some who say yes but many others who say no way.

               Although ADHD is rising, there has been no clear way to link it to ADHD.  Some interesting facts I found were that children between the ages of 8-18 spend almost 7 hours a day consuming some form of media (TV, internet, video games, computer, DVD’s).  Almost 10% of these kids are diagnosed with ADHD. Another research stated that children under the age of 5 who watched 2 hours or more daily are 20% more likely to have attention problems.  Overstimulation from fast-paced cartoons and TV shows may affect brain activity at an early age

               Some researchers dismiss technology being linked to ADHD by stating that genetics plays the ultimate role.  Kids with parents and siblings are more likely to have the disorder. Environmental toxins may also play a role.  There are so many factors popping up that seem to be linked to ADHD.  The toxins in the air, processed foods, sugars, lead exposure, and prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke and alcohol all are considered contributing factors.  WOW!  That’s like everything around us.  That makes me wonder, does everyone have ADHD?  I think we all have symptoms of ADHD.  Concentration and focus skills are things we have to work at, it takes practice.  Just because we are off task or lose focus every once in a while does not mean we have ADHD, it just means we are human. People can’t always blame technology on a child’s lack of focus, it usually is something else.  But the question I still ponder about is how much technology is too much technology?  I would love to read your views on this subject.  What do you think? 

While doing my research I found an interesting website:  Social Discomfort.  There are many blogs and articles relating to this topic on this site.  Two interesting things I read were: Electronics and Our Ability to Focus http://social-discomfort.com/2010/electronics-ability-focus and Addicted to Gadgets http://social-discomfort.com/2010/addicted-gadgets

ADHD and Assistive Technology

In my previous BLOG I discussed what ADHD looks like and what it is not.  This week I am focusing on ADHD and assistive technology devices.  ADHD seems to affect a child’s performance in school whether they want it to or not.  Many students struggle with completing assignments, attending to tasks, waiting their turn, talking out, staying seated and many other disruptive behaviors.  With my students, I often find myself giving them breaks during or in between assignments. I use timers to help them complete assignments or sometimes allow extra time to get things done.  Assistive technology devices can capitalize on the student’s strengths while working around their challenges. 

Parents and teachers often spend hours trying to get a child with ADHD to complete assignments.  As a result these children can become dependent on parents, teachers and peers to get things done.  There are so many products available that can be implemented into the general education classroom.  Below are a few examples of the gadgets and software that can help improve the academic lives of ADHD students.

Reading

• Audio Books and Software-allows for students to listen to text.
• Optical Character Recognition (OCR)- allows for students to scan printed material into a handheld unit.

Math

• Talking Calculators
• Electronic Math Worksheets-work is organized through the computer.

Writing

• Portable Word Processor (Alpha Smart Learning Neo)-Battery powered machines used for note taking and can be transferred to a PC.

There are also many websites that can help a child with ADHD.  I often use www.coolmath.com as a teaching website for Math.  It can serve as a reward choice website during break time also.  Another website I often use is www.spellingcity.com, this is great spelling and vocabulary website.  These two sites are good for keeping students engaged.   My kids also enjoy www.ABCya.com.  This site is full of elementary educational game.  Boardmaker is an awesome program that I use to create picture schedules and First/Then Charts.  These allow the student to visually see and know what and when we will work on things.  Since I have implemented these charts, I have decreased then number of call outs and off task behaviors in the classroom.

ADHD can be a frustrating topic for teachers.  They can feel out of control and unprepared in the classroom.  With the right resources they don’t have to feel this way.  Assistive technology not only helps the student to stay on task and learn, it also helps the teacher feel a sense of control in the classroom.  In the end, it can be beneficial for everyone involved in the learning process.  I hope this gave you some ideas on how to effectively start implementing technology with your ADHD students. 

ADHD……………..What is it?

           It is amazing to me how many kids in schools have been given the label, ADHD.  Many times if a child is active, inattentive, or impulsive, they are labeled as having ADHD. You here teachers say “Oh, you know, he has ADHD,” or “He didn’t take his ADHD meds today.”  I too have been guilty of  “labeling” a child who is overtly active as ADHD.  I fell it was important in my early Blogs to address what ADHD is.  ADHD stands for Attention deficit hyper activity disorder.  According to research it is found in About 3 million children and about 5 million school age children. The numbers are steadily increasing……SCARY! There are 3 types-ADHD, predominantly inattentive type, ADHD, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type and ADHD, combined type. ADHD is a genetic neurological disorder . After meeting the parents it often times has you thinking  “The apple didn’t fall far from the tree”. There are so many characteristics of what “we” think ADHD is.  Below is a list of category. Because there's no test that can determine the presence of ADHD, a diagnosis depends on a complete evaluation. Many children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD are evaluated and treated by primary care doctors including pediatricians and family practitioners, but your child may also be referred to one of several different specialists (psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists) especially when the diagnosis is in doubt, or if there are other concerns, such as Tourette syndrome, a learning disability, anxiety, or depression.

         ADHD has biological origins that aren't yet clearly understood. No single cause has been identified. One of the difficulties in diagnosing ADHD is that it's often found in conjunction with other problems. These are called coexisting conditions, and about two thirds of kids with ADHD have one. The most coexisting ones are Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD), Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders,  and Learning Disabilities. If your child has ADHD and a coexisting condition, the doctor will carefully consider that when developing a treatment plan. Some treatments are better than others at addressing specific combinations of symptoms.

            So to sum it up ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, too much sugar, or vaccines.  It is a genetic diagnosis that alters a child’s life.  So before you go “labeling” kids, we need to be sensitive to their needs.  In my upcoming Blogs, I will discuss strategies that can be implemented into the classroom to alleviate distraction.  Please share your thoughts on this topic. 

I am providing a link to a cool slide show that explains what ADHD really is. ENJOY!

http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/ss/slideshow-adhd-in-children

 

Blog Post 1-Twitter List: Resources for Those Struggling With ADHD

I was encouraged to create a Twitter List which is a folder composed of “like” Twitter accounts.  At first I had no idea what I was really going to do. I figured I would log on and start FOLLOWING accounts related to my topic.  Well, I was partially right!  Since I was new to Twitter, I needed to search the site and find accounts that seemed interesting and creditable. The list I created is directly related to this Blog.  All links on the list deal with the combination of education and ADHD in some way.  While researching different Twitter accounts, I looked for common criteria to link them all together.  Every account needed to be educational, ADHD/ADD based, referenced technology and relevant to school age children.  It was also important that additional resources and links were accessible.  I wanted accounts that had a plethora of things to think about and view. 

While on my search I came across a lot of ADHD topics relating to adults.  While these were interesting reads they did not focus on all my criteria requirements.  I did locate many organizations that would be wonderful resources for educators and parents to follow.  There were even some accounts that had links to webinars. One account was created by the host of an ADHD Support Group Radio Show. I am so excited about the wealth of resources I found.  I encourage you to create a list on your Twitter account.  Start by searching a topic that interests you.  Do a search on the topic, find an account, review it and see who that person is following and who is following them.  You’ll be amazed as your screen fills with resourceful links. It’s like opening one door to find another and another and another and so on and so on.  This list has given me the opportunity to view the thoughts of parents with kids who have ADHD, educators teaching these kids and educational websites that provide support.  One interesting account I found that led me to others was @CHADD-ADD.  This is a non-profit organization that focuses on collaboration and communication among those interested in the area. 

As I filter through, I am anxious to read lesson plans and other “hot topics” related to this Blog.  I learned while creating this list that even though I may search one word, it could actually lead me to a link of another that is just as important.  If ADHD is a topic of interest to you, please view this link and check out my Twitter List:  https://twitter.com/#!/ZLWilson4/ed-529.  I hope you consider getting started on THE LIST.

Chapter 9 Reflection-New Schools

We live in a generation of "digital natives." Students are consumed with the use of technology. Computers, video games and smart phones have taken over our everyday lives.  If we forget one of these devices, we will not be able to function for the day.  Children are less interested in using pen and paper, playing board games or even playing outside.  They would prefer to "log on" to the computer or video game or even download an app to play. This mass consumption of the use of technology is carrying over into our schools and into our classrooms. Teachers are feeling the pressure to gain and keep students' attention. More and more children are being labeled as having attention issues. Is this because they are not interested in the traditional style of teaching?  In Solomon and Schrum's book Web 2.0 new tools, new schools; they entertain the possibility of having "new schools." New Schools are the new way of thinking.  It is the new way of learning.  Technology is the driving force of new schools, but is all this technology beginning to harm our kids? Our students live in a social media world and they are use to interacting online.  It would be great if students could learn to use technology in moderation.  We as teachers want to facilitate and encourage them to be producers and collaborators instead of only consumers.  There needs to be balance in doing that.  In an article by David Warlick, The Day in the Life of Web 2.0, the transformation of a school with unlimited use of technology appears exciting. But I have to wonder, what is too much technology and how will it effect our students in the future?  These are a few of the questions I hope to find answers to through "powerful conversations" on this blog.

Welcome

I created this blog to look at the rise of ADHD. Many kids today suffer from short attention spans. Does technology help or harm these students when it comes to functioning in the classroom?