I came across the In the Classroom portion (p. 260) of Chapter 7 of our reference book and read about how a carefully structured chatting activity can be useful and beneficial for special education students. Accordingly, computer and the internet can help teach communication skills by e-miling and carry on meaningful virtual communications.
In most cases, students with special needs tend to have problems communicating, interacting, and socializing with other children in schools or in any other public places. But while person-to-person interaction is what we mostly encourage to take place, the internet could help improve not just the students' ability to express themselves but also give them the opportunity to learn about other people with different interests and cultures. In Tel Aviv, the article states, there is a program called Virtual Friendship where students with special needs are paired with non-handicapped students. I like the program's concept. I believe it is very helpful not just for the child with special needs but also for the other child. Both of them will not only acquire information from each other but will also learn to develop friendship and have appreciation for each other despite their differences.
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4 comments:
You explained, "...the internet could help improve not just the students' ability to express themselves but also give them the opportunity to learn about other people with different interests and cultures."
And let's face it... this sort of interaction is the reality of 2008.
Thanks for your posting!
I agree that students with learning difficulties could definitely benefit from communicating via chat and e-mail. Also, giving students a chance to communicate with people from various backgrounds and cultures, it does teach them indirectly about the various cultures and ethnic backgrounds. In a sense, it provides additional learning that can count as a separate history lesson.
Violeta,
Yes, I agree with the article of how educationally important for COMMUNICATION with special needs students. The students can freely share their opinions and feelings on many issues with other students, which will build their confidence with writing/communicating skills.
I would say the concept of a vitrual friend is innovative in many respects. Such as communicating with other people more easily and effortlessy. The time it takes to get an e-mail, instant message or a text is immediate. The concept of a penpal now seems obselete in this day and age of technology.
Like it was mentioned before students that may suffer from illnesses or limited physically by a handicap can also utilize this endeavor.
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