An inspiring use of technology, helping students challenged with Autism and similar disorders.
This week's mid-week update provides an introduction to a use of technology that should be wonderful to see unfold - expanded use of video technology, in the form of Video Modeling, to help Autistic children.
In this article, Michael Leventhal explains how, “Video Modeling is a method of teaching in which a student learns by watching a model on a videotape demonstrating the target skill. Video Modeling has been tested to help with communication, disruptive classroom behavior, increasing on-task behavior, … teach complex social sequences, as a treatment procedure, as an evidence-based treatment for children with autism.” Today's technological environment makes increased use of Video Modeling much easier and more affordable than it was in the not-too-distant past.
Below is an example of a Video Modeling clip from the Technology Integration in Special Education social network hosted by Mr. Leventhal (this site was established as a sort of spin-off of Greg Limperis's Ning based Technology Integration in Education social network). This video models using a tissue when you sneeze.
Find more videos like this on Technology Integration in Special Education
Video Modeling strikes me as a logical step in the evolution of the idea of using visual tools to help Autistic kids learn. While my knowledge of this area is quite limited, I am familiar with the idea of image based tools, like Picture Schedules, as seen on sites like Joeschedule.com. Progessing to the use of video to build on this concept seems like a natural progression.
If you wish to learn more about this, and be a part of the Technology Integration in Special Education community, then click on over and become a member today (it's free), introduce yourself, and check out the resources available there.
Related post(s) (if the above topic is of interest, you might wish to check these posts out):
Internet resources for special needs educators (this week, Autism & PDD)
5 online communities for educators working with special needs students
Internet resources for educators teaching students with special needs
