How do you do Skype and what exactly is it?  Skype allows you to use the internet to telephone someone and use live video interaction via webcams. It is a free service; however, both parties need to have a Skype account. It is surprisingly simple to use and today most newer computers have webcams built in making it easy to set up.   If you want to do a “telepractice“ rather than consulting you would need to have an ASHA license in the state in which you are practicing.

Over the course of one year, 15 of the 75 students, who were beginning communicators and took the course were randomly selected and informally surveyed via pre- and post-testing.  All of the students improved skills in the areas of literacy and communication.  The pros of this type of service are, of course, cost effectiveness and the ability to reach people across the world.  The cons are that you, as the lead therapist, do not see the students so it is not really therapy; instead you are providing directions and activities so it is more like a therapy program. You can view a sample lesson for free and watch a webinar if you want to learn more about this: http://www.eduworkshops.com. I think that we are only at the beginning of rethinking therapies and services for many of our AAC students and families.  Has anyone else played with internet based therapy or instruction?

This created a simple way to share special moments that happened in class and send out important information.  If parents had questions or saw things they liked or did not like they could comment on it.  This also became a community where parents from the classroom could connect.  

The Vimeo site allowed us to send a link to Facebook and to also email parents videos of their children doing something special.  Vimeo has privacy settings where video can be sent for viewing only and not downloading.  Some parents might not want videos on Facebook so Vimeo can be an alternative ensuring that only the parent to whom you are sending the video will be able to view it.  

If Facebook or Vimeo is not an option at your school consider setting up a Wikkispace.   Wikkispaces gives free spaces to K-12 classrooms. You set it up so that only your parents or classroom have access to the content.  No email is required so those who get bogged down with email can visit when they have time.  You can also embed media to share videos and pictures, and design your own space.  You can also share websites and links for classroom work, favorite websites, etc. 

What has been your experience with sharing videos, photos, etc. in the classroom?

Uses of the Flip in the Classroom
We have used it to video the students using AAC in class.  The teacher simply sets up the video and then records a particular student or students using their AAC systems.

This is important for the teacher and provides her with feedback about what students (all students) are doing in the activities.  Often, when she is in the teaching moment she misses many opportunities.  Another option is to use the assistant to videotape particular students during activities.  This provides shorter video segments that are easier to review. 

Providing Valuable Information to Consultants and Others
I use video footage constantly that teachers and/or therapists have uploaded for me. I can get a snap shop of activities and children and teaching without having to be there.  In fact this allows me to support a classroom in New York City while I live in Park City, Utah. 

Important Info for AAC Assessments
Many of the students I work with cannot perform in front of a large team of evaluators.  Recording sessions of device trials has been an invaluable method of supporting the evaluation process.  In fact, it has helped several students receive AAC systems.

If you ask the student what the weather is like and he responds “Snowing” but it is summer, you might respond by saying, “It’s summertime it’s not snowing!  But let’s take a look,” as you walk outside together.  You might then say, “Hmm It is really hot and bright out here.  I wonder what might be a better word.”  

The teacher continues to scaffold, eliminating choices and if necessary providing the model. This kind of teaching allows the student opportunities to discover the answers and learn from any situation.  Responsive teaching will lead to student success.  However, easier said than done! How do we transition these skills to our paraprofessional staff?   What is your experience?

As I have helped create the content, my plans and ideas of what could happen were overly zealous, to say the least.  I must always remind myself that children who have difficulty moving and speaking just simply need more time at everything!  I think that often we jump too quickly and miss the opportunity to provide students with success along the way- not to say we need to teach to mastery we just need to give them more time so they can be successful with the materials and lessons we are presenting to them.