Saturday, April 30, 2011

FINAL EXAM

The Final Exam is NOW available online. 

One of the questions on your "study guide" is NOT on the ONLINE Final.  Be certain to log onto the Final to determine which question you do NOT need to be spending time answering.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Japan Earthquake!

I was googling on the internet and ran into this video! It is of two Japanese people signing about the current news in Japan. I found it interesting because I was able to understand a few of the signs. This is awesome because I could never understand Japanese but I can understand some of their signing!

Pretty cool! :)



-Janaye Pack

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Red Bull Commercial

I can't find a link for it, but there's a new commercial out for Red Bull. There's a motorist riding around on a course doing the jumps and such. At the end, the helmet comes off and it's a girl. She signs 'welcome to my world'. Then endorses Red Bull in sign, which I thought was pretty cool. Yay deaf/hard of hearing sponsors.

Monday, April 25, 2011

The deaf rapper.

I love rap music. This can be looked at as music that has no meaning except profanities and partying. However I am inspired by these hard working individuals who spend many days and nights perfecting this art. This video explains how rap music has reached the deaf community. By introducing the first deaf rapper. This is an amazing story.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMF6_tR3h6k



Friday, April 22, 2011

FINAL Exam

Faculty was sent an email this evening containing the following paragraph:

After considerable review of the length of our academic semester, the University community collectively decided to retain the 16-week semester plus the week of finals. If finals are given during dead week, the faculty member has arbitrarily shortened the semester. This action is in violation of our policy. Students who have concerns about finals being rescheduled should speak with the appropriate department chair or college dean.

Therefore...I will NOT be able to make your ONLINE FINAL available to you EARLY as I had emailed earlier. It will be made available to you Monday morning of Finals Week and due WEDNESDAY EVENING by midnight - NO EXCEPTIONS in order for me to have all grading completed by the end of the semester.

Test 3 - Due Date Postponed One Day

I realize many of you may be going home or spending time with friends for the holiday weekend.  I want to honor the various ways many of you will choose to celebrate or spend time this weekend.  If you have not had ample time to complete your online test and need an additional day - - - you know I won't get to grading those immediately due to Projects for 260.  So, you may have until Monday night at midnight to submit Test 3 if you need it.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

i711.com

As promised here is the link to i711.com!  One of the MANY perks to being the mom of a Deaf son is the cool tools, websites, etc.  I'm sorry I've not shared earlier.  The video blogs or vlogs are just too cool!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Educational Interpreting

Here is a link I found interesting related to a child's first experience with an educational interpreter, as well as the roles and boundaries of an educational interpreter in the classroom setting.

Enjoy!

http://www.i711.com/vlogs/logs.php?id=282

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Thoughts on Being the "Deaf Kid"

A few people have asked me what it's like to be the "deaf kid" in class, especially in high school. I can tell you from first hand experience that it's awful. Chalk it up to a bad high school experience in general, but I hated every minute of it. I sat in the front row, wore the FM system, had to bug teachers constantly to use the microphone; at one point one of my teachers got a class mike to pass around. The other students abhorred it and blamed me for its use. They would tell me to just sit closer, or my favorite "don't worry about it" (/sarcasm). I was always made to feel bad about not being able to hear someone, and if I didn't hear a teacher the typical response was "ask your neighbor." High school was never fun; I never enjoyed it or made lasting friendships. I haven't spoken to any of my classmates since I graduated.

Here it isn't so bad. There are still moments where I feel excluded, but overall it's a major improvement. My quality of life has definitely improved. And I don't want anyone to think I posted this for the attention; usually I'm happy when the issue is just accepted and essentially ignored. But I think it's important to realize that not everybody has the wonderful people we do now, that being the only one of something isn't always a good thing. I've missed so much growing up, and missed out on even more. It really sucks when someone doesn't want to call you because they get too frustrated with a phone call, or people don't want to talk to you at school because much of the conversation is "what?" or "huh?" Standing in the lunch line and staring off into space, or sitting alone because it was too hard to decipher who was speaking, that is an awful feeling. It's something I wouldn't wish on anyone.

I'm sorry if all of that is really depressing. But sometimes it's necessary to look at the darker side of things; not every deaf person had a wonderful life full of Deaf community involvement, not everyone had the support they needed.

And now you know, and knowing is half the battle,
Steff

Sunday, April 17, 2011

The other side of being proud of deafness

For most, being deaf is a thing to be proud of. It's a sense of pride and culture. Being deaf is no "problem". It's just a different facet of who you are. I understand that completely, and I'm glad people are proud of who they are. However, what about the other side? What about the things that have had a ripple effect because someone wants to be proud of being deaf?

Have you ever seen The Bee Movie? (Sorry if I give away the plot, still a cute movie and you should see it). It's about a bee that discovers humans are using the honey that bees create and he decides to fight for their rights in court. The bee ends up winning and the bees no longer make honey for the humans. In fact, all the honey is given back and the bees are swimming in it, there's so much. Sounds great for this bee. However, there are many ripple effects caused by this. The flowers dying is the huge one no one anticipated. The bees don't use the pollen which means the flowers don't grow which means they eventually die. Problems were created by a ripple effect and it was all accidental and unplanned for.

Now, to relate it all back, people saying that deafness is not a problem and you shouldn't worry about fixing it because it's who they are, I agree with that. It's great to have a sense of pride from it and it's great for them if they don't want to be "fixed". But what about those people who do? What about people like my mom and brother who need hearing aids but can't get them? Being deaf is a wonderful thing. But for some people, going deaf needs to be fixed. They can't adjust to a life of not hearing as they get older because they have never been exposed. They would benefit from hearing aids, but the insurance won't pay for them.

I don't know about your insurance, maybe it's different, but ours won't cover the tiny piece of equipment because too many people wanted deafness to be a sense of pride and to not be fixed.

I'm not saying you should or shouldn't feel proud. I'm not saying it's a horrible thing either way. I'm just trying to point out the ripple effects it has caused. Personally, I don't have a set opinion one way or another, so please don't think I'm saying something I'm not.


Hearing Loss Identification

Sometimes I wonder why people wait so long to be tested for their hearing. Hearing loss, I've discovered, runs in my family. However, we didn't know this until about a year ago. My mom has a slight hearing loss, we've known that for about 5 years. Really, that's not that long ago. Things have gotten harder for her. She's partially deaf in one ear and probably headed towards completely in one and partially in the other.
My brother, last year, discovered he has hearing loss and it will only increase with age. I'm not sure to the degree of his hearing loss, but I think it's interesting that someone could go 18 years and not realize they couldn't hear well. Maybe it becomes the norm to not hear. Maybe he was so used to ignoring what people said if he couldn't understand them that he just didn't care. I'm not sure the thought process on that, but I think it interesting.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Test 3 Information

Good Morning!

For the purpose of CLARITY. . .

The SELF REFLECTION & ASSESSMENT portion of Test 3 which was given out in class as Your Top 5 and is related to the CEC-CED Joint Knowledge and Skill Statements for All Beginning Teachers of Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (referenced in the text) is due this Wednesday, April 20th.  You MUST turn that in to me in class.

The ONLINE portion of Test 3 is due by Sunday, April 24th at midnight.

If you have questions about either one of those please do not hesitate to contact me in a way that is most convenient for you.

Mrs. White


Scholarship Available

Good morning!

Do you know of students who may qualify for this scholarship?  I encourage you to share it with them!!

Students with learning (or other) disabilities who are currently enrolled at the college or graduate level should be encouraged to apply for the KY-AHEAD scholarship ($500). The deadline is April 29, 2011.
Here's a website with details:
http://www.ahead.org/affiliates/kentucky/scholarships 



Mrs. White

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Deaf Blind Workshop & Retreat

Hey guys! So the ITP and a few others just finished an incredible workshop about Deaf Blind people, SSP (support service providers), Deaf Blind etiquette, and all kinds of other things. I know, obviously, some of you weren't there, but for those of you who were -- what surprised you? What did you learn? And now, is there anything that you are more looking forward to for the retreat this weekend?

Sunday, April 10, 2011

New show!

Hey guys! I just saw the trailer for this new show "Switched at Birth" and I was really excited to see that one of the main characters is deaf!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Jgvw1S7FmI

There is a little info video on it. I'm excited to check it out!

Thanks guys,
Natalie

Saturday, April 9, 2011

letsgofly08

http://www.deafvideo.tv/vlogger/letsgofly08 <- Check this guy out. His name is Daniel. I love him because he is so ASL and has some really great stories. The link I posted is to his personal website but look him up on youtube too, "letsgofly08".

Friday, April 8, 2011

Test 3 - Timeline

Good evening!

I trust each of you have had a great week and are planning on a wonderful weekend! I am trying to catch up from a terrific week away with work focusing on the Common Core State Standards in New Orleans. I've coupled focused work on our Kentucky Core Academic Standards with some time to enjoy the historic city of New Orleans to which I'd never been.

I am now focusing on FINISHING the semester STRONG as I prepare for the final weeks of Spring semester. The section of the curriculum on which we are currently working entails:

Chapter 9 - American Sign Language and Manual Communication
Chapter 10 - Early Intervention, Infant and Preschool Programs
Chapter 11 - The Acquisition of English: Teaching and Training Techniques
Chapter 12 - Literacy: The Development of Reading and Writing

As discussed before I was gone we WILL complete the chapter on Literacy with YOUR activities on ASL and Reading Strategies that you worked on in small groups the week I was with you in class.

Therefore...time line:

Wednesday, 4/13
**Conclude Reading/ASL Strategy presentations
**Review/Update me on class I missed 4/6
**Ensure we've covered all material to be on Test 3

Wednesday, 4/13 Test Opens
Sunday, 4/24 Test is Due

Let me know if you have any questions!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Talking Twin Babies

Hey guys, here's the video we talked about in class. It's really interesting to watch the communication happening here with no actual words. Enjoy!

Challenging signers

So, I've noticed that as I have conversations with Deaf individuals and just ASL users in general, that I have a really hard time receptively understanding male signers. They are much harder for me to understand and read than a female signer. I'm not quite sure why this is, but I was wondering if you all would like to share what kind of signers are hard for you to understand??

deaf education around the world

I have friends who are missionaries in the Dominican Republic who have twin daughters who are deaf (with cochlear implants). They are very passionate about their work and have encountered many Deaf people along the way. Many Deaf in the DR (dominican republic) have not grown up with a language because Deaf people there are not necessarily given jobs or careers.

I'm not sure about the standings in Mexico, but I thought this video that I found was interesting. It's about a deaf school in Mexico that is being forced to close due to financial strain. If Mexico is anything like the DR, I'm sure the school has provided many kids with education and language avenues that they may not have received without it. It's very touching to see the impact the school has had on some of the students, but also very sad to see that it is closing...

http://vimeo.com/2294498


-Kristi Hamm

CLASS TONIGHT!!

Hello Everyone-

As per request of our teacher Ms. White-I am to inform all of you that we WILL have class tonight, April 6th, just like any other week. We will have Karen Dilka teaching on the chapter of ASL. So, show up to class ready to learn tonight!!!!

I believe when Ms. White comes back next week, we will continue to work on our "project" of the 15 reading instructional strategies of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

See y'all in class tonight!!!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

86 the country accent with interpreting???

Today while I was in my ITP ASL to English class this topic come up. I can't seem to find an answer or a clear cut answer. Perhaps there is not one. My teacher and peers had input that I really value. I would love to get some feedback from everyone and perhaps that can help me have some more insight. Ok, so here goes. There are common misconconceptions about people with a "country accent". This is really unfair and inaccruate. I know for a fact that accents do not affect an individuals intelligence or personality. Accents are regional and very rich part of regional culture. Accents thick or thin are fabulous and should be cherished. Unfortunately, a "hick" or "country" accent is frowned upon. There are misconceptions that those with this accent are less intelligent and unqulaified for jobs. With that said, I bring up the field of interpreting. In southern regions of the US there are Interpreters with this type of accent. Should these interpreters be expected to lose their accent when interpreting for a Deaf person? I ask this because Interpreters are supposed to present their consumers accurately and appropriately. This is apparently supposed to be done using "Standard English". Clearly, if there is an interpreting setting in which all parties involved have the same regional accent then there is really no issue or even question about whether or not the accent is appropriate. Well, what if an interpreter from the south leaves the south to interpret? Or an Interpreter in the south who is interpreting in a setting where the accent is inappropriate? Should the interpreter lose thier accent? If they do, is this cultural oppression on the Interpreter? What do you think?

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Little House on the Prairie

A teacher in my major (Occupational Science) brought this video up during our discussion of ASL. She found it interesting the way of communication then. I found it awesome that she found an interest in ASL. There were many things I was able to tell her about ASL that she was unaware about! Love it! She spoke about how many people are unaware of ASL in the world!

Deaf School versus Mainstream School - a mother's perspective

Here is another interesting vlog (with English captioning) of a mother's perspective on a deaf school versus a mainstream school for her kids. To me this highlights how this is a very personal decision that varies from parent to parent and from child to child. The more dialogue I see on this issue the more I realize how personal a decision this is and how complex each situation can be.

Pump it

I love this guy! he makes videos of songs translated into ASL. he does a very good job at it and is very entertaining. I picked this one for the simple fact that he replaced a microphone with a magnify glass, i thought it was funny! I hope you all enjoy! (he has other videos on youtube just search B Storm ASL)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAu5uFpbanU

Monday, March 28, 2011

Lexington Speech and Hearing Clinic

Hey guys, just to let everyone know that the LSHC is going on spring break next week, so the best time to schedule observations is the week of the 11th. Only three people are allowed in an observation booth at a time (and the woman on the phone, Jessica, said the UK speech/path students need observation hours too so they are scrambling for the hours). You might want to give them a call and schedule your observation.

Also, fair warning for those who are not a fan of the oral method, the center does not sign with the kiddos.
-Steff

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Who is looking for volunteer work? I might have found something for ya!

Hey guys,

I don't know how many of you have taken SED 338 with Debbie Haydon, but if you have you will probably have gone to Heuser Hearing Institute in Louisville (if not, they have a website. I'll list it below, check it out!), formally known as Louisville Deaf Oral School. When I went last semester during our tour, the head administrator, Ms. McCubbin, mentioned that they were setting up a day camp for deaf children the age of their students, and so I recently asked her for more information about it.
She emailed me back and asked me to pass it along to Deaf Education majors from EKU (I would assume ITP people, Speech Pathologists, and whomever is going to plan to work with the deaf in the future would apply also. I just mentioned that I was Deaf Education major in my email.) so I am passing it along. This is what I know:
-Volunteer Position
- (2) 1 week sessions June 27-30 (Mon-Thurs) and July 11-14 (Mon-Thurs)
-Location: Heuser Hearing Institute in Louisville?
- Time: 9am-12pm

If I find anything else out, or if you guys are interested I will let you know who to contact for sure; The woman who emailed me made it seem like she was in charge, but I want to check before I give her name and she is the wrong person :P

Thanks guys,
Natalie

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Clarke School for the Deaf: A Sound Future

The video below is a video that showcases the Clarke School for the Deaf. I thought that this video was unique and interesting and also very fitting for our class, because we have recently covered Early Intervention and the Family studies of deaf children. This video has examples of that as well as it talks about English Acquistion and teaching Deaf students to speak and listen which we are now covering in class. The video also shows technology used in the classroom such as an FM system, it shows children with hearing aids and cochlear implants as well. I personally think this is a great showcase of the Oral method of teaching. I hope you enjoy!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

BSL vs. ASL

I don't know if any of you have had the opportunity to look into foreign sign languages, and if you have, i'd love to get your input! I've learned the British Sign Language alphabet recently, and realized that it is pretty hard. If you don't know, each letter (except for C) is made using both hands, which is a huge difference than ASL which only uses the one hand to make each letter. Can you see the benefits in using both hands for each letter? Do you think there is one?

KYRID

Hey just curious out of everyone who went to the KYRID conference this past weekend, what was your favorite part of the conference? What was something that fascinated you or something new you learned in a workshop that you can use throughout the rest of your career?

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Princess Diana Signing British Sign Language (BSL)


I happen to be a huge fan and am really inspired by the work that the late Princess Diana had accomplished. I have so much respect for her, even though she is not deaf she did work with the deaf. In this video you can see a man's impression as he met her. She learned to sign British Sign Language (BSL)

DEAF TRUTH: For Hearing Parents with Deaf Child(ren)


I thought this would be an interesting video to share, since we have recently covered the topic of Deaf children and Hearing parents. This perspective is from a guy who has hearing parents. Very interesting and great point of view! Hope you enjoy!

Speaking up for deaf education


I recently found this video and thought it would be good to post to show a unique way of using technology to teach Deaf/Hard of Hearing students.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Hey guys,

I am currently in ASL 102, and for that class, as some of you may know or remember, that there are reading assignments for that class. The latest one I completed was a portion of "Deaf in America: Voices from a Culture" and I thought it was very interesting, and worth sharing to others who share a common interest with me. So, naturally, I thought of you guys! :) I could only find the preview of the book on Google Books, but I read the introduction and part of the first chapter for my class, which I believe the preview includes. So I am going to post the link below, and I hope you guys will take a look.

http://books.google.com/books?id=FLdCuk0YekgC&printsec=frontcover&dq=deaf+in+america+voices+from+a+culture&hl=en&src=bmrr&ei=APyHTaWtMcu2tgecksX0DQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDIQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false

Thanks guys,
Natalie
P.S.- It is a little bit long, so it might take you a little while to read, but I promise, it is interesting, or at least I thought so. Enjoy!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Welcome to Holland

As with many of the things I've shared on the blog, This is an item that a professor I had at UK shared with me. I have never forgotten it and it has really impacted the way that I think about what it would be like to find out that my child has a disability.

WELCOME TO HOLLAND

by
Emily Perl Kingsley.

c1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......

When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."

"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."

But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.

The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.

So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."

And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.

But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.

KYRID

I am attending the KYRID Convention this weekend, and am very excited about it! I have attended two in the past. Just curious if anyone else will be there too. :)

My Deaf Family (tv show)

Here's the pilot for a new TV show that was mentioned in class at one point or another-enjoy!
-Steff

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-Gc85nQK8w

CLASS TONIGHT - 3/16

Good afternoon,

Just a reminder about the emails I have sent. Tonight, Wednesday, 3/16, we will be covering chapter 10, Early Intervention, Infant, and Preschool Programs. Please bring the following with you to class:


1. Your text book
2. A laptop if you have one
3. Any materials or resources you currently have or choose to get relative to this topic

We will be doing a variety of activities with our culminating activity being a panel discussion.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Kentucky School for the Deaf

Hey all!

I went to KSD to observe an elementary school classroom this morning, and I am still jazzed about it! I stayed for about two hours and I just felt like I fit. Like, my heart was telling me "This is going to be you in the very near future!" and I just wanted to say that I cannot wait to be in the classroom!
One thing I found to be so cool was now naturally the teacher could transition to different teaching techniques and keep the students engaged in the lesson. And what was even cooler was I recognized some of them from my education classes, and also from lectures in my SED classes thus far; must mean something is going right, right?
I know it will feel a million and a half times different when we actually have our own classroom and our own students from when we are just observing but I just feel confident that we are all on the right track, and have good set of teachers preparing us for our future careers.

That's all!
Natalie

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Hands and Voices

http://www.handsandvoices.org/index.htm

2 classes ago, we watched a video that the parental support group, Hands & Voices, developed. I have been quite involved with the Louisville chapter for a few years now, working with childcare, and it is therefore a cause close to my heart. Each family has a different story and just seeks to learn more and do the best for their kid. I encourage you all to check out their website - it's a really great group that's been up and running for over 10 years. Check it out!

-Kristi Hamm

Friday, March 11, 2011

Class this Week, Wednesday, March 16th

This week we are jumping to chapter 10, Early Intervention, Infant, and Preschool Programs.  Please bring the following with you to class:
  1. Your text book
  2. A laptop if you have one
  3. Any materials or resources you currently have or choose to get relative to this topic
We will be doing a variety of activities with our culminating activity being a panel discussion.  The panelists will be members of the class.  These panelist will be selected by you and no one will have to be a panelist if they choose not to be.

Class members in the audience will be responsible for creating and asking questions of the panelists.  I will serve as the discussion moderator.

We will have worked collectively on the information to be covered during the panel discussion prior to this in the various activities.  However, preparation for this class will certainly benefit you greatly.  There is information on Blackboard that will be of benefit to you in preparing as well as the information found in your text.

I look forward to our learning together on Wednesday evening!


Monday, March 7, 2011

Marlee Matlin on the Apprentice

So last night the apprentice premiered and Marlee Matlin is on it. I thought it was so cool to see her on it I was truly fascinated. I think what I loved more than anything is how strong she is and that nobody needs to underestimate her. I think that she is going to do very well in this show. She is raising money for a charity that gives hearing aids to children and adults for free. Here is a link where she talks more about her charity and how much it means to her. http://www.hulu.com/watch/218323/celebrity-apprentice-marlee-matlins-charity

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Good Class

I thought this past week's class was really great: when we had to separate into the various corners of the class, etc.

I guess I had never really thought about how deafness affected a person with more than just their deafness. It gave me a new perspective to consider. I thought about my deaf cousin, who had never been part of the deaf community, but had deaf tendencies. I think that Deafness DOES impact the person, their behaviors, who they are. I know a lot of people disagree with that, but I can't help but consider my cousin. He is deaf and grew up in a completely hearing society - not surrounded by other deaf to pick up on certain tendencies they do. He does them all on his own. It's really interesting, but I love it. I think deafness really creates a great community and I'm glad to be part of it! =)

chelsea.eddins

Friday, March 4, 2011

I hope everyone has a great Spring Break. If you're reading this I've learned how to post to the blog via a text message! I know I should be grading the rest of the tests!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

NO LIMITS!!!!

I was inspired by a previous post of the deaf dance in China, which led me to further youtube-ing in which I found this.  I love that deafness is not a limitation to those born to dance.  You think it would be... but on the contrary.  While I thoroughly enjoyed this, I also share a bit of embarrassment because I cant dance... Well I guess grace abounds. (lets hope anyway, lol)

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Test Date

I would like the test to be opened up March 2nd.

Jared M. Godbey

Monday, February 28, 2011

ASL class Project?

Sorry, that was going to be my second blog post. The previous clip from youtube was made by two students in an ASL 2 class. I thought it would be interesting if the EKU ASL classes asked us to do a project such as this one.

Here is the link to the Miley Cyrus song that I promised:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmKnQjBf8wM&feature=related

Party in the USA signed by Stephen Torrence

Here is a youtube video of Miley Cyrus's song Party in the USA signed by Stephen Torrence. Just thought it would be something fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC5tWuj7qcI&feature=related

Test 2

I don't care one way or the other about when the test is - but if I had to pick, I'd say March 2nd to open! =]

Voting for Test

I want the test to be open starting March 2nd!

Emily Bruner

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Deaf Schools and Mainstream Schools - One parent's perspective

This is a very interesting vlog (voice interpreted) about a parent's perspective on his choice whether to send his kids to a deaf school versus a mainstream school. As a recruiter for Gallaudet University he had the opportunity to go and visit perspective students at both deaf schools and at public schools, which caused him to have opinions about which he prefers. He brings up some points that I hadn’t considered about the pros and cons of both mainstream and deaf school environments. It is also very interesting when he describes his own experiences in grad school at a public university when he had to work on projects with other (hearing) students. He makes it clear these are just his personal opinions, but at any rate, his narrative is very compelling.

I am interested in learning more about Close Captioning for the theaters. It would be nice to see movies at the theater. Most people don't go because they (the movies) do not have CC at all. Those of us who can't view movies have to wait until it comes out on DVD's. That is not good at all. I thought that I would bring this subject up because its important to the D/HH community. If this comes up for a vote in the legislation in Kentucky, it would be great to have everyone vote yes to CC!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

CSI

I watched the Episode of CSI that had Marlee Matlin in it a few weeks ago. I was actually in Danville at my parent’s house when I watched it and I sat down and watched it with my parents. Not only was it a cool/rare experience for me to actually be able to sit down and watch a TV show with my parents, it was really neat so see their reaction to the deaf community and the TV show. I remember my mom kept asking me if I understood what they were saying even though there were captions; it made me feel so good that my mom got so excited about learning about the deaf community. I loved getting so share that part of my life with my parents through a simple hour long TV show, and it made me really miss watching TV with them almost every night when I was younger.
For all you Gleeks out there, and even those of you who are not. This is my favorite song that has been done on Glee so far (even more than the Brittney eppisode). Even though some of the Glee members were making fun of the fact that their was a deaf choir, I think that the song itself and the meaning behind all of it is very powerful.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNl91QXws7o

Test 2! Due? When? Test 2!

Ok...here's your chance to give your opinion as to WHEN you would like for Test 2 to open and be due.  Your two choices are:

1.  Have it open March 2nd and be due March 16th.

2.  Have it open March 16th and be due March 23rd.

Click on comment and state which Number 1 or 2.  You can give your reasoning if you'd like and are trying to convince others.  However, I will simply TALLY and the majority will decide for the class.  
Hmmmmm....fair?  Not fair?  To be discussed another time.

Sean Forbes "I'm Deaf" - This is really interesting

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Because we shouldn't have to...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIkjPwxOcdk

This is one of my favorite scenes from one of my favorite movies, X-Men 2. In it, two characters look extremely bizarre (on top of being mutants, or people with superpowers) but the woman can change her shape to look and sound like anyone in the world.

So her son (who doesn't know that she is his mother) brings up an interesting point; if you can "fix" yourself to look like everyone else, why don't you?

And since the video is kinda dark and difficult to really see just how bizarre looking they are, I added a better picture of Nightcrawler (the man). I know it's weird to be discussing comic book characters in a blog about deafness, but there's a reason that I love the character Nightcrawler so much, enough to get him tattooed on me: despite his appearance, he does not believe there is ANYTHING wrong with himself! He believes that mankind is inherently good, he is always optimistic, and remains deeply faithful regardless of what happens. I think characters like him are good role models for anyone who feels inadequate at times :-)

ZVRS

One of my friends on facebook shared a video about zvrs.com. It is coming up on in March and looks like something major for the Deaf. I am excited because it looks like videos that have deaf people in the videos with caption. This is great.I can't wait until March to learn and see more.Some of you may already be familiar with ZVRS.

Dance of 1,000 hands

There is a group in China that dances with their hands. It looks REALLY cool to watch all of these hands to work together and create these patterns that match the music.

Now here's the cool part...they are all deaf.

Deaf Panel

I really enjoyed listening to the different viewpoints given. I feel like they each represented a different portion of the Deaf culture but were still similar at the same time. Jenna had the cochlear implant and could use her voice, Josh had no form of assistive listening device and could not use his voice to speak of, and Ryan wore hearing aids but mainly used sign language to communicate. I also thought it was interesting to hear of their different educational backgrounds. Some were mainstreamed, some were put in residential schools, and others had small resource classrooms that were a part of a public school. I find it worthy to point out that despite the different educational placements, each person turned out to be an extremely talented and smart individual. They had the attitude that they could do whatever they wanted and no amount of hearing loss or difference in communication was going to stop them. I think this was the key to their life being so successful. Well, that and good interpreters. :) Overall, this panel and presentation was very inspiring!

Emily Bruner

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Coming Out as Deaf

A few months back, Steff shared this video with me. Props Steff for finding this video. I think it's fabulous. There are a few parts that some could find at frist to be boderline inappropriate. Please proceed with caution if you feel you may be offended. That is not my intention whatsoever and the two aprts I am talking baout are not actually what they seem to be (so give it a second and don't just click off the site). I hope this all makes sense. This video was presented at the London Deaf Film Festival a few years ago and has been viewed worldwide. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.
Anyways, here is the video.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3ai5IVfFdE

I think this video is great to point out the paralells between marganilzed groups who are forced to explain themselves and their identity because it is not the norm in society. Clearly this is exxagerated, but I think it makes some good points. What do you think about it?

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Through Your Child's Eyes (Video)

I found this video that one of my professors posted on facebook. I thought it was interesting to take a child's perspective as well as interviews from parents about teaching their deaf and hard of hearing children. To summarize, it focuses on teaching ASL to babies...and then as they get older introducing speech therapy, hearing aids, English and so on...

Thumbnail
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FV69iJuXwP4&feature=player_embedded

What are your thoughts?

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Yes You Can

I am going to answer ONE of the questions I posed last night.  I AM FULLY CONFIDENT that the students who are in SED337 have the potential to work alongside others in the field of Deaf Education and the Deaf Community to make an INCREDIBLE impact on the education of our NEXT GENERATION LEARNERS.  You may be preparing to be an Interpreter, a Speech & Language Pathologist, an Educator or many of the other professions that will touch young lives.  I believe you will make a difference.  Do you?

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Panelists Bios

Here is the link to the panelists' bios if you need them to assist you with the exam.

McDonalds - Universal Language commercia,l I thought this was really cool

More Access on Campus

Hello All!
As I mentioned in an earlier blog, I am a Peer Educator at EKU-SAFE. Recently ouor website had been updated to include information for survivors of violence in the Deaf community. I would love for you to check out this site. My hope is that you will pass this along to others and help spread the word.

Last semester I went to a workshop that discussed the major issue of violence within the Deaf community and how this violence is really silenced withint the community. Until recently there hasn't been much dialogue about this issue but there have been major grassroot efforts to provide advocacy and protection for Deaf and hard of hearing survivors. Our goal at EKU- SAFE is to allow a space to for all people to have equal and open access to our services and to confront the issue of violence proactively. I think it is so important that all members of this campus feel like they have a safe place to go if they have experienced violence . Please check out our site. If you have any feedback or suggestions/info/ideas for how we could improve th site, we would love to know!

www.safe.eku.edu/survivors/DeafServices/

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Deaf World vs. Hearing World.. I think it is the same World, personally...

I just want to start out to say that I was so mad when they didn't cancel night classes tonight, but now I am so happy we had class! I loved it! I feel like Jena, Josh and Ryan were some of the most down to earth, real people I have met in a long time, possibly ever really.
I think what I loved the most was when they talked about how important it is to be involved with both worlds-Hearing and Deaf. I also liked that they talked about it in a sense that it really isn't two worlds, but just learning how to interact with different groups of people. From my experience with the Deaf, it is fairly brief, I must admit, has been a completely different experience from tonight. Most of the Deaf people I have met went to high school with me, and I have met a few others through Deaf socials and things like that, but that's about it really. But for most of the Deaf kids who went to my school they D-E-A-F, DEAF DEAF DEAF! They were so into Deaf World this, and Deaf culture that, which I think is great, don't get me wrong, but at time I used to get so sick of it. With one of my friends, him and I would fight constantly over things like cochlear implants, and ASL verses SEE, and all those "hot" topics. I really do consider him a friend of mine, but I could slap him sometimes because he would talk down to me on some issues because I was Hearing, and "didn't understand." Whenever we would fight I would be so tempted to get up in his face and be like YOU ARE BEING SO HYPOCRITCAL WITH HOW YOU ARE TREATING ME AND THE POINTS THAT YOU ARE MAKING, but I refrained. Maybe it is because I'm ignorant of how the real world works, or a die-hard idealist, but to me, I don't see the world I live in broken up into sub-worlds. Yes, it has a million different cultures and sub cultures that people identify with, great, but we all live in the same world. I think separating ourselves into different "worlds" only keeps people ignorant. (This is going to turn into a rant probably really soon, so sorry, but I get passionate about these type things) For instance, I went to a premier of "Through Deaf Eyes" back in Louisville when I was a sophomore in high school, my first semester of learning sign language, and I remember getting SO MAD at some of the people there! After the movie people were invited to come up to the front and share their thoughts on....anything really. Well, needless to say the movie inspired a lot of Deaf pride, which I think is great, I really do, until you start talking about Hearing people like we're the bad guys. I sat through about four or five deaf people standing up and ranting and raving about how ignorant Hearing people are, and how clueless they are about Deaf culture, and they should really learn about it, etc. etc. etc. And to that I say yes, more Hearing people should be more aware and more knowledgeable about Deaf culture, but how about you SHOW ME HOW!! Never once did any of the Deaf people mention anything about Deaf people going out to educate Hearing people, or inviting them in to experience Deaf culture. It just made me so so so mad that it was so one-sided. Yes, it is great to say that changes need to be made, and yes, they do, but you have to be willing to put in the EFFORT to MAKE THE CHANGES!.
So, I really appreciated that the members of the panel gave it a general mixing of the worlds, and learning how to behave properly for both. I just found it refreshing.

Also, I loved Jena's comment about how we know nothing, degree or not, until we actually experience it. I just love that statement. It is one of those things, you know it is true, and there is no fighting it. Just like anything else, you are going to look to the person who has gotten their hands dirty in something rather than they guy who has read a lot of books on it. That's just life.

I hope I didn't ramble too much, and I didn't turn anyone off by what I said; I am just unloading my point that I have been carrying around for so long.

Thanks,
Natalie

Tonight's Panel

I really enjoyed tonight's class. Getting to talk to Josh, Jena, and Ryan was very interesting! Part of their stories is what has inspired me to become an interpreter. As you heard, my mom was one of the few interpreters that Josh and Ryan had when they mainstreamed into Boyle County schools. I did not realize the impact that her and Karen Lewis as well as Rita had on them. They have told me time and time again that they love my mom and all that she has done for them, but to hear their story tonight made it more real life for me. I am ready to begin my interpreting career so that I can make impacts like that on other students who choose to be mainstreamed. It is also inspiring to me to go back to a Boyle County sporting event where Josh or John or even Ryan may be attending and see all their former classmates stop and attempt to communicate to them. They may not know much sign, but to see them attempt to spell out words or try to learn is always a cool thing to watch. :)

ASLPro.com- Great Website!

Caitlin Hill and I found this website. If anyone is looking to improve their ASL, this is a great tool. There is an ASL dictionary which I use everyday. I go through the alphabet and learn 3 new signs everyday. There are also finger spelling quizzes. I am not very confident with comprehending fast finger spelling, so this has helped me a lot. I suggest this site to anyone learning ASL!

Tonight

Are we going to have class tonight? Madison County is already letting out kids early so I assume the weather is going to be bad.

Steff

What would you Do?

I was just curious if anyone had seen last week's episode of "What Would You Do?" (Friday, Feb 4th). For anyone who hasn't heard of the show, they use actors to create situations in public settings to see how people will react to the actors' behavior. For this episode, two actors, Deaf students from NTID went into a coffee shop and one tried to apply for a kitchen position. The manager of the shop, another actor, told her that he couldn't accept her application because she was Deaf. Then, the hidden cameras filmed how customers reacted. If you get the chance, you can watch this episode on HULU and you might be surprised by how some of the people reacted. Anyone else see it?

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Sharing Presentations

Please send me your presentations or post the links here on the blog!  This group has sent me their link to their presentation on Marlee Matlin.  THANK YOU!

Monday, February 7, 2011

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Question!

I was just wondering where the blogs are posted that we should read for class on Wednesday! I looked everywhere and can't remember where they are!

:)

Thanks,

Janaye!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

CSI

hey all!! not sure how many of you watched the new CSI episode, but I just wanted to post the website on here for those who haven't yet.

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/csi/video/?pid=3T4V0DjytB1Exwa6tUl_BduL9IGDKOrh

Marlee Matlin plays the lead role, along with many other Deaf actors - it's practically a whole Deaf cast!

It's a really great episode and it'll blow your mind :) there are captions available under the "other" button toward the bottom right of the video.

-Kristi Hamm

Monday, January 31, 2011

Mission Statement

Here's an example of a "multimedia presentation" of information or facts.  It's well done with specific "concepts" highlighted.  Obviously very well done!  One additional component I am excited to see - that I know can be challenging - in your projects is how you will engage students within the class and allow your fellow classmates to interact or be involved in the presentation! 

Introduction

Hi everyone,
This is my introduction, my name is Jared Godbey. I am a Deaf/Hard of Hearing Education Major with a minor in American Sign Language and Dance. I am in EKU's Dance Theatre and Ballroom Dance Club. I am also involved in the Residence Life Council, as I am a ConneXtions Success Leader in the Residence Halls. I am looking into the field of Audiology for graduate school. I am a fun loving guy, who likes to be around friends and hangout. I am hard of hearing myself, and have been through the education accommodations and process that go along with it. Also, being Hard of Hearing I do somewhat consider myself part of the Deaf Community.

Children's Point of View vs. Case Manager or Teacher of the DHH

Hey everyone,
So I was wondering everyone's opinion on this subject. If a child is Deaf/Hard of Hearing and a Case Manager or Teacher of the DHH suggests accommodations such as notetakers or an FM System and the child doesn't really want to use those accommodations for personal reasons (whether it be they feel uncomfortable in class with it or what not). Do we as future educators press that upon them that this is the best option or do we search for other options?
I mean obviously accommodations are useless if they aren't going to be used and it isn't our job to make children feel uncomfortable.

I recently have came across this being Hard of Hearing and my Case Manager suggests things and accommodations that I necessarily don't like or am comfortable with.

What's your opinion?

Prepared to Present Projects

I am excited to see your projects this week!!  I've loved getting your texts, FB messages and emails.  I am ready to see what great information you have for us.  I know some of you are going to post your projects on YouTube and I am sooooooo super psyched about this.  I plan to link those on my Face Book as well with your permission!  I do hope all groups will do this but it is not a requirement.

As you are wrapping up your projects if you have questions that need my immediate attention the best way to grab that is either via text, FB inbox message (it shows up on my phone) or to call me.  I do have a couple of meetings Tues & Weds but will be able to get back with you within a couple of hours.

Feel free to post questions here as well if you want other groups input.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Is anyone else scared?

Hey all,

I was looking through the blog today, and I've made a couple comments on some posts, and have really enjoyed reading what other people have posted as well.

This is going to sound kind of silly, but I left a comment about how happy I am when I meet DHH majors, blah blah blah, and at the end I said I knew I was going to be a good teacher (not bragging, out of context that sounds really conceited, but I promise I'm not that full of myself), but then I got to thinking. I know that sounds terrible, but every once in a while I think about all the "What if?"'s our there and I am stricken with fear! What if I screw it all up? What if I fall flat on my face, and all my students don't learn anything? What if I wasn't meant to teach Deaf students? I think that is fairly normal to have moments of doubt, because we are human after all.

But I can say that no matter how scared I am, I can't imagine doing anything else. I love ASL, and Deafness way to much. Also, for whatever reason I have teaching on my heart, and I've decided that it is what I am going to do, no matter how scary it might be, or how hard it gets. I think the harder classes get, and the harder I have to work make me love it all even more, just because I get so excited about the future too. I can't wait to have my own classroom!

So to sum up: I'm terrified, and loving every minute of it!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Questions

Hey Everyone-

So I have gotten some requests for me to put a blog up that lets you guys ask me questions/feedback about my experience growing up in a deaf world, as a child of deaf parents! So, feel free to comment and ask any questions you are interested in knowing about-no worries, I have gotten so many crazy questions I'm up for anything :)

I love the deaf, being around the deaf. Being at college has "deprived" me of that because I am used to being around the deaf so many hours every day. This is why this class makes me excited because it brings out the "deafness" in me.

Post questions! I would love to see what you all are curious about the deaf community from an inside perspective :)
Melinda

Waiting on the world to Change

This is a video that I had to watch for part of an assignment when I went to UK. It was for my intro to Special Ed class and it is one of the major reasons that I fell in love with ASL and the deaf community. It's less than 4 minutes long and totally worth it!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Groups

Hey guys! :)
I was not in class last Wednesday night to choose groups.
Is there anyone else that does not have a group?
If so, just let me know and we can be group members!
Thanks
Katie
Katie_fitzpatrick3@eku.edu
606-669-5095

Class Tonight - 1-26 - Changed to Individual Group Meetings

Good afternoon!

I have received an email from Debbie Haydon, Dept Chair, encouraging those faculty who have night class tonight to move our class ONLINE!  So, we will NOT BE HAVING CLASS ON CAMPUS!

The first part of class we were going to be working in our Multimedia Projects.  The second half of class we were going to be working in groups on a "Timeline Scramble" activity.

Instead of meeting ONLINE as a WHOLE class tonight I am going to ask you to meet with your group PRIOR to next week to complete your multimedia project and tonight's class activity.  If you have questions or needs regarding it - post them to the blog.  I'm sure others will be having questions, too.  You're welcome to text or call me at 859-338-4822.

NOTE your "project group" needs to complete the Timeline Scramble as well in order for everyone to get credit for class attendance for tonight.  The Timeline Scramble was attached to the email you received.  Directions will be available in Blackboard in a folder in the Chapter Resources area.   Questions?  Text, Call or Blog!
 
No class on campus in 346 tonight.  No whole group class together online.  Get with your group to complete:
1.  Your multimedia project
2.  Timeline scramble activity

Be warm!  Be safe!
Mrs. White

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

The Mayonnaise Jar

This kind of doesn't relate...but I think it's a good life lesson to remember about priorities.


The Mayonnaise Jar

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day is not enough; remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee. A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and start to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full.They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded With an unanimous ‘yes.’ The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand.The students laughed. ‘Now,’ said the professor, as the laughter subsided, ‘I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - God, family,children, health, friends, and favorite passions Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car.. The sand is everything else — The small stuff. ‘If you put the sand into the jar first,’ he continued,’there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. So… Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the dripping tap. ‘Take care of the golf balls first — The things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.’

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. ’I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend

Interesting Quote

I was watching the movie Fame the other week and I wrote this quote down.

There are some things success is not. It’s not fame, it’s not money, or power. Success IS waking up in the morning waking up in the morning SO excited about what you have to do that you literally fly out the door. It’s getting to work with people you love. Success is connecting with the world and making people feel. It’s finding a way to bind together people who have nothing in common but a dream. It’s falling asleep at night knowing you did the best job you could. Success is joy, and freedom, and friendship. And success is love.

For me, I'm going to be a teacher. I'm not sure where that will be or what I will do, but I want to teach. Learning excites me. Yeah, weird, I know. But I love learning and I love the process of learning. I try to even have fun in things I don't typically like. You know the most exciting thing for me? I'm going to succeed at my major and then I'll be a lifelong learner. That excited me to the point of giddiness when I was telling a friend that I'm NEVER going to stop learning.

I will have success in life because I'll be working with people I love and helping others reach their dreams. I know I will have done the best job I could have when the day is done. Will you be successful?

Adoption

Have any of you ever thought of adopting a deaf child? That's how I actually got interested in sign (the second time). There was a lady at my church that wanted to make a difference and adopted two young deaf girls. At the time, this lady was a single parent, but it meant THAT much to her that she provide a loving home for these kids that not many others wanted because they couldn't speak to them. That's why I started learning sign. I wanted to adopt a deaf child. Now, I'm seeing so many things open up for me as I sign. Such an interesting language and culture. I'm far from being there, but I love learning about it.

Monday, January 24, 2011

So what if . . .

your historical project was also posted to YouTube?  TeacherTube?  iTunesU?

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Beethoven's Nightmare: The World's Only ALL DEAF Rock Band

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw0ue44JZJk ALL DEAF Rock Band

This is a link to Beethoven's Nightmare; ALL the members are deaf (except the singer) and the band began at Gallaudet twenty years ago or so. They are absolutely awesome and perform a number of well-known hits plus some original creations. Enjoy!

Steff

Saturday, January 22, 2011

ABC News: Person of the Week!

Hi Guys!
Just wanted to share an extremely amazing thing I saw on television last night. It sort of relates to our conversation of including the music in our power point presentations, but overall it just stood out to me while I was flipping through the channels on T.V. I ran across the ABC news person of the week and it was a girl named Allyson Townsend. Some of you may have already heard of her but I thought what she is doing is truly amazing so I checked into it even farther. Allyson Townsend is a 2nd grade Deaf Education Teacher. She does not have any deaf people in her family, she does have a Deaf friend though and of course her students are Deaf also. She has a strong passion for signing. She signs many of todays songs on her youtube account and she signs them with passion and meaning behind them. Here is the link to the interview with Diane Sawyer:
http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/sign-language-opens-music-world-deaf-citizens-person-of-the-week-pow-allyson-townsend-youtube-features-12734730. In the interview it explains that 15,350 viewers have viewed her videos of all these different songs. In the interview it also shows her doing music and signing with students in her classroom and I think that is extremely important. I explored the youtube site and it amazed me! The link for that is: http://www.youtube.com/user/allyballybabe#p/u. She states that people should contact her if she is doing a sign wrong and she gives complete credit to the Deaf and their culture. She states that she gets one hundred request for new songs weekly and it is not possible for her to keep up with but she does try her best. It is an awesome site to visit because the Deaf are able to comment on the videos and enjoy watching her, while I also saw Deaf Education teachers comment on videos explaining how inspiring her videos are!
I found it to be an awesome thing and just wanted to share with the class!!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Impressed, Energized & Excited - YOUR EXIT SLIPS!

As I read your "Exit Slips" last night I was blown away by your "connections," "extensions" and "challenges."  What you already know because of your other classes is simply exciting.  Yet, as many of you were honest and shared because of your personal experiences or previous classes you come already holding a "specific viewpoint."  I am energized because of how you are "challenging" yourselves to explore and "open my mind" to learn more about various topics and to understand different perspectives!  That is all one can ask of a PROFESSIONAL, to be open-minded and consider ALL sides!!!  I nearly cried as I read some of your papers!  I am humbled to have the opportunity to learn with you and to teach you this semester!

The "big hitters" that appeared repeatedly that people really want to understand more about or I realize we need much more clarity around will resurface in other chapters.  It was affirming to me that these important ideas were important to you, too.  I will definitely make a point to highlight them in a variety of ways in our upcoming classes.  Some of them I am going to introduce as topics for discussion here on the blog as well.  I invite YOU to share links, experiences, anything you would like from your wealth of expereince related to these topics as well.  Post away!

Here were the "big hitters" that were still puzzling us and causing us challenges:  modes of communication, methods of instruction, identification/definition of Deaf/Hard of Hearing, The Deaf Community/Deaf Culture, IEPs, legislation,

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

example

this is an example.

Question for Everybody

Here is a question: do you think that reading is visual? While it is true we use our eyes, we are also relying on our ability to "hear" the sound the word would make if we were to read aloud. What do you guys think?

Thinking Visually

1. How do you believe this type of thinking and activity can influence your learning in SED337?

Honestly, I am not entirely sure. Most of the time I believe that I am not, but I have found that if my world is visually "busy" I get distracted easily and cannot concentrate. There are a few concepts, particularly in science, that are best presented visually, but overall I do not believe I am visual. Well, I take that back: would reading count as visual? It's an interesting question because it is certainly different from something such as math. What do you guys think?

2. How do you believe it could impact the learning of students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing?

In my classes with psychology, we have learned that the brain makes sense of what we hear and what we see. Taking away one aspect of this and leaving only one may make things especially difficult for some Deaf students. In my own personal experience, I know sometimes I can look at a math problem and say "what on earth am I looking at?" Since ASL and various sign methods can be dramatically different from English, explanations and definitions may become mixed up and difficult to understand.

Visible thinking

As I read the article and read through several other comments, I too am a visual learner. This may be a way everyone can participate and have other classmates to learn more about each other. The instructor may also have a chance to understand their class which will possibly make every semester different in teaching methods for the instructor. I like interacting with other classmates. Sure hope this is a way to enhance my knowledge of the Deaf Community.

Visible Thinking

  1. How do you believe this type of thinking and activity can influence your learning in SED337?
I am a visual learner.  I enjoy being able to see things and make connections and discussing my thoughts out loud.  With that in mind, this kind of thinking and activity would be ideal for my learning experience in this class. 
This article was really amazing because it opened up the concept of visible thinking and learning and made it clear of how it can effect students individually and the classroom culture.

      2.  How do you believe it could impact the learning of students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing?

I personally think that for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students that use the visual language of signed language to communicate that they probably learn very similar to the way I learn in which is visually.  For Deaf and hard of hearing students that this is true for, thinking and learning this way would be ideal for best results in their education.  There are exceptions to every rule.  So for the students who don't learn best visually I still think this would be an amazing tool that would positively effect their lives because this concepts effects the classroom culture and challenges the students that thinking is valued and challenges the students to think because that is the learning environment that they are in.  THat is amazing.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Visible Thinking Article

How do you believe this type of thinking and activity can influence your learning in SED337?

This article described teaching methods that really allowed room for student involvement and discussion on issues relating the material that they were covering. Rather than a teacher simply lecturing and requiring the students to retain the information, the teacher actively engaged them in the learning process by challenging them to tell what they already knew and build upon the ideas of others. I think this style of learning can be greatly influential in my learning of the material in SED 337. Once I see others thoughts and opinions, I can form or change my own based on the new ideas and concepts that I see. This is a really smart way to help students teach each other. What I may be too shy to ask aloud in class may be an idea or question that someone else had. This way I can subtly see what the answer was or help form my own answer, all the while learning in a style and comfort zone that is best for me. Awesome article!


How do you believe it could impact the learning of students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing?

This style of learning would greatly impact the learning of Deaf or Hard of Hearing students. They are visual learners anyway and this style of teaching allows students to write or draw out their ideas and then other students can walk around the room and, in a sense, collaborate with their peers to come up with a final answer or thought. Not only does this build interpersonal relationships, but it inspires a healthy attitude toward research and seeing other students perspectives.


Emily Bruner

Introduction to Deafness

Hi!

My name is Natalie Hatfield and I am a sophomore at EKU. I am an Deaf Education major, and I hope to teach at the elementary school level, hopefully fourth or fifth grade level.
My life right now is not exactly the most exciting to talk about, since my life consists of going to school and working myself into the ground to excel in my classes, and then working my way through the summer at my two jobs (Sales Associate at Gordon Food Service Market Place and Clerk at Heitzmens Traditional Bakery and Deli), but I'm not complaining. I love every minute of it! I love my classes I have taken so far, and I am really excited about my classes in the future. The more I learn the more I love my major.
I am a very family oriented person. My family is very important to me, and I would do anything for my family. I have two brothers and two sisters and I live with my dad in Louisville during the summers. The most exciting news is our new edition to our family! My older sister just had a baby on the 1st of January! So I am a brand new aunt of a beautiful girl named Kailyn Ann! I miss her like crazy, because my sister lives up in Lansing, because she is a student at Michigan State University for elementary education.
Well.... that's all I can think of! I am really excited about this class, and I hope to learn a lot!

Natalie Hatfield

Intorduction

Hi My name is Erica Estes. I'm graduating in December. I've been married for 15 months, we are expecting our first child; her name is Zoei Marie. I'm 31 weeks pregnant due March 21st. We just bought our first house this last Friday. I'm a police studies major with a minor in ASL.

Visible Thinking

  1. How do you believe this type of thinking and activity can influence your learning in SED337?
This type of thinking and activity can greatly improve the way that we learn and practice the things that we learn in the class. Visible thinking allows us to really investigate what we know about the topic and how we can explain it back related to many different areas. I think visible thinking is great because it is a great way to "see" how everyone has learned the topic and gives others a chance to explain to others about the topics and concepts that they do not understand.
  1. How do you believe it could impact the learning of students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing?
In the world of the deaf and hard of hearing, this way of learning works wonders. Deaf and hard of hearing are visible learners and to allow them to see what they are learning and to write responses/questions allows them to see and *pah!* understand what they are trying to learn. Only verbally/signing a topic or concept will not go anywhere with them, but rather visualizing what they need to know in their mind is a way that they see and organize their work and thoughts. Being a CODA, visible learning is key to getting anywhere with new knowledge with the deaf. Just explaining won't get them anywhere, but rather showing them the knowledge is best.

-Melinda Wright

Sunday, January 16, 2011

response to Visible Thinking

1. How do you believe this type of thinking and activity can influence your learning in SED337?
- I think that it is very essential to letting everyone be able to voice opinions and not be judged. I also think that it is helpful to being able to express the ideas that the class wants and still be able to agree to disagree. I like the idea of sharing thoughts and different perspectives.

2. How do you believe it could impact the learning of students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing?
- For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing students it could include them more in the discussion because they would feel just as important and included as everyone else. Everyone would have the same exposure to the activity in the class. Those students would have equal opportunity and feel connected and therefore have the opportunity to learn better.

Visible Thinking Questions

1. How do you believe this type of thinking and activity can influence your learning in SED337?
Personally, I am more of a visual learner. To do these types of activities with putting the information on the wall for me to look at would help me greatly. If the information is on the wall for me to look at, there is a greater chance that I would look at the information more, than if it were in the text book where I had to look it up. I think we should do more of these kinds of activities to help my learning.
2. How do you believe it could impact the learning of students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing?
The language within the Deaf and Hard of Hearing culture is a visual language. To put the information up on the wall for them to look at and comment or ask questions on would be a wonderful thing to do. This would have them interacting with each other asking questions while also gaining more knowledge on the topic being discussed.

Visible Thinking Questions

1. How do you believe this type of thinking and activity can influence your learning in SED337?
Personally, I am more of a visual learner. To do these types of activities with putting the information on the wall for me to look at would help me greatly. If the information is on the wall for me to look at, there is a greater chance that I would look at the information more, than if it were in the text book where I had to look it up. I think we should do more of these kinds of activities to help my learning.
2. How do you believe it could impact the learning of students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing?
The language within the Deaf and Hard of Hearing culture is a visual language. To put the information up on the wall for them to look at and comment or ask questions on would be a wonderful thing to do. This would have them interacting with each other asking questions while also gaining more knowledge on the topic being discussed.