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| Reviewed: |
Feb 26, 2008 by Teacher Education |
| Overview: |
The Iris Center at Vanderbilt provides a wide variety of resources in the form of case studies, tutorials, fact sheets, a searchable database of web resources, an online glossary and much more to ensure that general education teachers, school administrators, school nurses, and school counselors are well prepared to work with students who have disabilities and with their families.The resource materials here will help both general education students and general teacher education faculty learn more about working with students with disabilities to help them access the general education curriculum. Teams of experts at the Iris Center are creating a range of course enhancement materials,including interactive modules for student-use, and an array of resources for faculty. Such course enhancements include: PowerPoint presentations, supplementary course handouts, and other high-interest materials that are readily accessible for practical use in existing required courses. |
| Learning Goals: |
The primary goal of this site it to help teachers at all levels and in all subject areas to meet the educational needs of all students, including those with disabilities. To meet this goal, the site offers a wide variety of free materials, interactive modules, and research-based resources for teachers. |
| Target Student Population: |
Pre-service and in-service general and special education teachers, school counselors, school administrators, and school nurses. The materials contained in this engaging learning portal is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students. |
| Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: |
Basic knowledge of the nature and needs of children with disabilities, curriculum development and teaching methods are helpful, but not necessary. It is also helpful that the users of this web based resource have a basic knowledge of IDEA and the requirements of providing a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment for students with disabilities. |
| Type of Material: |
Interactive modules, case studies, activities, a searchable web resource dictionary, information briefs, and searchable online dictionary. |
| Recommended Uses: |
The information contained in this learning module lends itself to a wide range of classroom learning activities both teacher directed and for individual learning. Carefully designed lessons to view, interact with, and to assist the viewer in planning and developing meaningful classroom and field experiences based on research methods and materials found to provide positive learning for both students with disabilities and for those who are to direct the learning of those students in inclusive settings. |
| Technical Requirements: |
To take full advantage of the offerings on the site, users will need the current versions of Adobe Reader and Quicktime. Both of these are free downloads. |
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| Strengths: |
Content for all of the 29 interactive modules are sound. The modules are based on research application that supports the teaching methods and materials advocated in the module. The content is consistent with requirements for NCLB and IDEA. To support the content modules, there are Case Studies that guide the viewers both divergent and covergent thinking in an effort to solve the problem presented.Of special note are the Resources given that orient the user to the use of Star Legacy Modules, a How To for Faculty and Students further assist user in the use of the module for teaching and learning. This learning object is a dynamic work. New modules and information are added periodically keeping it fresh and relevant. |
| Concerns: |
None |
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Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool |
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| Strengths: |
From the perspective of pre-service teacher preparation, this site provides case studies and other scenarios to provide examples of actual encounters of classroom challenges regarding learners with disabilities.
From the perspective of classroom teachers, this site offers a variety of resources available for immediate use in classrooms, and it also provides solidly researched information to help teachers understand current requirements and needs. From the perspective of all, the site has a reliable search feature that makes it easy to quickly locate useful information to meet individual needs. |
| Concerns: |
None |
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Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty |
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| Strengths: |
This site is well organized and well designed to provide quality information to users at varying levels of expertise. It should prove to be an excellent resource for both classroom teachers and pre-service teachers who are preparing to meet the needs of all students in their classrooms. |
| Concerns: |
None |
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| Other Issues and Comments: |
This site is well organized and well designed to provide quality information to users at varying levels of expertise. It should prove to be an excellent resource for both classroom teachers and pre-service teachers who are preparing to meet the needs of all students in their classrooms. |
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