Diverse+Learners


 * DIVERSE LEARNERS**

The following is the learning profile for Matthew and Louisa for a Database Design lesson, the same issues and factors would apply to the Computer Literacy Unit.


 * Class Learning Profile Model Template**


 * Grade:**8 **Teacher**: Mr. O. **Subject**: Computers **Standard**: C8.6. //Database Design//
 * Goal**: Develop databases that are properly and normalized using appropriate schemas

//Louisa//—Quick learner and excellent observer || //Matthew//— Hearing impairment //Louisa//—English language learner || //Louisa//—Likes Art, music, and independent learning ||
 * **Network** || **S****t****ud****e****n****t****s**—**Strengths** || **S****t****ud****e****n****t****s**—**Weaknesses** || **S****t****ud****e****n****ts**—**Preferences/Interests** ||
 * **Recognition** (Learning “what”) || //Matthew//— Acute sensitivity to moods and situations
 * **Strategy** (Learning “how”) || //Matthew// —Excellent math and Computerskills when given time

//Louisa//— Outstanding concentration and attention to detail || //Matthew//—Has some fine motor skills limitations and difficulty with handwriting //Louisa//— Can become over-focused, difficulty with transitions || //Matthew//—Loves computer games, strategy simulations and role playing games || //Louisa//—Works hard and also persistent || //Matthew//— Difficultyworkingin groups //Louisa//— Difficultyworkingin groups ||  ||
 * **Affect** (Learning “why”) || //Matthew//— Very persistent will not quit


 * C****u****rr****iculumBarriers**


 * Grade:**8 **Teacher**: Mr. O. **Subject**: Computers **Standard**: C8.6. //Database Design//
 * Goal**: Develop databases that are properly and normalized using appropriate schemas


 * **M****aterials and Methods** || **StudentQualities** || **Potential Barriers/Missed Opportunities** ||
 * Printed textbook || //Matthew//—Low vision || Difficulty seeing small text ||
 * Lecture/whole class presentation || //Louisa//—Limited English || Difficulty comprehending meaning ||
 * Database Structure || //Louisa//—Limited English || Difficulty decoding and understanding the word meaning ||
 * Queries and Reports || //Louisa//—Limited English || Difficulty decoding and understanding the word meaning ||
 * Database Entry || //Matthew//—Limited Fine Motor Skills || Will need more time to enter data into the database. ||

Matthew has cerebral palsy that affects his fine motor skills and vision. He has glasses that have corrected his vision somewhat. He need to sit in front of the class where he can have a better position to see the projection from the LCD projector, and any other visual. Matthew will also need extra time with any handwriting, and computer entry tasks due to the limits of his fine motor skills. Matthew loves computes and can accomplish most tasks he just needs extra time to finish.

Louisa’s home language is Spanish and is an English learner student. She is very proficient in her native language and needs extra help in transferring meaning to help her understand the technical terms, and some common language issues. She is a very hard worker, who strives to get it right. She does at times seems be prone to over-focusing on a topic or task that can cause her to get behind. Louisa has easy access so the teacher can see when she may be having a problem and she can use the chat feature in in the LanSchool, software to send a question to the teacher if she needs clarification. This has been a great help as she prefers not to let other students know she is having a problem with a concept or particular unit.

The Computer Literacy Unit takes into account the needs for diversity and the accommodations that must be mad to help students like Louisa and Matthew succeed. The pdf text for this unit is viewed on the computer and can the size can be adjusted to help overcome Matthew’s vision issues. The quizzes and all visual aids can be show in the same fashion and can be printed out in a size that is more suitable for his vision needs. Matthew also sits as close to the front where the LCD screen can best be seen and is in an aisle seat for easy access.

 For both students, instruction needs to be chunked in small groups, and extra help with vocabulary and terms are needed to help Louisa’s as she is an English language learner. She also needs more time working on quizzes as she tries to comprehend the words. Both students do not have any problem following along with any demonstrations on the computer and are capable of working alone, with extra help as needed. Matthew’s fine motor limitations are not an issue as he will be using a modified keyboard that is suited for his needs. Both students like working on the computer and working independently as well. With the above modifications both of these students can complete this Computer Literacy Unit successfully.