Technology Programs at Harbor School
We incorporate technology into all of our classrooms and therapy areas. Each classroom has a flat screen television with a DVD player. Computers are in every room. Touch screens and other adaptive devices are used so that the computer is accessible to everyone. Each teacher has their own ipad in order to utilize a variety of educational apps.
Augmentative Technology
Augmentative/Alterative Communications (AAC) systems are utilized in order to facilitate interactions. Various devices including dedicated speech generating devices, iPads with AAC applications, VOCAs (Voice Output Communication Aids), PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), PODD (Programmatically Organized Dynamic Display), Tactile Symbol Systems and Sign Language are examples of systems implemented in order for each student to have a voice. Speech therapists are able to recommend evaluations, customize devices and provide direction for implementation within the classroom.
Wii Fit System
The occupational and physical therapists use the Wii Fit System as part of our students therapy. This serves as a highly motivating tool which enhances gross motor skills.
White Board Systems
Each classroom is equipped with a whiteboard, Mimio system and stylus. Students use the interactive white boards to help support them in the learning process. The whiteboards not only display information for students to view, but they become an interactive screen through the use of the Mimio system and stylus. Students are able to move about the classroom and answer questions by simply touching the board in the appropriate area with the stylus. This is just another modality to help students become engaged in their own learning.
iPads
Technology is engrained throughout the school day at the Harbor School. In any particular classroom, numerous students will be using personalized iPads as AAC devices to help them communicate, answer questions, make requests and socialize with their peers. In addition, our educational iPads serve as reinforcement for academic topics being taught in the classroom. In order to stay on top of what’s new and exciting, our technology department sends out weekly notifications for apps that teachers and therapists might find useful.
Sheldon’s World!
Sheldon is a humanoid robot designed to help improve special education teaching by stimulating social interaction through play and allowing users greater autonomy. Harbor School recognizes that most children are attracted to technology, therefore “Sheldon” acts as the perfect bridge between the world of technology and children.
Sheldon, helps to un-lock self confidence by responding to voice commands and tracks each child’s performance helping them reach important learning goals in a way that is both fun and effective.