Burker-FETC08

//**Session Description (1964 characters, 2000 characters max)**// Participants will learn how a Tech Club was transformed to be more inclusive of girls and students on the Autism Spectrum. Creating a more inclusive Tech Club meant building upon the collaborative possibilities offered by hands-on projects in which students used technology to create work that expressed their individual identities and abilities. After reviewing how constructivist technology projects engaged girls, boys, and Autistic students, participants will consider how they, too, might create more authentic learning adventures that integrate technology into the curriculum.

Participants will be introduced to and provided examples of how different hardware and software is used in learning adventures. Based on examples from an inclusive Tech Club, participants will be introduced to digital photography, podcasting, and stop-motion and live-action film. Examples of each technology and how students utilized the technology to effectively communicate and share an artistic creation will be provided. The goal will be to help participants create similar technology projects in their own elementary schools. Examples of how technology and digital literacy can be implemented into existing classroom curriculum will be provided. Examples of students on the Autism Spectrum using technologies like podcasting and movie-making to more effectively communicate and build collaborative relationships will also be shared.

Attendees will gain knowledge about the use of and access to digital tools. They will be provided with strategies for creating more inclusive technology-rich learning environments. Collaborative, student-led projects encourage participation in technology-rich projects by a diverse group of students. The project ideas provided encourage student ownership of the project and student leadership. Furthermore, participants will also gain insight into proven strategies for incorporating students on the Autism Spectrum in learning adventures.

Discover exciting uses of multi-media technology to empower a diverse elementary population! Our Tech Club's hands-on projects engage girls, boys, and students on the Autism Spectrum. Through multimedia learning adventures, students develop information, communication, and leadership skills that transformed their identity.
 * //Program Description (323 characters, 350 characters max)//**