In “The Rise of iPads in the Classroom”, an article written by Sarah Watson, a brief explanation as to why technology is becoming more valuable in different learning environments is discussed. Watson goes into great depth while trying to explain how and why the iPad plays an important role as a form of assistive technology to students that have learning disabilities. She highlights how, “desktop computers and laptops are also becoming a thing if the past… the iPad offers a sense of independence with many children, especially those with disabilities” (Watson 58). Serving for a more suitable and comfortable fit for students with a learning disability, such as autism, the iPad has helped to create stronger and more effective results when compared to the, “bulky, expensive older forms of assistive technology… [like] DynaVoxMaestro and DynaVoxDynaWrite 2.0” (Watson 58). Not only does Watson admire the usage of the iPad, but other educators do as well. Many feel that the iPad is a much more connective system of technology mainly because a variety of the students are, “visual learners and using the interactive touchscreen assists their visual needs” (Watson 60). In other words, the iPad can draw the child into being more attentive all while teaching them different social skills and a variety of subjects such as English or math. With Watson’s evidence, she helps to persuade her audience on how beneficial the use of iPads can prove to be. With Watson’s use of other cited research articles to using her own personal time to interview other teachers, she was able to support her thesis on how she feels iPads can prove to be an effective form of assistive technology to students with disabilities.
Being able to use words to describe or explain ourselves is a gift in itself.Using different forms of expression such as art or writing is a unique way to portray your ideas visually to others. With writing specifically, you’re capable of creating a more detailed idea of your personal perspective. Over the past few weeks of writing blogs in this class, I was able to notice a transformation in the complexity of my writing while notifying my ability to more clearly clarify my point of view. Reading a range of different pieces by different authors helped not only to enhance my vocabulary, but it also gave me ideas upon how to approach writing different forms of papers. I myself enjoy writing in my spare time, so I did in fact enjoy formulating my own input through these blog posts. It was a way for me to creatively express my own personal ideas on the specific topic. Rereading my work from last month in comparison to my work now is interesting because I am actually reflecting off of the work that at one point I thought was good enough. An individuals writing can always be better, and these blog posts really helped me to understand that. I notice that, even before I begin to write, I try my best to clearly understand a piece and all of the possible themes that could be in it. Doing so allows me the opportunity to have a clear standpoint on my blog’s main focus and helps to keep my writing on a steady track.
In this essay, “Holistic Approaches to Combatting Depression”, written by Kelli Lovdahl’s, the argument is circulated around the idea that holistic approaches for curing depression are more effective than medication. With plenty of explicit evidence, she proves her ideal perspective. Lovdhal’s explains that many people who turn to meditational alternatives and use cognitive behavioral therapy to help control their depression and it’s symptoms often relapse. This fact is particularly important because it shows that this methods doesn’t prove to be helpful. Lovdhal then goes into depth about the holistic approach. She believes that this tactic will help, “basic needs, drawn from a heavily evolutionary standpoint, that we lack a proper regulation because of modernization” (Lovdahl 48). In other words, the holistic approach can help to combat depression using less medication. Lovdahl then goes on to discuss that they are beneficial, maybe because they don’t involve medication as much. She mentions the practice of meditation and how it, “has been proved to successfully reduce anxiety as much as medication such as Xanax Ativan when practiced properly, while simultaneously empowering the person” (Lovdahl 48). In this quote, readers are informed on how meditation can be more suitable for patients depression. Lovdahl stresses how the importance of energy and clear mindedness can control the flow of peace throughout a depressed mindset. Lovdahl mentions the practice of Reiki. She explains how it is important for helping with depression because a “Reiki master is able to “force” energy into its proper state – in this way, it is very easy for the patient if they are having difficulties connecting to their own energy” (Lovdahl 51). Overall she feels like the use of medication is unhelpful when trying to progress someone who is undergoing depression.