This article discusses interdisciplinary thematic units in the context of special and general education curricula and focuses on ways technology can be used to enhance interdisciplinary thematic units. Examples of curriculum integration activities enhanced by technology are provided in the context of productivity tools, presentation and multimedia tools, contextual themed software, and Web-based activities.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Blair, R., Gardner, J., Fisher, G., Ryker, P., & Toperzer, J. (2001, April). Enhancing thematic units by integrating technology. Paper presented at the annual conference of the Council for Exceptional Children, Kansas City, MO.
Davidson & Associates. (1998). Learning Center 4th Grade Word Problems and Logical Thinking Skills [Computer software]. Torrance, CA: Author.
5.
De La Paz, S. (1999). Composing via dictation and speech recognition systems: Compensatory technology for students with learning disabilities. Learning Disability Quarterly, 22(3), 173—182.
6.
Dodge, B. (1997). Some thoughts about WebQuests. Retrieved May 1, 2001, from http://edweb.sdsu.edu/courses/edtec596/about_webquests.html
7.
Don Johnston. (2001a). Co:Writer 4000 [Computer software]. Volo, IL: Author.
8.
Don Johnston. (2001b). Draft Builder [Computer software]. Volo, IL: Author.
Edmark. (2000). Space Academy GX-1 [Computer software]. Redmond, WA: Author.
11.
Edyburn, D.L. (1989). Using microcomputers in special education teacher training programs. Capturing the Potential, 2(2), 1—3.
12.
Edyburn, D.L. (1999). 99 essential web sites for special educators. Special Education Technology Practice, 1(3), 12—16.
13.
Englemann, S., & Hanner, S. (1985). SRA reading mastery III (Textbook B). DeSoto, TX: SRA/ McGraw-Hill .
14.
Ferretti, R.P., & Okolo, C.M. (1996). Authenticity in learning: Multimedia design projects in the social studies for students with disabilities. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 29, 450—460.
15.
Gagné, R.M. (1985). The conditions of learning (4th ed.). New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston.
16.
Gardner, J.E., & Edyburn, D.L. (2000). Integrating technology to support effective instruction . In J. D. Lindsey (Ed.), Technology and exceptional individuals (pp. 191—240). Austin : PRO-ED.
17.
Gardner, J.E., & Wissick, C.A. (2002). Enhancing thematic units using the world wide web: Tools and strategies that integrate technology for students with mild disabilities. Journal of Special Education Technology, 17, 27—38.
18.
Grabinger, R.S. (1996). Rich environments for active learning. In D. H. Jonassen (Ed.), Handbook of research for educational communications and technology (pp. 665—692). New York: Macmillan.
19.
Graham, S., & MacArthur, C.A. (1988). Improving learning disabled students' skills at revising essays produced on a word processor: Self instruction strategy training. The Journal of Special Education, 22, 133—152.
Intellitools. (2000). IntelliTalk II [Computer software]. Novato, CA: Author.
23.
International Society for Technology in Education. National Educational Technology Standards for Students. (2000). Eugene, OR: Author.
24.
Jonassen, D.H., & Reeves, T.C. (1996). Learning with technology: Using computers as cognitive tools. In D. H. Jonassen (Ed.), Handbook of research for educational communications and technology (pp. 693— 719). New York: Macmillan .
25.
Kalasinskas, R. (2001). Animals of the rainforest. Retrieved June 1, 2001, from http://www.animalsoftherainforest.org/poisonarrowfrog1.htm
Learning Co. (1998). KidPix Studio [Computer software]. Cambridge, MA: Author.
29.
Learning Co. (1999a). The Cluefinders 4th Grade Adventures [Computer software]. Cambridge, MA : Author.
30.
Learning Co. (1999b). Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? [Computer software]. Cambridge, MA: Author.
31.
MacArthur, C.A. (1996). Using technology to enhance the writing process of students with learning disabilities. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 29, 344—354.
32.
MacArthur, C.A. (1998). From illegible to understandable: How word prediction and speech synthesis can help. Teaching Exceptional Children , 30(6), 66—71.
33.
Male, M., & Gotthoffer, D. (1999). Quick guide to the internet for special education. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
34.
March, T. (1997). WebQuests. Retrieved May 1, 2001 , from http://www.filamentality.com/wired/fil/formats.html#WebQuest
35.
McNaughton, D. (1998). Tech talk: “You talk, it types?” Not quite: Speech recognition technology for postsecondary students with disabilities. Journal of Postsecondary Education andDisability, 13(2), 78—81.
36.
Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory. ( 2001). Thematic or integrated instruction. Retrieved May 1, 2001, from http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/students/atrisk/at7lk12.htm
37.
Okolo, C. (2000). Technology for individuals with mild disabilities . In J. Lindsey (Eds.), Technology and exceptional individuals (3rd ed., pp. 243—301). Austin: PRO-ED.
38.
Reutzel, D.R. (1997). Integrating literacy learning for young children . In C. H. Hart, D. C. Burts, & R. Charlesworth (Eds.), Integrated curriculum and developmentally appropriate practice (pp. 225—254). Albany: State University of New York Press.
39.
Robyler, M.D., & Edwards, J. (2000). Integrating educational technology into teaching . Columbus, OH: Merrill.
40.
Shoemaker, B. (1989). Integrative education: A curriculum for the twenty-first century. Oregon School Study Council, 33(2).
41.
Space.com (2002). Starry night [Computer software]. Toronto, Canada: Author.
42.
Stipek, D.J. (1998). Motivation to learn: From theory to practice (2nd ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
43.
Tom Snyder. (1997a). Great Ocean Rescue [Computer software]. Cambridge, MA: Author.
44.
Tom Snyder. (1997b). Great Solar System Rescue [Computer software]. Cambridge, MA: Author.
45.
Vardell, S.M. (1995). Thematic units: Integrating the curriculum. In M. R. Sorensen & B. H. Lehman, (Eds.), Teaching with children's books: Paths to literature-based instruction (pp. 129—136). Urbana, IL: The National Council of Teachers of English.
46.
Wetzel, K. (1996). Speech-recognizing computers: A written-communication tool for students with learning disabilities?Journal of Learning Disabilities, 29, 371—380.
47.
Wissick, C.A., & Gardner, J.E. (1998). A special educator's learner's permit to the world wide web. Teaching Exceptional Children, 30(5), 8—15.
48.
Wissick, C.A., Schweder, W., Vesh, C., Coughenour, K., & Smithey, F. (2001, April). Technology integration: Mentors, models and making grilled cheese. Paper presented at the annual conference of the Council for Exceptional Children, Kansas City, MO.
