[NIFL-AALPD:1632] Re: Integrating computer technology

From: Art LaChance (arthur@ellijay.com)
Date: Thu Sep 30 2004 - 14:51:18 EDT


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From: "Art LaChance" <arthur@ellijay.com>
To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov>
Subject: [NIFL-AALPD:1632] Re: Integrating computer technology
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Andrea, Bob, +

If I can add my take on this.

It appears to me that once the erroneous engrams or neural pathways develop
and become reference operating procedures for the stimulus that created them
they remain in place until changed and therefore continue to refine
themselves in terms of response time and application.  Therefore when we
look at MRI's of malfunctioning brain processes they will not appear
"normal" as the patterns are not being generated along energy pathways in
areas that are commonly utilized for those specific purposes.

Therefore malfunctioning, ie not normal, processes must be corrected via
repetetion accompanied by appropriate feedback, which necessarily means
positive as any form of negative feedback will bring forth the emotional
block that has been generated by the self protection system ingrained in
flight/flight.  The actual onset or origination of the misdirected impulses
that govern the malfunctioning brain processes must be localized and
addressed at it's lowest level to ensure efficacy.  Should the initial
response patterning not be addressed, ie induce change in midstream
somewhere, the automatic functions will retain control and actually replace
the change with standard patterns, and continue in the manner they've been
allowed to until the actual response trigger mechanism is changed.

Good computer programming that performs it's own analysis and then redirects
the student back to that lowest level will be effective in the redirect
process - IF the program allows for appropriate continuation of skill
repetetion designed to continually reinforce the newer pathways until the
entire response roadmap has changed to whatever is desired.

Current diagnostics only appear to be able to identify that there is in fact
a dysfunction, and unfortunately labels that dysfunction as permanent and
unchangeable.  There are certain genetic traits that do limit the brain in
some of the higher level multi-dimension functioning, however I think most
of what we see in the adult literacy classroom is changeable.

To compare experiential activities with children vs adults:  the child's
brain patterning can be changed readily and doesn't require anywhere near
the feedback, repetetion, and time that it takes to change an adult's
patterning.

art



Art LaChance
Gilmer Learning Center
Ellijay, GA




----- Original Message ----- 
From: <AWilder106@aol.com>
To: "Multiple recipients of list" <nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov>
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2004 10:30 AM
Subject: [NIFL-AALPD:1628] Re: Integrating computer technology


> Bob--
>
> I don't have a test--yet.
>
> "Yet" because I may be able to dig one up.
>
> The major deficit is due to  "mixing" problems in the temporal lobe of the
brain--sound and symbol don't match up as well as they should.  This will
show up in normal spelling as a distinctive pattern, this is an informal
diagnostic which a knowledgeable teacher could perform.
>
> This type of diagnostic is confounded by some other possible problems:
>
> 1)  a beginning reader
> 2)  poor teaching in the past
> 3)  other deficits
>
> However, this type of learner can probably keep in mind very simple
spelling patterns, like CVC or CVCe words.  They are stored visually, not
auditorily.  As soon as the learner has longer and more complex
phonologically words to deal with, the  memory goes into overload; the
sound system which couldn't manage the easier words is dysfunctional.
>
> What I am interested in is whether the computer  programs through
repetition and auditory means, whatever, can remediate  this problem, which
is the characteristic "dyslexic" problem.
>
> Where should the knowledge be, in the machines or in the teachers?  How
knowledgeable are the people who write the programs?
>
> I wish I were in a room with multiple  programs  set up so I could  see
for myself perhaps why something is "working."
>
> As there seem to be programs that "work," I am wondering about the
sequencing of reading skills.
>
> The Wilson program, for example, still in a paper version as far as I
know, has a very specific sequence built first on phonetic principles and
then on "greatest regularity" principles when phonetic principles aren't
enough.
>
> I'd be interested in any of your thoughts on this.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Andrea
>
>
>
>



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