I found out that there are other modifications I could have used to help my students with special needs. It turns out that the screen magnifier mentioned is old technology. Windows 7 and even Windows Vista has a program that is about ease of access. It makes changes for the individual needs of the user. It can slow down the mouse and make it easier for students with mobility issues to use. It also has a built in screen magnifier and contrast controller. I think I would like to add this technology to the revised lesson plan.
New Technology
During the actual lesson I did notice that it appealed to students by giving them choice. This modified the lesson for different types of learners. It worked well with visual/spatial learners, logical/mathematical, and even verbal/linguistic and interpersonal learners. It could also appeal to naturalist learners because they are learning about nature. This lesson hit five of the eight multiple intelligences in Gardner's theory. During the lesson itself it gave students a lot of freedom to express themselves through their powerpoints. One such instance came in Sarah and John's group. They chose the Rhino and explained its adaptations such as poor eyesight and then compared it to John's poor eyesight claiming that John and a Rhino were very similar. This gave the students a way to become more interested in the material and make outside connections.
I also noticed that during the lesson I did make a modification for one group of students. While the rest of the class had finished their powerpoints this particular group was still working. In order to let them finish I started on the other side of the room and allowed them more time. When I did come back to that group I noticed that they were finished and that their presentation followed all of the criteria presented. The extra time modification was successful in keeping them on task and able to accomplish the goal.
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