Where to begin?

It is hard being a teenager at the best of times.  It can be especially troublesome when school does not come easily.  Teen land is all about figuring out who you are and where you fit in. It is a time of change for each child. When you add encoding difficulties (like problems in writing), the process can become so stressful and seem so unattainable, that teens give up.  Or have to be dragged and nagged to get their work done.  Growth spurts, hormones, decisions about their futures, peer pressures and school can seem  too much. 

The youtube video above was mentioned in a Rick LaVoie video I recently watched (called Why is it so hard to be your friend? Great video).  Rick is a well known, well respected educator and speaker.  Check out his website if you have the time. http://www.ricklavoie.com.  He is a fantastic orator.    His videos are mostly, if not all, on youtube; they are accessible to everyone with an internet connection  Here is a snippet from his video called The Motivation Breakthrough:

I enjoy Rick tremendously; his videos are well done.  I am adding him to my blog entry because, as mentioned, it is common for kids to give up when they feel that they cannot succeed; they cannot see an attainable light at the end of the tunnel.  As Rick says in the video, 'All human behaviour is motivated.'
With the premise that all human behaviour is motivated, let us (me an researcher and you as reader) explore options for those that seem reluctant and/or unmotivated.  Let us (as educators, parents, community members) use the resources that are out there to try and help children who are struggling with writing (in this instance), the best way we can.

Today in our great technological age, there are many tools to help.  Throughout the blog, I will explore some assistive technologies that are available.  

What are assistive technologies, you ask?  

In the United States, IDEA (Individuals with Disability Education Act) defines assistive devices as:

"any item, piece of equipment, or product system (whether acquired off the shelf, modified, or customized) that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability. AT      devices may be categorized as no technology, low technology, or high technology (LD Online, 2001).

"No-technology" or "no-tech" refers to any assistive device that is not electronic. No-tech items range      from a piece of foam glued onto the corners of book pages to make turning easier to a study carrel to      reduce distraction.
"Low-technology" or "low-tech" devices are electronic but do not include highly sophisticated computer      components, such as an electronic voice-recording device or a "talking watch" (Behrmann & Schaff,      2001).    
"High-technology" or "high-tech" devices utilize complex, multi-function technology and usually include a 

 computer and associated software."

Canada follows a similar framework as the U.S. I will be discussing some higher technology that can be used by children young and old to enable them to have a much better and much more rewarding time  in school, giving them tools to take with them into life.

If you know of some great additions and want to contribute, I would be grateful for your sharing.  My hope is that the blog will be somewhat informative.  :)

Will write more later...