Definitions

A
OR A term used to describe all of the tools, products, and devices, from the simplest to the most complex, that can make a particular function easier or possible to perform
 * Assistive technology device** - Any item, piece of equipment, or system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is commonly used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

H
[|en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homunculus]
 * homunculus** - The concept of a homunculus (Latin for "little man", sometimes spelled "homonculus," plural "homunculi") is often used to illustrate the functioning of a system.

I

 * IT (Instructional Technology)** - The use of technology (computers, compact disc, interactive media, modem, satellite, teleconferencing, etc.) to support learning.

J

 * Jump drive** - Also known as a **USB flash drive**, a **jump drive** is a [|portable] [|memory] [|disk], a jump [|drive] is a small [|device] (about the size of your index finger) that connects to a [|computer's] [|USB] [|port] and often is capable of storing 256[|MB], 512MB, or more. Jump drives are used by [|users] who need an easy and small way to [|transfer] or [|store] [|information] from their computer. (Also, known as **Jump** with a capital J, hyper jump, and a.k.a. sneakernet.)

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P
**Podcast:** (from “iPod” and “Broadcasting”) A method of publishing audio files to the Internet for playback on mobile devices and personal computers. Podcast defined in wikipedia [top of page]

R
RtI seeks to prevent academic failure through early intervention, frequent progress measurement, and increasingly intensive research-based instructional interventions for children who continue to have difficulty. Students who do not show a response to effective interventions are likely (or, more likely than students who respond) to have biologically-based learning disabilities and to be in need of special education. [|[2]] For children with learning disabilities, RtI may assist schools in avoiding the so-called "wait-to-fail" method by providing intervention as soon as children exhibit difficulty.
 * Response to Intervention** - In [|education], **Response To Intervention** (commonly abbreviated RTI or RtI) is a method of academic intervention that is designed to provide early, effective assistance to children who are having difficulty learning. Response to intervention was concurrently designed to function as a data-based process of diagnosing learning disabilities. This method can be used at the group and individual level. The RTI method has been developed by researchers as an alternative to identifying learning disabilities with the ability-achievement discrepancy model, which requires children to exhibit a severe discrepancy between their IQ and academic achievement as measured by standardized tests. Further, the RtI process brings more clarity to the Specific Learning Disability (SLD) category of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (2004), which has been referred to as a residual category for children with moderate learning problems. [|[1]]

S
or Networks in the brain that enable us to plan, execute, and self-monitor actions and skills; networks specialized to generate and oversee mental and motor patterns.
 * Strategic network** - It is through |strategic networks that we plan, execute, and monitor our internally generated mental and motor patterns-actions and skills as diverse as sweeping the floor, deciding a chess move, or choosing a college. During some activities, such as playing sports, orchestrating an April Fool's joke, or composing an essay, we may be conscious of applying strategy. What most of us do not realize is that conscious or not, strategy is involved in essentially //everything// we do.

U

 * Universal Design for Learning (UDL)** is a theory of learning and teaching based on [|neuroanatomy] and [|functional neuroimaging] research techniques. UDL resists a one-size-fits-all approach to education, and posits instead that teachers, educators, and materials should effectively respond to the individual differences inherent within a learning environment. Across learning goals, methods, materials, and assessments, Universal Design for Learning encourages offering:
 * //Multiple means of representation// to give learners various ways of acquiring information and knowledge,
 * //Multiple means of expression// to provide learners alternatives for demonstrating what they know, and
 * //Multiple means of engagement// to tap into learners' interests, challenge them appropriately, and motivate them to learn.


 * UDL** - Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for designing curricula that enables all individuals to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning. UDL provides rich supports for learning and reduces barriers to the curriculum while maintaining high achievement standards for all. Retrieved 4/23/08 from http://www.cast.org/

W
[|tig.lsc.gov/techglossary.php]
 * Wiki** - This is a website that includes the collaboration of work from many different authors. A wiki site allows anyone to edit, delete, or modify the content on the web. (The first wiki creator named the site after a chain of buses in Hawaii; Wiki means "quick" in Hawaiian.) More Information...