University of Arizona - Desert Yearbook (Tucson, AZ)

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. in an effort to further prepare future teachers, offers block programs to first semester seniors. Block programs are an optional way for students to take their required meth- ods classes the semester prior to their student teaching. This program provides students a chance to work with children of different ages and subsequently explore different school dis- tricts, teaching techniques and examine career choices. The :tual work is done in the classroom with individuals, small iups and regular classes. Dr. Ruth Becker of the College of -ducation described the block programs as an intricate part of the semester ' s work. Dr. Evans of the Sociology Department adds yet another dimension to learning through SIMSOC. SIMSOC stands for simulated society which is a simulation game incorporated into a regular sociology course on group dynamics. The pur- pose of the class, according to Dr. Evans is to allow students to experience some of the conflicts, dilemmas and interper- sonal processes of everyday life. SIMSOC was conducted in a marathon session on one Saturday during the semester. Although SIMSOC is a game the situation is real; the artifi- ciality of the game, however, kept it safe. Participants used personal and individual resources in order to survive in the society. This exercise brought the idiosyncrasies of society into the classroom where they could be examined, acted out and understood. Opportunities such as those mentioned are sometimes obscure, although they are not out of reach. A little exploring uncovers many such programs offered in virtually every col- lege at the University of Arizona. ABOVE: The PLATO classroom, an advanced computer-based instruction sys- tem is utilized by many University departments BELOW: An Education senior helps a Drexel Elementary School student with some drawings as a pan of the College of Education ' s block program. OPPOSITE PAGE: TOP: Students from the College of Mines are restoring the San Xavier mine for use by mining students. BOTTOM: Keeping a group of grade school students entertained can be exciting as well as tiring. LEARN ING SITUATIONS 1 1

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Unique classroom settings add spice uy students yawned their way through college, sitting m large lectures with bad acoustics, while others participated in the unique courses offered at the University. While it is not possible to discuss each college ' s offerings, there are several classes and teaching methods that are of particular interest. The College of Mines provides such a setting for its stu- dents at the old San Xavier mine which is located South of Tucson. After the mine closed in 1978, student volunteers began refurbishing the facilities. At present, all workers are volunteers and receive no class credit. However, the interest is high and it is hoped that in the near future the students can get credit for their participation. In the course of the year about 50 students put in time on the weekends and on holi- days in helping to restore the mine. The practical experience derived from working at the mine was invaluable and obvi- ously appealed to many students. Equally as indispensable was the PLATO classroom located in the Science Library. Here stood sixteen terminals that were connected to the main terminal at the University of Illinois. It is the most advanced computer-based instruction unit in the world with over 1,000 terminals internationally. About 20 University departments including Chemistry, Elec- trical Engineering, Nursing, and Nutrition used PLATO as a regular part of their classroom instruction. This instruction was done on screens which can show pictures and graphics and could print any language in any font. The screens are touch sensitive to aid the learning process. PLATO is a new medium of instruction and each lesson is individual and tai- lored to the student ' s rate of learning. The College of Education ' s Elementary Education Depart- 10 LEARNING SITUATIONS

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Disabled students aided by Qpecial Qervices The University of Arizona Rehabilitation Center, in 1970, obtained funds to establish the Special Services Program. Spe- cial Services aids the over 400 handicapped and disabled stu- dents at the University by providing services to meet the needs of these students. The primary focus of the program is on adaptability, encouraging the student to develop independ- ence. Braille materials, taped books and tactile maps are offered to aid the blind student in his quest for independence. Deaf students receive support through interpreters, note takers and counseling. Another important service for disabled students is the adapted P.E. courses which are often a form of therapy. Adapted physical education opportunities are diverse and offer developmental activities for students who, by virtue of their disabilities, cannot engage in regular P.E. courses. Some of the activities offered are weight training, swimming, recreational games, wheelchair basketball, golf, bowling and track and field. Students discover and overcome their physical limitations through this type of activity. Gene Tchida, Project Coordinator of Special Services, feels that Tucson ' s climate, flat topography and ease of mobility on UA ' s campus attract many handicapped students to the Uni- versity. Facilities for the handicapped in the form of ramps, elevators, dorm rooms and accessible restrooms have greatly improved in the past 4-5 years, making UA one of the better equipped schools in the country. While improvements have been made, Tchida feels that the situation is not perfect. Many things still need to be done. There is a need for more ramps, elevators and modified dorm rooms. Of the 26 resi- dence halls on campus only 6 have been modified for disabled stu dents. The relative inaccessibility around the Tucson area and the lack of transportation encourage many students to seek on-campus housing which is not always available. While the Special Services Program strives for equal oppor- tunity for disabled students, it is important to realize that they need support from the University community. It is hoped that in the next few years UA can become the best equipped school in the country for students with all disabilities. 12 DISABLED STUDENTS