Monday, October 31, 2016
Assistive technology wrap up
Assistive technology is something important every educator should be aware of to help their students reach their full potential. The IMB training manual said, "For people without disabilities, technology makes things easier. For people with disabilities, technology makes things possible."Always try to make things possible for your students! It's important to use the technology at our disposable to make a difference even if that difference is something as small as a graphic organizer or something as big as speech- recognition software. Until next time, keep making a difference :)
Parent, child and teacher perspective of the use of iPads and Communication
As I mentioned in my prior blog, using iPads in classrooms as a form of communication is becoming increasingly popular among special education teachers in our country. I am going to discuss how parents, students, and teachers feel about iPads as a communication tool.
Parents
Thought iPads being introduced to their child provided them with a new way to learn. Parents also saw an increase in behavior skills, communication, higher grades, and more their child was able to concentrate longer. Students also increased their independence and self determination skills.
Child
Most students who could advocate for themselves saw a positive impact on their learning ability after they began using an iPad because they found learning to be more fun now and the iPad helped them keep their focus better. Some even saw an increase in literacy skills. Students preferred to complete assignments on their iPad because they finished faster as opposed to writing on paper with a pen.
Teacher
Using an iPad in class made it easier to differentiate instructions for each individual students' needs. It helped students learn better and afforded students more capability to access the general curriculum.
This video shows the growth students who are are both nonverbal and those struggling with speech achieve with the help of iPads.
My next blog will feature a wrap up of this section on AT.
My next blog will feature a wrap up of this section on AT.
www.icchp.org/sites/default/files/presentations/2016_ICCHP.pptx
iPad Apps for Autistic and Nonverbal Children
As educators it's important to work collaboratively with the students IEP team to figure out what plan of action would work best for their individual needs. The new thing for students who are nonverbal or have Autism are iPad apps. There are hundreds of thousands of education apps. They apps help students learn, communicate, and feel like their peers. Here is an awesome video on iPad apps for kids with autism and who are nonverbal. Here are some apps used for students of all ages.
Little Sky Writers
This app helps elementary aged students learn how to shape letters. The creators use an airplane to help the students stay inside the lines. A narrator pronounces the letter for the student and provides examples of words that start with that letter.
A education app commonly used with middle schooler is:
Disney Story Central
This app reads classic Disney stores to students and provides visuals of the story. Students can also color in the book.
A game commonly used for middle and high school students is:
Cut the Rope
This app brings logic into the equation. Students basically have to figure out where to cut the rope in order to feed the frog.
Using an iPad or iPhone is becoming increasingly popular in classrooms all over the world. Although I never actually have used education apps specifically for special needs students, I have used apps for my English class. My 10th graders downloaded the Shakespeare app. It's an awesome app because it has all the acts and scene, but it also helps students break down the meaning of the scene if they get lost or confused.
In the next blog, I will talk about the different perspectives on iPads from the students point of view, the teachers point of view, and finally the parents point of view.
Little Sky Writers
This app helps elementary aged students learn how to shape letters. The creators use an airplane to help the students stay inside the lines. A narrator pronounces the letter for the student and provides examples of words that start with that letter.
A education app commonly used with middle schooler is:
Disney Story Central
This app reads classic Disney stores to students and provides visuals of the story. Students can also color in the book.
A game commonly used for middle and high school students is:
Cut the Rope
This app brings logic into the equation. Students basically have to figure out where to cut the rope in order to feed the frog.
Using an iPad or iPhone is becoming increasingly popular in classrooms all over the world. Although I never actually have used education apps specifically for special needs students, I have used apps for my English class. My 10th graders downloaded the Shakespeare app. It's an awesome app because it has all the acts and scene, but it also helps students break down the meaning of the scene if they get lost or confused.
In the next blog, I will talk about the different perspectives on iPads from the students point of view, the teachers point of view, and finally the parents point of view.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Electronic touch tablet
Electronic touch tablets have become increasingly popular in recent years. The most popular device are iPads. Many students use these because they offer assistive apps such as Speak It! or Read2Go. These devices also offer similar effects to the computer and can be customizable to each student. For example a student can customize font, coloring, presentation, and so much more. These devices are good for students with speech issues to communicate, students with visual impairments, and students who have issues writing.
Type to Learn Software to teach keyboarding skills
Type to Learn software to teach keyboarding skills is a tool that helps improve students accuracy and speed while typing. One of the most popular typing software is Type to Learn 4. This program can be used on students in Kindergarten up to seniors in high school. Students can also practice at home. Programs like this would help students who struggle with poor handwriting or even students who are non verbal because they will learn to type with more accuracy and will communicate better. Here is some information on the product and here is a tutorial on how it works.
Voice output communication device
Voice output communication devices are great for helping students have a "voice." The device generates printed or spoken text. The child can learn more words through auditory output. Students also develop better literacy. One of the most popular voice output systems is the Allora. This tool can be extremely beneficial for students with nonverbal autism. Here are more features and here is a tutorial.
Assisted literacy software
Assisted literary software can really help students struggling to read. One of my favorite tools is called Computer Assisted Literacy Solutions (CALS). CALS is a self paced program available to the very young and adults ages. CALS is a great for students who cannot read on grade level, who have dyslexia, or students who have a weak foundation in reading. CALS teaches a wide variety of students how to read because it doesn't focus on one area. It forces on fluency, decoding, comprehension, sounds, and phonemic awareness. They also offer a Math version for students struggling with Math. Here are some features and here is a tutorial.
Real results from CALS.
Real results from CALS.
Portable word processor
Portable word processor is a device that is an alternative to a laptop. Text can be saved and edited later. When editing is complete the student can send the final product to the printer. The portable word process is usually light weight enough to be carried from one class to another. This tool is a great alternative for students who struggle with the traditional form of writing (paper and pen) or students who have bad handwriting. The most popular version is by Alphasmart. Here is a tutorial.
Adapted keyboard
I did a much more in depth blog on adapted keyboards earlier in this learning adventure. Adapted keyboards are used because that particular student cannot use a standard keyboard. There are many different types of adaption including on screen keyboards or mini keyboards. They benefit students without reliable muscle control, students with tremors, or even students with visual refocusing issues. Here is a tutorial.
Multisensory educational software
Multisensory educational software is a tool that engages students in a variety of ways. Students will learn though visual, auditory, and hands on techniques. This type of learning environment really benefits students with ADHD and dyslexia. TouchMath is a program made to raise students' test scores and their basic understanding of math. It does that in a variety of fun ways that all learners will enjoy and it's very teacher friendly and can be used in a general education classroom with ease. Here are the features and here is the tutorial.
Books on CD
Books on CD are extremely valuable for students with ADHD, that are blind, or have dyslexia. One of the top sources for books on CD is Learning Ally. They offer over 80,000 book selections ranging from children books to books with more mature content all on audio and visual text to follow along (if the student is able). A membership is required to use this site, but it offers free membership to visually impaired individuals and those with dyslexia. Here are the features on Learning Ally and a here is a tutorial.
Scan and read software
Scan to read software starts with a document or piece of paper being scanned onto a computer. The computer then edits so the user can read and edit their paper. The most popular can to read software is the award winning Kurzweil 1000. The program offers a free trial to both people and schools. It also offers a multitude of other features such as text to speech and highlighting. Students with dyslexia, visual impart issues or learning difficulties would benefit from a program like this. Here are some of the features and here a tutorial.
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Naturally Speaking Voice recognition software
Naturally Speaking Voice recognition software can be used at both home, school, and work. The most popular one is Dragon. The program does a audio check. It gets used to the users voice and background noise. Once everything is set the user can begin to use Dragon. The program can open the internet, word documents, change font, type out your thoughts, or send emails. A program like this would be beneficial to many students, but especially those with limited use of their hands and visually impaired/blind individuals. Here are features the program offers and here is a tutorial.
Talking Word Processor Software
Talking Word Processor Software is a tool that provides students with the ability to hear their words as the text is being typed out. It also provides grammar and spelling help to students. There are five programs to choose from. My favorite one is WordTalk, mainly because it is 100% free. The only downside is that this program does not work with any Apple products, Android, or Chromebook. WordTalk bills itself as beneficial for students with dyslexia specifically, but I could see it working for a variety of other students including students with literacy problems. Here are some of the features. Here is a tutorial on how to use the product.
Word prediction software
Word Prediction Software is a tool that can help students struggling with writing. It helps with proper spelling, grammar, and word choice. There are a four choices to choose from. I like WordQ the best because students can go back and listen to their own typed out words. Hearing your own words typed out helps students realize they may have worded something wrong or used the wrong word. WordQ is also available in Spanish and French. Here is some information on it. Here is a demonstration on WordQ. I can see this benefiting a wide range of students from those struggling with reading comprehension issues, English language learners, and special needs students.
Friday, October 28, 2016
What are the major types of alternative mouse emulators?
The major types of alternative mouse emulators are Trackballs, Joysticks, Touch screens, Head-pointing systems, and Eye-gaze system.
Trackballs are balls in a holder that can be rotated via hand to move the computer cursor. It come in many forms such as mini-trackballs, standard trackballs, large trackballs, and adaptive trackballs. Some students that benefit from this tool are students who have cognitive impairments or students that have problems staying focused for long periods of time.
Joysticks are similar to trackballs, but they have a lever that coordinates with a computer and one or more buttons that can also be read by a computer. The buttons help the student click. This device helps students with limited control of their fingers and/or hands.
Touch screens are computers that allow students to touch the actual screen without the aid of a trackball, joystick, or mouse. This is a common practice in the Apple community with things like iPhones and iPads. Even banks use touch screens at on their ATMs. This is a great option for younger students, students with severe disabilities, and students with autism.
Head-pointing systems are use on both laptops and desktops. One part sits on the computer monitor and the student wears the other part. Usually the wearable part is a headset. It works the same way a mouse would. Students need to be able to move their heads to use this tool. Students that benefit from this are students with cannot use their hands (such as students with muscular dystrophy or spinal cord injuries).
Eye-Gaze systems are tools that track students eye movement. Their eye movement then becomes the mouse pointer. Various cameras are needed for this system. This is a good tool for students with no reliable muscle movement except for good control of their eye movements (such as students who had a stroke).
In my next blog, I will talk about knowledge I have gained about AT and how it will help me as an educator.
Assistive Technology in the Classroom Enhancing the School Experience of Students with Disabilities
Trackballs are balls in a holder that can be rotated via hand to move the computer cursor. It come in many forms such as mini-trackballs, standard trackballs, large trackballs, and adaptive trackballs. Some students that benefit from this tool are students who have cognitive impairments or students that have problems staying focused for long periods of time.
Joysticks are similar to trackballs, but they have a lever that coordinates with a computer and one or more buttons that can also be read by a computer. The buttons help the student click. This device helps students with limited control of their fingers and/or hands.
Touch screens are computers that allow students to touch the actual screen without the aid of a trackball, joystick, or mouse. This is a common practice in the Apple community with things like iPhones and iPads. Even banks use touch screens at on their ATMs. This is a great option for younger students, students with severe disabilities, and students with autism.
Head-pointing systems are use on both laptops and desktops. One part sits on the computer monitor and the student wears the other part. Usually the wearable part is a headset. It works the same way a mouse would. Students need to be able to move their heads to use this tool. Students that benefit from this are students with cannot use their hands (such as students with muscular dystrophy or spinal cord injuries).
Eye-Gaze systems are tools that track students eye movement. Their eye movement then becomes the mouse pointer. Various cameras are needed for this system. This is a good tool for students with no reliable muscle movement except for good control of their eye movements (such as students who had a stroke).
In my next blog, I will talk about knowledge I have gained about AT and how it will help me as an educator.
Assistive Technology in the Classroom Enhancing the School Experience of Students with Disabilities
What are the major types of alternative keyboards?
The major types of alternative keyboards are Expanded keyboards, Mini-keyboards, One-Hand keyboards, On-screen keyboards, and Customizable keyboards.
Expanded keyboards are enlarged keyboards, they offer students a larger area to type on. These are perfect for students with poor fine motor skills and need a larger area to hit their target on.
Mini-keyboards are keyboards that are smaller than the tradition sized keyboard. They help students with motor impairments such as muscular dystrophy.
One-Hand keyboards are keyboards designed for students with only one fully functioning hand. They work the same way a traditional keyboard works. Students that benefit from these keyboards are students that have a good range of skill in one hand like I mentioned perviously.
On-screen keyboards are keyboard images that appear on the computer screen. Students then use the on screen keyboard the same way as a traditional keyboard. Students who do not possess the motor skills to use a tradition keyboard and also students with visual refocusing issues.
Customizable keyboards are keyboards made to meet each students own unique individual needs. Students who benefit from custom keyboards are students that cannot use a traditional keyboard, can use a mouse or mouse emulator, or students that have cognitive deficits.
In the next blog, I will cover the major types of mouse emulators and the students who benefit from them.
Assistive Technology in the Classroom Enhancing the School Experience of Students with Disabilities
Expanded keyboards are enlarged keyboards, they offer students a larger area to type on. These are perfect for students with poor fine motor skills and need a larger area to hit their target on.
Mini-keyboards are keyboards that are smaller than the tradition sized keyboard. They help students with motor impairments such as muscular dystrophy.
One-Hand keyboards are keyboards designed for students with only one fully functioning hand. They work the same way a traditional keyboard works. Students that benefit from these keyboards are students that have a good range of skill in one hand like I mentioned perviously.
On-screen keyboards are keyboard images that appear on the computer screen. Students then use the on screen keyboard the same way as a traditional keyboard. Students who do not possess the motor skills to use a tradition keyboard and also students with visual refocusing issues.
Customizable keyboards are keyboards made to meet each students own unique individual needs. Students who benefit from custom keyboards are students that cannot use a traditional keyboard, can use a mouse or mouse emulator, or students that have cognitive deficits.
In the next blog, I will cover the major types of mouse emulators and the students who benefit from them.
Assistive Technology in the Classroom Enhancing the School Experience of Students with Disabilities
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Additional tools for students with sensory disabilities
As mentioned in the prior blog, Mac and Windows offer a variety of options for students with disabilities to use daily to make their life easier. In this blog, I will talk about the tools for students who are hard of hearing/deaf, and vidicl impairment or blindness can use.
Students who are hard of hearing or deaf often cannot hear the beep or auditory alert a computer gives, but many computers now give visual cues, icons, or captions. Example: A flashing tool bar.
Students are are visually impaired often need a higher visual contrast and large font. Universal Access (Mac) or Ease of Access (Windows) makes this really easy to use a high contrast color scheme. The best options are a black background with white font or a white background with black font. Images and mouse pointers can also be enlarged. Blind students often rely on voiced feedback, narrator, or VoiceOver to read to them.
This is a video about how VoiceOver works for the iPhone.
In the next blog, I will cover the major types of keyboards and the students that benefit for them.
Assistive Technology in the Classroom Enhancing the School Experience of Students with Disabilities
Students who are hard of hearing or deaf often cannot hear the beep or auditory alert a computer gives, but many computers now give visual cues, icons, or captions. Example: A flashing tool bar.
Students are are visually impaired often need a higher visual contrast and large font. Universal Access (Mac) or Ease of Access (Windows) makes this really easy to use a high contrast color scheme. The best options are a black background with white font or a white background with black font. Images and mouse pointers can also be enlarged. Blind students often rely on voiced feedback, narrator, or VoiceOver to read to them.
This is a video about how VoiceOver works for the iPhone.
In the next blog, I will cover the major types of keyboards and the students that benefit for them.
Assistive Technology in the Classroom Enhancing the School Experience of Students with Disabilities
UDL and computer access
As a mini refresher from the Universal Design for Learning blogs I wrote earlier this month, UDL means accommodating a variety of learners in a multitude of flexible ways and with that being said many computer brands such as Mac and Windows are rolling out a variety of tools made for the special needs individual.
An example of some of the tools available on Mac and/or Windows are keyboard modifications and mouse control. This takes away a lot of the frustration students feel and allows them to feel like their peers and engage in computer based activities.
Slow Keys is a tool that allows students freedom to type freely. The student needs to be able to keep his or her finger on one key for a predetermined about of time before the operating system will accept it. Ex: If a student accidentally presses a "J" the tool will not recognize it because it wasn't held down long enough. Students that benefit for this tool are students with hand tremors, muscle weakness, or fatigue.
In the next blog, we will talk about students with sensory impairments such as deafness or blindness and computer access.
Assistive Technology in the Classroom Enhancing the School Experience of Students with Disabilities
An example of some of the tools available on Mac and/or Windows are keyboard modifications and mouse control. This takes away a lot of the frustration students feel and allows them to feel like their peers and engage in computer based activities.
Slow Keys is a tool that allows students freedom to type freely. The student needs to be able to keep his or her finger on one key for a predetermined about of time before the operating system will accept it. Ex: If a student accidentally presses a "J" the tool will not recognize it because it wasn't held down long enough. Students that benefit for this tool are students with hand tremors, muscle weakness, or fatigue.
In the next blog, we will talk about students with sensory impairments such as deafness or blindness and computer access.
Assistive Technology in the Classroom Enhancing the School Experience of Students with Disabilities
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
What is hearing assistive technology and how can it help students?
In my last post we discussed the difference between students who are deaf and students who are hard of hearing and the challenges they face in the classroom everyday. Some questions that come up often are what exactly is hearing assistive technology is and how it is beneficial for students who are hard of hearing?
Hearing assistive technology is a tool that helps people with hearing loss. Some examples of devices made to aid students with hear impairments are alerting devices. These devices will tell a person with hearing impairment of something like a smoke detector is going off. There are devices in the classroom that benefit students with hearing impairment learn better.
Some examples of devices that help students with hearing impairments in the classroom are assistive listening devices (ALDs) because they help to reduce the noise in a classroom allowing the student to hear teachers and students better. FM systems allows the student the ability to hear their teacher more clearly. The teacher wears the wireless microphone attached to his or her shirt and a transmitter around their waistband. Students wear headphones or earbuds. This is extremely beneficial because students don't have to worry about missing any of the lecture it's like they are standing right next to their teacher. The final device I will blog about today is Soundfield Amplification System. The SAS works though speakers that are mounted the the walls. Students can also sit with a speaker next to them. Much like the FM system, this allows the student to feel like the teacher is standing right next to him or her.
In the next blog post, I will touch on the topic of Universal design and computer access.
Assistive Technology in the Classroom Enhancing the School Experience of Students with Disabilities
Hearing assistive technology is a tool that helps people with hearing loss. Some examples of devices made to aid students with hear impairments are alerting devices. These devices will tell a person with hearing impairment of something like a smoke detector is going off. There are devices in the classroom that benefit students with hearing impairment learn better.
Some examples of devices that help students with hearing impairments in the classroom are assistive listening devices (ALDs) because they help to reduce the noise in a classroom allowing the student to hear teachers and students better. FM systems allows the student the ability to hear their teacher more clearly. The teacher wears the wireless microphone attached to his or her shirt and a transmitter around their waistband. Students wear headphones or earbuds. This is extremely beneficial because students don't have to worry about missing any of the lecture it's like they are standing right next to their teacher. The final device I will blog about today is Soundfield Amplification System. The SAS works though speakers that are mounted the the walls. Students can also sit with a speaker next to them. Much like the FM system, this allows the student to feel like the teacher is standing right next to him or her.
In the next blog post, I will touch on the topic of Universal design and computer access.
Assistive Technology in the Classroom Enhancing the School Experience of Students with Disabilities
Challenges students that are hearing impaired face
Welcome back to my blog! Now that we've covered Universal Design for Learning, I am going to to be taking about assistive technology (AT) to enhance communication in the classroom.
Some common problems students with hearing impairment face in the classroom are divided into into two sections sections: Students who are deaf or students who are hard of hearing.
Problems students who are deaf encounter are: they usually do not feel secure in their abilities to speak and prefer to communicate via American Sign Language (ASL). Students that speak ASL require an interpreter to translate oral speech to them with both peers and lecture.
Problems students who are hard of hearing encounter are: following lectures in a room with poor sound quality, but educators can help their hard of hearing students by speaking louder and more clearly. Educators should also not turn their back for anything reason because it makes lip reading impossible. Class discussions and video presentations also prove to be challenging for students with hearing impairments.
In the next blog we will talk about assistive technologies in the classroom and how they benefit students in need.
Assistive Technology in the Classroom Enhancing the School Experience of Students with Disabilities
Some common problems students with hearing impairment face in the classroom are divided into into two sections sections: Students who are deaf or students who are hard of hearing.
Problems students who are deaf encounter are: they usually do not feel secure in their abilities to speak and prefer to communicate via American Sign Language (ASL). Students that speak ASL require an interpreter to translate oral speech to them with both peers and lecture.
Problems students who are hard of hearing encounter are: following lectures in a room with poor sound quality, but educators can help their hard of hearing students by speaking louder and more clearly. Educators should also not turn their back for anything reason because it makes lip reading impossible. Class discussions and video presentations also prove to be challenging for students with hearing impairments.
In the next blog we will talk about assistive technologies in the classroom and how they benefit students in need.
Assistive Technology in the Classroom Enhancing the School Experience of Students with Disabilities
Monday, October 3, 2016
UDL Self-Reflection
I have heard of Universal Design for Learning in many of my grad classes, but it wasn't something I fully comprehended the importance of until this blogging experience. With diversity in classrooms being the new norm educators need to adapt their curriculum to the changing times. UDL provides students with the ability to learn on their own term with flexibility.
In my future classroom I will definitely be using this model to help my students learn to their full potential and now that I have a ton of wonderful resources at my disposal it makes it easier to ingrate UDL into my classroom.
In my future classroom I will definitely be using this model to help my students learn to their full potential and now that I have a ton of wonderful resources at my disposal it makes it easier to ingrate UDL into my classroom.
Biggest Strength/Weakness in the UDL model
UDL is an exceptionally important model to use in our classroom. It makes learning a more "equal playing field" for all students with that said it can often be overlooked when making lesson plans, but I believe on a day to day basis most teachers use one or more of the principles in their classroom. I found this checklist on google that can be helpful for educators to use when making their lesson plans.
My biggest strength is in the engagement category. I always try to modify when I see medications are needed, offer different levels of work for students that fall into three tiers (gifted, average, and special ed), and offer rewards to students that I see trying their hardest and excelling.
My biggest weakness is in the representation category. In some schools it's hard to provide the tools necessary for students to be successful. It's easy enough for a teacher to make words bigger on paper, but some things like helping a hearing impaired student aren't that simple and a whole sound system might be needed.
My biggest strength is in the engagement category. I always try to modify when I see medications are needed, offer different levels of work for students that fall into three tiers (gifted, average, and special ed), and offer rewards to students that I see trying their hardest and excelling.
My biggest weakness is in the representation category. In some schools it's hard to provide the tools necessary for students to be successful. It's easy enough for a teacher to make words bigger on paper, but some things like helping a hearing impaired student aren't that simple and a whole sound system might be needed.
Sunday, October 2, 2016
Bonus Podcast
This podcast takes a brief look at assessments and how teachers can help their students be successful using UDL and backward planning.
The next blog will take a look at my own biggest struggles and weaknesses within the UDL model.
Teacher friendly websites
As educators it's important for us to have websites we can go to whenever we need more inspiration or help. I found three really awesome websites that are teacher friendly.
UDL Tool Kit:
This website is great for teachers introducing UDL into their classroom. It talks about the UDL principles and how to integrate them into your curriculum. The website also offers free text to speech, graphic organizers, literacy tools, writing tools, and numerous other valuable resources.
UDL Book Builder:
This website allows students to create, shared, and read books online. It helps engage students from a variety of different abilities according to their skills, needs, and interests. Books can later be printed out after editing.
Spelling City:
This website is used to learn new spelling words, play games, and quizzes. It was designed to reach numerous learners through different presentations of spelling words. There is even an app for iPhones and Androids.
In the next blog, I will feature a bonus video about assessment and UDL.
UDL Tool Kit:
This website is great for teachers introducing UDL into their classroom. It talks about the UDL principles and how to integrate them into your curriculum. The website also offers free text to speech, graphic organizers, literacy tools, writing tools, and numerous other valuable resources.
UDL Book Builder:
This website allows students to create, shared, and read books online. It helps engage students from a variety of different abilities according to their skills, needs, and interests. Books can later be printed out after editing.
Spelling City:
This website is used to learn new spelling words, play games, and quizzes. It was designed to reach numerous learners through different presentations of spelling words. There is even an app for iPhones and Androids.
In the next blog, I will feature a bonus video about assessment and UDL.
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