Tools For Education Universal Design for Learning Assistive Technology Linda Santerre, M.S. CCC/SLP Speech/Language Pathologist Reading Specialist September 2010

All students must have access to, and make progress, in the general education curriculum. IDEA ‘97 Universal Design  Applied before curriculum development  Focus on expanding opportunities for all learners  Broad strategies and tools available for everyone within the classroom  Ex. picture supports, computer based graphic organizers, virtual manipulatives Assistive Technology  Applied after task and instructional design  For students who require additional equipment or supports to fully access their environment  Unique, customized and dedicated to an individual  Ex. Wheelchairs, communication devices, hearing aides

The Case Against Assistive Technology

UDL and Brain Research  Recognition Network: The “What” in Education  Strategic Network: The “How” in Education  Affective Network: The “Why” in Education

Multiple Means of Representation  Storyline Online – online resource supported by the Screen Actors Guild Storyline Online  Text-to-Speech Access – Natural Reader  Online Math Applets - The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is the world’s largest organization dedicated to improving math education in preK ‑ 12 Online Math Applets  Virtual Field Trips – “Investigating the First Thanksgiving”“Investigating the First Thanksgiving”

Multiple Means of Action and Expression  Comic Strip Creator - an interactive tool that allows students to compose their own comic strips for a variety of contexts (prewriting, pre- and postreading activities, response to literature interactives/comic-creator html interactives/comic-creator html  Semantic Mapping, Sentence Starters, Cross Word Puzzles  Authentic Activities –

Multiple Means of Engagement  Poetry: Author’s Voice - We Real CoolWe Real Cool  Project Gutenberg – digital children’s books t_order=downloads&query=20  BookBuilder – authoring tool BookBuilder  Interactive Activities –

TECHNOLOGY A Spectrum Disability or Ability

Accessibility Options

Writing Activity  Adjectives, Adverbs  Transition Words  Sentence Length  Word Choice The boys built a sandcastle. (2.8) The creative boys constructed an elaborate sandcastle. (12.4) The creative boys constructed an elaborate sandcastle while they waited patiently for the tide to turn. (10.5)

Additional Tools - FREE  DropBox – easiest way to store, sync, and, share files  OpenOffice – free alternative to Microsoft Office includes word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, and databases  Google Earth – a virtual globe, map and geographic information program; ideas for the classroom w.google.com/en/us/educators/activities/pdfs_GTA/CribSheet.Earth5.pdf  Skype – allows users to make voice calls over the Internet (w/webcam visual contact); ideas for the classroom  TeacherTube - sharing instructional teacher videos  Edublogs - blogs in education give students a global perspective

JUST DO IT……