Learning Center Technology Applications that Support Student Success Lois McGinley Director Student Success Services Lori Riggs Learning Center Technician Introduction, size of college and programs, 2 campuses', background (not technical)

Overview of Technology JAWS PLATO Microsoft Word Tactile Image Enhancer Kurzweil 3000 LOIS

JAWS Screen Reader Allows students to hear whatever is on the computer screen We could turn off our monitor and a blind person that is trained in JAWS could maneuver through web pages as well as documents Many students come to college knowing JAWS, but if they do not, it is a huge learning curve Mainly for blind students, learn keystrokes to maneuver over pages

A Unique Application at Macomb Melanie Robinson, Court Reporting Student Talk a minute on Melanie’s challenges. Explain process. Refer to Court Reporting Tape in packet.

PLATO tutorials WEB access Alignments to specific classes Community access Example: PLATO Web Learning Network - Login Macomb’s PLATO registration form in packet PLATO is a computerized tutorial in many subjects. Our unique application is having our credit math, English, and Reading teachers align PLATO modules with their course objectives. PLATO available 24/7. Need high speed Internet connection

Microsoft Word Readability of Textbooks Fire and Police Academies Cisco courses Examples of document (s) for readability Thinking & Learning Skills Our departments are now starting to ask what the readability level of their textbooks are, so they can set a reading level that may be challenging, but will give the student a fighting chance of success. The Fire Academy has set a 10th grade minimum reading level and their text is written at a level of grade 11.6.

Tactile Image Enhancer For use with blind students Features raised 2 dimensional figures Assists the student to move from the abstract to the concrete Applications include diagrams, maps, graphs Repro-Tronics Products Process copy onto flex paper, run through machine.

Kurzweil 3000 Document Reader (not a screen reader) Academic Support Alternate format conversion From text to audio/mp3 Study skills include highlighting, outline, and dictionary Testing Scan test Save in Kurzweil file on floppy Disconnect Internet Increase in independence Reduces staffing costs Audio, study skills – definitions, highlighting, outline. Recognizes foreign languages. Testing – scan, disconnect Internet, independence.

Future Eye Q Accutrack Bookshare As we think about the future, it is important to go to conferences and learn from others. Sometimes this information isn’t easily available and you have to search for it to be better able to assist students. You have a handout in your packet that will give you addresses for all of the software presented today as well as other resources for learning support.

Smart Boards Rita doing a science lesson. Even though our hearts don’t look like a valentine, this image imprints on the brain, and will make retention of the material easier. The information on the board can be saved to a jump drive and printed for students.

Thank you Student Success Services Macomb Community College mcginleyl@macomb.edu riggsl@macomb.edu