« September 2009 | Main | November 2009 »
Click on http://www.axistive.com/connsense-review-virtual-pencil-arithmetic.html to read a review of the Virtual Pencil Arithmetic program. It is used with students who find it difficult to write or align numbers and helps them to solve math problems, including working with fractions and decimals. The company has a website here: http://www.hentermath.com/.
Take a look at the following links that will help you provide greater access to instruction and increased student engagement.
http://www.turningpointtechnology.com/Manipulatives/Adaptation.asp
The Post-ITT Web Site is a collection of resources and activities to help students, parents and educators plan for transition from secondary to postsecondary schools. Included on this website is a nice training module for families of students with disabilties who are planning for college. This module caught our eyes because there is a nice section on AT that includes activities for students to learn more about AT and how to choose appropriate AT to meet their needs. Check it out! http://www.postitt.org/parentcourse/index.shtml
Did you know that the Livescribe pen, one of our favorite AT devices, was tapped for a bronze award in the recent "2009 Technology Innovation Awards" through the Wall Street Journal (September 14, 2009). We've been impressed with this tool as one that offers a seamless technology that an individual can use to acquire information in multiple formats.
At our summer "Got AT" event from the VDOE Assistive Technology Priority Project, I had first hand experience watching educators try out this tool at our display. Their interests were quickly piqued when they realized that a handwritten note had also been captured as an audio recording in the pen. In addition. touching any point on the handwritten notes brought back a recording of the exact discussion. A wonderful application of using technology to scaffold a learner's acquisition of information.
viso_demo.mp4...just take a minute (actually 45 seconds) to watch it.
Cool, huh? Read more here: http://www.nationaltechcenter.org/index.php/2009/10/13/case-on-screen-speaking-calculator-improves-access-to-higher-math/
Adaptive Curriculum brings math to life! It's a web based supplemental math curriculum for students in grades 6-8. It provides students with real world scenarios, math application and interactive learning. Teachers are able to track student progress and change their learning paths as needed. Not sure of the cost. If anyone finds out, let us know!
Meanwhile see what you think!
Join authors Brian Friedlander, Ph.D and Joan Green M.A.CCC-SLP for a free webinar to learn about their new interactive video ebook. Go to
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/440908155 to reserve a free webinar seat or click here: http://assistivetek.blogspot.com/2009/10/free-webinar-technology-supports-for.html to learn more. The focus is a new interactive guide to cutting-edge technology tools, strategies and resources to improve the writing process. This video ebook is now available at www.ittsguides.com. They plan to record this webinar and make it available for viewing for one week after the session. Even if you can't participate live, they will notify you about how to view the recorded session after it takes place.
Technology is amazing! Take a look at the Logan ProxTalker which is a moveable picture system that talks. Holds 10,000 and can string five words together.
Click on the following link:ProxTalker.com
A recent article posted in Education Week's Digital Directions highlights the importance of assistive technology for students with autism. Read more at http://www.edweek.org/dd/articles/2009/10/21/01autistictech.h03.html
Here's a great location to review that will share some best practices in demonstrating UDL in action. The UDL Spotlight was a new feature in the recently released National UDL Center. Educators and practitioners from around the country share their stories of infusing UDL. Worth a peek!
Numeracy and the ability to manipulate numbers is essential to STEM education. NCTI's recent case study highlights this:
Students who are blind or have low vision have been at a disadvantage with few tools designed for their needs. With the growing prevalence of math mark-up language, MathML, assistive technology researchers knew that a speech-interactive calculator would fill a need and be able to take advantage of new digital content. This 2008 Technology in the Works research project developed an on-screen calculator that shows real promise as a compensatory tool, but even more importantly, as a learning tool.
Good news for coordinators of testing! Early next year, the College Board (SAT, PSAT, etc.)will establish an online system for accommodation requests for students with disabilities--including AT use! Click on http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/ssd/application/online-accommodations-eligibility-system for more information.
Check out the August/September 2009 issue of Closing the Gap www.closingthegap.com for part 1 of a three part article written by Heather Kruger and Beth Kapp. Part one describes The Sensory Wall which provides a way to help students learn to play and interact when they are in their physical therapy equipment.
Check it out and spread the word, http://www.youtube.com/UDLCAST
Here's a great article from Education Week's Digital Directions and an important conversation about "Tech's Role in Teaching Autistic Students"...http://ow.ly/pNh9%5C
Click on http://www.ldonline.org/questions/technology#9909 for a nice, concise list of some frequently asked questions about technology use and students.
Neuropage device consists of a computer with preprogrammed messages and times and a beeper that signals the message. Prompts are transmitted to the pagers automatically and are simply read on thescreen or listened to via the prompt. The times and prompts may be unique or repeating, based on the needs of the individual.
See what you think.
Another great resource has been included in the online tools on universal design for learning from our friends at CAST. The newest, The CAST UDL Online Modules, offers information, resources and examples on how to develop UDL lessons in a postsecondary classroom setting. Great example to explore!
Want to stay on the cutting edge about learning technologies? Wish to be in a room full of innovative thinkers, doers, and developers? Well, consider this national conference, The National Technology Innovator's Conference 2009, http://www.nationaltechcenter.org/index.php/2009/06/05/conf09-registration/. Their are discounts available to students and specific grantees. And, if you can only attend one-day, consider going on Monday....it is full of excitement! Hurry, registration goes quick!
Masking tools for reading (often a card with a "window" cut into it) can help people stay focused as they read. There are many commercially available ones, such as the Heads Up reading frame and reading guide, or you can make your own. Try it with a student who is struggling!
The TickleBox consists of software and a portable pager. It acts as support for those who are distracted easily and short term memory challenges. Prompts are provided at the moment something needs to be done, allowing for more independence. Check it out and see if it might work for you or someone you know.
OK, so I'm reading through Brian Friedlander's http://assistivetek.blogspot.com/2009/09/searching-google-with-context-organizer.html and wondering whether Context Organizer is AT. He acknowledges that this application, which summarizes texts based on keywords, helps anyone who needs to sort through "mountains" of information. I agree; a summary feature (such as the one embedded in MS Word) might be a useful one.
Does it serve a purpose for any of our students or ourselves? What should we think about as we suggest this assistive technology for students who have difficulty with reading?