Selecting a voice recorder, especially if your end goal is to not only record, but eventually to transcribe, is a challenge. Check out these reviews:
From the website:
Freedom Scientific's JAWS® 11 screen reading software and Microsoft's new operating system, Windows® 7. JAWS 11 offers a number of feature enhancements to improve accessibility with this new operating system, and Microsoft itself has made many changes. To get a user perspective on JAWS 11 and Windows 7, we are joined by J. R. Westmoreland, an experienced technology user. We discuss what's new in Windows 7 and when might be the right time to consider an upgrade. Find the audio for this podcast at http://podcast.freedomscientific.com/FSCast/episodes/fscast035-october2009.mp3
Great question! Take a few minutes to follow this link from the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System to learn more about these assistive technology assessment kits that offer Low Tech Tools for Inclusive Education.
We have an assortment of them in our library that can be checked out for three weeks as you determine what tools your students might need! Great for collaborative special education teachers who are finding their feet in strategizing for students in a new classroom.
The Ticonderoga SenseMatic mechanical pencil automatically senses when you need more lead based on the pressure with which you write...and automatically advances just the right amount while you are writing. No clicking, no twisting and no sharpening--good for students with pressure-issues, those who like to "click" a little too much, and those who are drawn to the pencil sharpener.
Type "Sensematic pencil" into your preferred web search engine to find them...or ask us!
Students who have trouble tracking text and transcribing their answers might benefit from this use of highlighter tape as "marginal gloss":
Students can also use thinner highlighter tape to locate and highlight the answer for things like definitions and other identification-level questions.
This 70-minute recorded webinar features Gayl Bowser: Integrating Assistive Technology Writing Tools. Click on http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=129373&title=Integrating_Assistive_Technology_Writing_Tools to watch.
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.
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.
Are you in search of low tech to mid tech items you can use in your inclusive classrooms and need help in using them? Click on the link below for the Lottie Kit On-Line Workshop. You will find tools and resources that are appropriate for assessment, evaluation and accommodations in the areas of reading, writing, mathematics and organization.
http://www.fdlrs.leon.k12.fl.us/lottie_kit/intro.html
A keyboard that will help students with physical or developmental disabilities stay connected to their computers.
Read more by clicking on the following links:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831080957.htm
Read an article by Leslie Broun which reminded me of the importance of the computer as a writing instrument for students with Autism who have difficulty writing. Click on the following links to take a look at some online keyboarding sites, reviews and resources.
http://typing-for-kids-software-review.toptenreviews.com
www.kidsdomain.com/brain/computer/type.html
http://allison.com/courses/Touch-Typing-Training
http://www.assistivetechnologies.com/gallery.asp?category=40&CT=Keyboards
Broun, L. (2009) Take the pencil out of the process of teaching. Exceptional Children. 42(1),14-21.
I just read about a Inspiration mind-maping product available at http://www.mywebspiration.com.
Like Inspiration and Kidspiration, this visual thinking tool can be used to
"capture ideas, organize information, diagram processes and create clear,
concise written documents."
What's different? This one is online, and you can work individually or collaboratively.
Some cool components:
"Webspiration makes it easy to collaborate and share documents by simply sending an invite. Everyone works on the same document, contributing, posting comments, and viewing changes. Webspiration is ideal for team projects, study groups, reviewing and commenting on documents and co-authoring materials. Store and access documents online without discs, drives or email. Work at home, a friend's house, the library, your office, or the local coffee shop. Webspiration and your documents are available anywhere you have access to the internet."
Since it is in beta version right now (being tested before widespread distribution), you can sign up for a free myWebspiration account at http://www.mywebspiration.com/user/register.
According to the creators,
"Audiopoint's Voice Terminal Service enables those with low or no vision to surf the Internet, read/send email, use Google Calendar and more. With simple voice commands, VTS is accessed via any landline telephone & mobile phone. VTS improves the online user experience of the visually impaired and liberates them so that they can reach greater independence and mobility. Now users can read/send email despite her blindness, use the Google Calendar Interface to listen to their daily agenda, add events, access their address book and more."
Click on http://www.audiopoint.net for more information.
Has anyone used this with students in school? Let us know how it worked for you!
Click on http://www.freedomscientific.com/FSCast/episodes/fscast030-may2009.asp for Freedom Scientific's podcast about how Twitter (the 140-word entry social networking site) and JAWS screen reading software play together (or don't!). The interestingly-named "McTwit" is also discussed--this is program for Twitter users with visual impairments who use keyboard commands. Other applications are also addressed.
Click on http://wac.osu.edu/conferences/emrc08/free_at.html for some links to AT for access to computer content. Links to free solutions like Fire Vox, System Access To Go, NVDA, WordTalk, LetMeType, Power Talk and Click-n-Type are included.
Click on http://www.assistiveware.com/podcasts.php for "exploring the frontiers of assistive technology." This is a series of vodcasts (video podcasts) with people who are using AT to communicate, express their creativity, play games and just live their lives. There are a few episodes per year, each starring a different person. It's Mac-focused and covers a range of topics.
Classroom Suite 3 was designed for grades PreK-8.
Preschoolers can use coloring book and puzzle activities; explore shapes, patterns, and counting; and work with cause and effect activities. Primary and elementary students can create their own electronic books and slide shows, practice math concepts with on-screen manipulatives,and develop writing fluency. Secondary students can create time lines, diagrams and outlines, write newspaper articles, and create professional -quality presentations to communicate their learning. Teachers can open instant authoring templates to create curriculum-based activities appropriate for preschool through middle school students. Assessments created are great additions to the student portfolio!
The new Classroom Suite 4 is a unique intervention tool that combines direct instruction with a flexible tool environment to help students in grades Pre K through 5 achieve mastery in reading, writing and math. It provides students with explicit instruction, constructive practice and embedded assessments to allow teachers to gauge progress and individualize instruction for their students. Classroom Suite 4 includes research-based activity templates that can be used out-of-the box, or easily customized to meet targeted needs. Lessons can be sequenced into "intelligent " units to align with district or core curriculum.
Follow this link to take a look at intelliTools Classroom Suite
http://store.cambiumlearning.com/ProgramPage.aspx?parentId=074003925&functionID=009000008&site=itc.
"Ghotit offers a high performance super spell checker, enabling people with dyslexia or people with poor English to dramatically improve and gain confidence in their writing. Integrated text to speech service is included so that you can confirm that what is written is the exact text you intended to communicate. Ghotit offers its services FREE to educational institutions. Visit our website at www.ghotit.com
Tell us what you think!
Okay, all of you speech-to-text devotees...an Assistive Technology Blog reader reminded us yesterday about an "old" freeware program: Voice Navigator.
Go to http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Utilities/Automation_Utilities/LA_Voice_Navigator.html
for a "Speech recognition program that allows users to 'talk and type' emails, word processor documents, power point presentations, and much more. In fact, LA Voice Navigator allows you to type into any application that accepts type. Other features allow you to have any text in any program read to you, define custom voice shortcuts to any executable program, and monitor system resources."
Who is using this? Let us know!
Overwhelmed answering hundreds of emails everyday? Wish you could type faster when you're creating class materials and research articles?
Know a student who has trouble typing and using a keyboard, but no trouble with ideas? Know a student who could use a little extra support in reading or writing?
YOUR VOICE IS THE ANSWER! Introducing Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 for the Education Market. Turn talk into text and go hands free!
Learn how educators across the country are using Dragon NaturallySpeaking to be more productive and to meet key learning needs of their students! Learn all about it at Live Webinar: April 22nd, 2:00pm Eastern. To register go to: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/699786007
Brian Friedlander (http://assistivetek.blogspot.com) just wrote an update on Crick Software's Write Online 1.3. If you have not used this (or heard of it), it's an online AT software program featuring word prediction and read aloud for students with writing difficulties. New features include "SoundsLike" word prediction for phonetic spellers. To read Friedlander's notes, click http://assistivetek.blogspot.com/2009/04/crick-software-releases-writeonline-13.html. To visit the WriteOnline software site, click http://www.cricksoft.com/us/products/writeonline/
Click on http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/dell-inspiron-mini-10.aspx?page=1 for a review.
This computer enters into the $350-range netbook class with the Acer Aspire One, Samsung NC10 and the ASUS Eee PC 1000HE. Weighing in at 2.6 pounds (an Alphasmart Neo is 2 pounds and about $220), they offer a lot of possibilities for high-tech AT users. (Yes, we know that a Neo serves different purposes in different settings, but we want to give you a reference point!)
Are you looking for ways to assist your IEP team in making decisions regarding the use of AT and ways to support students in reading, spelling and writing with AT?
Particpants in the Digital Training workshop had the opportunity to do both! Using the links below take a look at the Acer Aspire One netbook and examine the software programs participants used during the workshop. Explore some great ideas to support students with AT.
Friend-of-the-blog T. recently wrote,
"I am a college student who is looking into software and hardware solutions. I have an learning disability called an auditory processing problem. I process verbal and written information slowly, as well as writing it and speaking it. I have notetakers in most classes, extended time on tests.. all that wonderful stuff. I will be graduating soon. I fear going into meetings, walking out and remembering nothing! My classroom experience and notes from notetakers is ok, but I'd like to collaborate all this information: my own scribbly notes from a notebook, my scanned copies of notes from my notetakers, papers from class etc. I'm looking into either a tablet pc notebook, where you write on the screen, or a regular laptop. I just found out about Microsoft OneNote. I've also been thinking about using a tape recorder, and associated software that will convert the audio files to text files. I'm not going to have notetakers for my meetings at a workplace. Questions: What are your thoughts on this? What have other students and adults with ADHD and a learning disability has to say about these tools? What software works best? Is a tablet PC more problematic than helpful?"
Whew! That's a tall order. Let's start with the Tablet PC issue. Karen McCall is the guru on this. She has presented at CSUN and Closing the Gap on issues surrounding the Tablet PC and people with disabilities; some of her info can be found at http://www.karlencommunications.com/tablet-technology.htm.
In terms of specific hardware, the best comparison seem to be at Tablet PC Talk:
http://www.tabletpctalk.com/faqs/hwcomparison.shtml. As a tablet user, I subscribe to their RSS feeds (http://www.tabletpctalk.com/rss.shtml) and can recommend them as a good source.
As to the entire question about notebook PC vs. slate/tablet PC, it comes down to preference. Convertible tablets, which include a keyboard but still allow writing with a stylus on the screen, are becoming more reasonably priced but will be V-E-R-Y heavy. Not an issue? Than you are fine with a convertible. Otherwise, small slates (like the half-sized Motion tablets) can be used with a USB plug-in keyboard that weighs next to nothing, or even the bluetooth laser keyboard!
MS OneNote is a popular and sturdy (won't crash) product, but also consider Agilix's Go Binder. A comparison of the two can be begun through these links:
http://forum.tabletpcreview.com/showthread.php?t=8401.
http://www.paperlessundergrad.co.uk/pu/2006/02/call_me_fickle_.html
>http://www.paperlessundergrad.co.uk/pu/2006/02/onenote_vs_gobi_1.html
As you're exploring all of these, be sure to visit our TechTuesday wiki on Organization: >http://ttactechtuesday.pbwiki.com/Organizing which includes info on reminder systems and productivity software that meets the needs of people with and without disabilities.
As with all assistive technology, it's going to boil down to "which do you like better--and are therefore more likely to use?" The prettiest and most fun-to-use product is not necessarily going to be the most useful to you in life after graduation.
Overwhelmed answering hundreds of emails everyday? Wish you could type faster when you’re creating class materials and research articles?
Worry about carpal tunnel syndrome with all the computer work you do? Know a student who has trouble typing and using a keyboard, but no trouble with ideas? Know a student who could use a little extra support in reading or writing?
YOUR VOICE IS THE ANSWER! Introducing Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 for the Education Market. Turn talk into text and go hands free!
Learn how educators across the country are using Dragon NaturallySpeaking to be more productive and to meet key learning needs of their students! Learn all about it at Live Webinar: March 11th, 2:00pm Eastern. To register go to: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/920550936.
Got a press release for WordLogic (http://www.wordlogic.com/products/wordlogic_predictive_keyboard_desktop_features.asp) and think it might be of interest! Take a gander at this (huge) quote from the website:
Universality: WordLogic can be used in any application where you enter text. Unlike many other programs of the kind, it does not require you to type in a dedicated window. Type as you usually do, and use WordLogic only when you need it.
Ease of access: WordLogic Predictive Keyboard is designed not to interfere at all with the way you usually work on your computer. But simply hold any key down, and WordLogic will open up a whole new world of possibilities for you.
Adaptability: WordLogic adapts to your writing style, learning what words and phrases you use frequently and adjusts accordingly. You can also add an unlimited amount of custom words, phrases, names and any text strings to your Personal Dictionary, making your WordLogic Predictive Keyboard as unique as you are.
Flexibility: WordLogic Predictive Keyboard is fully customizable. Choose between: three display modes, six screen sizes, three sets of keys to browse the predictions and Keyboard functions to optimize your WordLogic experience.
Portability: WordLogic Predictive Keyboard on the USB flash drive makes your language travel with you everywhere. This stand-alone version requires no installation – just find a desktop or a tablet with the USB port, plug it in, and all your words and phrases will be right at your fingertips.
Quality prediction: WordLogic offers 5 predictions at a time, based on a quality dictionary with over 90,000 entries. It will help you navigate through the most challenging vocabulary with ease and type complex and long words and phrases quicker than ever.
Smart Web-Searching: Built-in WordLogic Portal feature is your smart Internet research assistant. Select a piece of text in any application, and perform a quick search in designated web-engines without opening extra windows and retyping your query. With WordLogic, every word you see on your computer screen becomes a potential link to your favourite web-searches. By default, WordLogic Portal is configured to work with the following resources: Dictionary.com, Thesaurus.com, Encyclopaedia.com, Google.com
Calculator: WordLogic enables you to perform calculations (including algebraic and trigonometric functions, and even custom formulas) while typing. You can either look up the result or insert it into your document.
Spell-Checking Alert: WordLogic warns you with a sound alert and a graphic icon every time you enter any unrecognized word. You can then either make a correction, or add the new word to your Personal Dictionary.
Full Mouse Support: WordLogic Predictive Keyboard will allow you to type anything using just the mouse. The software thus becomes a great Assistive Technology solution for people who have trouble using the hardware keyboard.
Multiple Dictionary Support: WordLogic develops dictionaries covering a wide spectrum of languages (English, German, French, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese) and professional areas (journalism, legal, medical). Let us know if you want a dictionary designed for you!
We love the idea of applications that live on USB drives, especially for folks who swap computers or borrow computer time from others. Installation is an impossibility for them. This one seems to be about $99.00, which sounds good to me. Has anyone used this? What did you think?
Center for Implementing Technology in Education's article Using Technology to Support Writng may give you some ideas to put the creative spark back into the writng process for your students.
Check out the article:
http://www.cited.org/index.aspx?page_id=108
Melinda Pongrey, an education specialist in the areas of dyslexia, ADHD, language delays, motor-spatial and visual-spatial difficulties, has written an interesting observation of a typical day in the life of a high school freshman--and how assistive technology is and isn't helping him!
She writes:
"Last week I visited a local high school to observe a freshman. Even though the end of school is near, I wanted to see first-hand how the teachers were implementing accommodations and modifications for his severe dyslexia. Before school began in the fall, I had met with this student twice a week to build his reading, writing and study skills. He began the year rating school as a "-1" on a one-to-ten scale. By mid-winter, he had moved his self-assessment of school to a "10." Since then he had become increasingly discouraged. Finally I realized that I better get a first-hand look at what was going on in his classes. So, his teacher kindly let me sit in the back of the class. I spent the hour noting the tasks that he was asked to complete along with the other students in his literature class." Read her observations and suggestions at
http://www.ldawa.org/information/articles-and-publications/dyslexia-and-high-school.
Happy holidays to all of you MacSpeech Dictate users! Ricky Buchanan at atmac.org has noted that although MacSpeech Dictate is a great program, learning many commands at once can be intimidating. She has compiled and posted to help anyone who needs a little memory jog! Ricky's article and document can be accessed at http://atmac.org/macspeech-dictate-global-commands-list-cheat-sheet-for-121/. (If you are not familiar with MacSpeech Dictate, just know that it uses the Dragon speech recognition engine by Nuance--and is specially designed for Mac OS.
Switching to Microsoft Office 2007 has been difficult for some of us who don't like change. Having a hard time finding the language tool bar to turn on text to speech and voice recognition? Here's a great handout from our friends at GPAT that explains how in 5 easy steps. THANK YOU!!
Opening toolbar in Microsoft Office 2007
Not free, but out there: SpinVox (http://www.spinvox.com/spinvox_for_you.html) is another voice-to-text messaging system for those of us who want to dictate into the phone and have it appear in an email or on a blog as text. It broadcasts group text and mail messages as well...so explore this if you are a Jott fan and have some money to burn!
Click on http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/11/hands-on-iphone.html to read a Wired review of the iPhone's note-taking application. From the article:
"Evernote is an amazing little app, with clients for Mac, PC, iPhone and other mobile devices. There is also web access. Evernote's standout feature is its text recognition in photographs -- you snap a picture of a business card or scribbled recipe (using your webcam, your iPhone's camera or just a photo from your hard drive) and it will perform an off-site OCR [optical character recognition-turns it into digital text] of the image. It also adds in location data, tags and all the other niceties you might like, but it is still easy to use."
AT enthusiasts look forward to fall as a time when manufacturers frequently introduce new AT products. This year is no exception! Crick Software is introducing a new writing tool, WriteOnline. WriteOnline does just that—allow students grades 4 to adults to write online. It's an online word processor with built in tools for writing support. It features a familiar screen design and tools such as integrated speech, word prediction, word banks and writing frames! Students can access this program and save documents online and offline. Visit Crick Software to learn more about it! http://www.cricksoft.com
Learning Magic has just released a new CD with even more writing activities. This IntelliTools’ Classroom Suite based product is inclusive of thirty finished reading and writing activities and seven templates to allow teachers/therapists to create their own activities based upon individual classroom or student needs. This CD promises to offer time saving opportunities for teachers. We’ve used the Writing Bin CD and have used the templates often. How about you? Let us know your thoughts!
http://www.learningmagicinc.com
I'm posting this info-sent to the team her by Fran (thanks, Fran!)-because of the importance of using digital text in the classroom. Wikis are a great way to have students access and communicate information; the "creation" level is where we want all students to be on the revised Bloom's Taxonomy!
Wikispaces has just announced that they have given away 100,000 ad-free educational wikis, and that they are going to give away 250,000 more. Classroom 2.0 is going to celebrate the general use of wikis in education and Wikispace's amazing milestone by having founder Adam Frey and the Wikispaces team join us Thursday evening, September 11, 2008, for an open discussion of the use of wikis in education.
If you are using wikis in education, or if you want to learn why you might consider doing so, please join us at 5pm Pacific / 8pm Eastern / Midnight GMT in our Elluminate room: https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?sid=1101&password=M.8DAFD346DA4B268DC185FED8466556/ . We'll have lots of time for Q&A, which you are welcome to start beforehand in the forum discussion on Classroom 2.0: http://www.classroom20.com/forum/topic/show?id=649749:Topic:186332
What child doesn’t love a paint program? Tech4Learning has taken it to the next level with Pixie 2. It is a creativity program that allows students to put their ideas into communication tool for your student's ideas. Students can create original artwork and edit photographs they have taken with a digital camera. Students can write and illustrate stories and record their narration. Students can create newsletters, greeting cards, and books. Students can create digital stories with photos, sound, and art. Use your imagination! Activities are correlated with state standards for Virginia, grades k-2. Check out their website:
http://www.tech4learning.com/pixie/
We won't bother to try to convey all of the info and buzz about the Acer Aspire that has come out this month. Instead, we'll link you to ANOTHER blog which will link you to other blogs and reviews of this computer that is less that 2 1/2 pounds and less than $400: http://assistivetek.blogspot.com/2008/08/acer-aspire-netbook-now-available.html. Hey, why reinvent the wheel?
If you've been irritated about how PC users are the only ones who can take advantage of Premier's low-cost AT tools, you can now stop complaining: a press release this week announced that Premier will now offer its software for both PC and Mac platforms.(Click on http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/05/prweb934344.htm to read more; click on http://www.readingmadeez.com/products for Premier's website).
...if we can only find 10 minutes in a row to play with it! Seriously, though-VoiceThread is a tool that several teachers of students with moderate to significant disabilities have been using with their students.
From the website: "VoiceThread is an online media album that can hold essentially any type of media (images, documents and videos) and allows people to make comments in 5 different ways - using voice (with a microphone or telephone), text, audio file, or video (with a webcam)."
Click on the link to explore: http://voicethread.com
Click here for some early commentary on the new tool: http://smeech-presos.wikispaces.com/Voice+Thread
One school is offering a "learning strategies course [that] provides each...student with one Computer on Wheels (COW), essentially their own laptop complete with up-to-date software and programs. The computers allow the students to gain access to an online source of learning tools. That source includes about 40 titles in the board's online library, though they hope to compile more....Since January, eight students, four from Grade 10 and four from Grade 9, have been meeting for one period a day to work on the COWs. 'We spent the first six weeks working with text-to-voice software.' ." Click on http://www.wellandtribune.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=976146 to read more.
Here's a trick for printing on your Post-It Notes. The possibilities are endless for using this trick. Use it for making quick data checklists, create proofreading checklists for your students, enter information for the student to create a timeline, etc.
Here's the trick: Open power point. Select file. Select Page Set Up. Change width and height to 7.5. Select OK. Create your layout for the Post-It note. If you want to make the same Post It note then select duplicate slide from the Insert menu. Create 4 slides. Then from File menu, select print. Print handouts, 4 to a page. Print. Then take post it notes and lay over each image on the sheet. (See how great it fits). Run that page back though your printer again by selecting Print, handouts, 4 to a page. The trick will be orienting the page correctly in your printer.
Writing with Symbols by Widget Software has been replaced with Communicate: Symwriter. Can be used for teachers and students! For those of you who own Writing with Symbols 2000 can upgrade at a reduced rate, if you order by March 31, 2008. Go to the website quickly! http://www.mayer-johnson.com/widgit/symwriter/index.htm
Graph paper is beloved by many for its ability to keep us organized and in columns when we write numbers and letters. If this sounds like a sentiment you agree with, check out http://incompetech.com/graphpaper/ for more than a dozen free graph paper options.
Georgia's Tools for Life website (www.gatfl.org) has some good publications and resources. One is particularly noteworthy to those of us working to put AT into the IEP...
Writing is a complex issue. If assistive technology is required to help with writing the complexity of the task increases significantly. In order to determine AT needs, writing can be broken down into two major areas. The first is the physical aspect of the writing process. Can the consumer use pencil and paper effectively for the tasks needed? The second is the writing process. Can the consumer use correct grammar, syntax, spelling, and organizational skills to complete the required writing tasks? This article will briefly look at several alternatives for each of these two areas by using two case studies.
How many of you have students that are at the early stages of writing and struggle because they do not have the skills yet to write like their peers? Our students tend to avoid or give up any time a writing task is assigned. A great idea is to partner with a teacher of preschoolers or kindergartners and create big books for their classroom. Then your students could create books, using vocabulary they know and then volunteer in the classroom to read their book to the younger children. Everybody wins! Have you ever done this? What did you students think? Caroline Musselwhite has created a document to help explain why these opportunities are important and directions for creating a big book.
Check it out on her site under Tip from May 2003
http://www.aacintervention.com/tipthre.html#May%202003
Checkout the Visual Search Mode of the VCU T/TAC online library. Icons are used as search buttons for categories or subject areas. Selecting the Assistive Technology search button opens up several other search buttons for easy “one-touch” searching for AT items, software or helpful links. If you would like to checkout AT Library items call us at 800-426-1595 and ask for our library, or come by the VCU T/TAC at 10 E. Franklin St in Richmond.
Continue reading "Using Visual Search Mode for Assistive Technology on VCU T/TAC Online Library" »
The Code Factory company offers a technology that provides speech to a pocket PC! Mobile Speak Pocket provides a full screen reading program. Thus, individuals who are blind or visually impaired can have access to a portable PDA device. For additional information visit, http://www.codefactory.es/mobile_speak_pocket/mspeak_pocket.htm
Something cool on the AlphaSmart website http://www.alphasmart.com/k12/solutions/studies_customers.html:
Customer Success Stories and Video Clips These stories and video segments illustrate how AlphaSmart customers have applied our products to improve instructional outcomes and achieve student success. They come from across the country, and reflect how different AlphaSmart products can be part of distinctive implementations, but consistently provide a basis upon which teachers and students can build educational achievement.
Looking for a cool tool that creates correct citations? Once the information is entered, The citation machine, http://citationmachine.net, provides the correct generated citation...a wonderful resource for the busy or challenged writer!
Check out this new online training module "Technology Supports for Struggling Writers" posted on the Texas Assistive Technology Network website, www.texasat.net. This module provides an introduction to the assistive technology (AT) supports for struggling writers. focuses on the writing process with regards to technology interventions, accommodations and universal design features, and is also designed for use by staff developers and educators to train those involved in writing accommodations. Presenter materials and participant handouts are included!
Premiere Assistive Technology, http://www.readingmadeez.com/home.php, offers a potpourri of assistive reading and writing tools including text aloud, text enlargement, word prediction, speaking dictionary, speaking calculator, and visual highlighting software. Recently they've added software that allows language conversion...a wonderful tool for communicating with those whom English is their second language.
Premiere offers several free downloads and a Grant Opportunity for individuals to secure a suite of their products. For more information on the grant application, visit http://www.readingmadeez.com/Grantform.php
We've recently been apprised of a new online resource that does a fine job at determining text readability. Visit, http://www.interventioncentral.org/htmdocs/tools/okapi/okapi.php
Here's a great 66-minute conversation you'll find in mp3 format at http://www.edtechtalk.com/node/1762, otherwise known as "Women of Web 2.0 Show #32 Assistive Technology":
Join us as we converse with Karen Janowski, BrianFriedlander, Tammy Dupre, Joy Zabala and Deb Barrows, with the Women of Web, Jen Wagner, Sharon Peters and Cheryl Oakes.Questions:
How is it that we identify assistive technology vs. good educational
practice?What is the most signficant technology change that has impacted you and
your students in the past 3 years?What happens when you have one child in a class that has to have a
laptop with spell check for writing papers and the others do not have
it? How do you answer the questions? How do you handle it?What should happen to Standardized Testing in light of assistive
technology? Should children who have a prescription be allowed to use a
computer or is it an "unfair advantage" as some say?Talk about learning disabilities and gifted children -- what happens
when a gifted child has a learning disability? Are teachers willing to
accommodate? How does a parent advocate such accommodation?
The other day, we linked to Darrell's comments on the need for more consultation with/decisionmaking made by people with disabilities related to assistive technology companies (his blog focuses on visual impairments). Here's some related news:
In the last month [Microsoft] has begun to work more closely with an organization whose employee mix includes both visually impaired and blind people. {They will be looking at questions such as] can the application be fully navigated and/or accessed without a mouse? Does it work out of the box with third party screen reader applications like JAWS?
Read more here: http://navintmicrosoftcrm.blogspot.com/2007/05/assistive-technology-and-microsoft-crm.html
Brian Friedlander just posted a review of Livescribe at http://assistivetek.blogspot.com/2007/06/livescribe-this-isnt-ordinary-pen.html. Click and read his thoughts on this digital pen that transfers writing to your computer--without requiring a slate/tablet format!
Blogs are becoming a useful web tool to share information in a ongoing and dynamic fashion. A few new blogs that we've found on the areas of assistive technology that are worth a try include:
http://teachinglearnerswithmultipleneeds.blogspot.com/
http://teachingeverystudent.blogspot.com/
Who's got the new Windows Vista? (I don't.) But if you do, or are curious about how the new Vista operating system will interact with consumers who use assistive technology, here's another source of info: http://blogs.msdn.com/ptstv/archive/2007/02/15/partner-tv-saqib-shaikh-talks-about-assistive-technology-for-windows-vista.aspx
The blog also provides some other accessibility links, to remind us that Bill and friends have AT users in mind:
The Accessibility home page: http://www.microsoft.com/enable/
Accessibility in Windows Vista: http://www.microsoft.com/enable/products/windowsvista/default.aspx
Accessibility features in other Microsoft products: http://www.microsoft.com/enable/products/default.aspx
Spark-Space has been designed as a tool for the creation of documents; no more writer’s block!
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• Sections are re-ordered simply by dragging and dropping idea objects into a new order.
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Continue reading "Spark your thoughts using words and graphics!" »
Check out this article on LD Online: Making Technology Work in the Inclusive Classroom: A Spell CHECKing Strategy for Students with Learning Disabilities (1999) By Tamarah Ashton. From the article:
The CHECK strategy was developed to help students become more effective and independent in the usage of spell checkers. A preskill must be taught before teaching the actual strategy. Since the spell checkers in most word processing programs will allow the user to type in the "Change To" box, it should be explained to students that they can make a change in the spelling of their word and then click on "Change". If the new word is closer to the intended word it may appear in the next list of suggested words. This can be repeated as many times as is necessary. However, it is best to make one type of change at a time. The following strategy, which can be used cross-platform and with any word processing program which includes a spell checking feature, helps students remember a sequence that will get them to the desired word in the most direct fashion.
Keep reading at http://www.ldonline.org/article/6233
The web is becoming a great resource for finding ready made materials for students needing extra support. Slater software, publishers of PixWriter and Picture It software, has a free stuff section of their website. A quick browse through this website I found stories that were created using Picture It Software. The stories have been saved into a pdf document that can be downloaded and printed. Numerous stories and activities are available and added monthly. Check it out!!
The IPOD, and other Mp3 players, are growing in popularity
Excerpt from LD Online (http://www.ldonline.org):
Helping Students Who Struggle to WriteBy: Regina G. Richards (2001)
"Eli shook himself to stop daydreaming .... Writing was definitely the worst task of all. It was just way too hard to remember all the things he needed, like periods and capital letters. And then it was almost impossible to think about how to spell words when he was busy trying to think about the story." 1
Students benefit when they compensate for writing problems because so often writing struggles interfere with learning and prevent them from fully demonstrating what they have learned. Compensating helps them bypass the problem area and still accomplish the goal of the activity. Some example classroom compensations include the following:
Staging:
dividing the task into smaller units and performing each subtask independently. Some students become overwhelmed because tasks appear to be too large or have too many steps. Staging helps them focus on each subtask with greater concentration and an emphasis on quality.Providing structure for math:
using large graph paper or looseleaf paper turned sideways helps the student alignment numbers properly in multi-step math problems. Some students benefit from having their math problems machine copied in enlarged format with additional white space, as this also prevents errors in copying the problem.Adjusting writing format:
allowing each student to choose the format that is most comfortable. Some students perform better in manuscript whereas other students perform better using cursive. Allowing work to be completed by computer word processing helps the student use staging more efficiently while also bypassing the mechanical difficulties of letter form and space.Spelling:
allowing for misspelling on in-class assignments. Hold students responsible for correct spelling on final drafts, encouraging use of a phonics-based spell checker, such as one of the Franklin Electronic Resources® with a speaking component.2
Many of you are regular visitors to www.ldonline.org, a well-know website loaded with information for students, families and professionals regarding a variety of issues related to serving students with learning disabilities. It was originally started by Richard Wanderman, a well known educational consultant, presenter and successful adult with learning disabilities, who also happens to be a technology wiz. The site now contains lists of tools, schools, organizations and professionals and other resources for the LD community as well as new articles and commentaries. Richard has now developed a blog with his colleague David Clark, a well-know web accessibility consultant and successful adult with cerebral palsy. Richard has presented several assistive technology workshops for our TechKnowledgy Conference and is an amazing source of information. His creative and practical use of technology is helpful to students and adults with learning disabilities and the families and professionals who support them. We suggest that you check out his new blog at www.ldresources.org!
Did you know that Boardmaker will create a symbol if you provide them with an idea or graphic? If you have a need for a symbol that is not included in the Boardmaker library, click on the link below and submit a request. Any new symbols that they create are also available on the monthly tips section of their website.
Try convincing the folks around you to use more digital media by showing them these great literature lessons using Inspiration/Kidspiration:
http://www.thedigitalscoop.com/tips/kidspiration_templates.html
The 4-in-1 Activity Center from SuperDuper Inc. is a great tool that includes a magnetic board, card holder, mirror, and write-on/wipe-off board. Click this link to see a full-sized flyer with the many uses of this tool:
View image
Interested in checking out the 4-in-1 Activity Center for 3 weeks and trying it with your students? Contact our Region 8 AT lab toll-free at 866-465-0412 and let us know!
Need a link to our library and AT lab? Click here: http://www.vcu.edu/ttac/Library/Library.htm
If a student writes slowly, you are probably considering a range of assistive technology devices and skill-building sequences. In addition, however, you may want to try one of these quick fixes:
1. Start adding word banks to your fill-in-the-blank/cloze worksheets and notes. Place a number in front of each word or phrase in the word bank and instruct the student to place only the number in the space, not the word or phrase.
2. Write word banks on a sticky note and try #1 above.
3. Write the answers on separate small sticky notes and stick them all to one piece of blank paper. Instruct the student to place each sticky note in the correct space on the worksheet.
4. Use rubber stamps to respond (easiest when few stamps would be needed--short math problems, etc.).
The Palm Beach County Schools Dept of Exceptional Student Education has posted the SETT framework questions as a considerations document that can be completed and shared by IEP team members. Check out http://www.palmbeach.k12.fl.us/Records/PDF/1859.pdf.
The areas of handwriting, reading, math, learning/study skills, and computer access are included in the considerations form, with a multitude of suggestions for students and their IEP teams to try (Magic Rub erasers, highlighter tape). A column in the document is provided to evaluate effectiveness.
If you provide a small, magnetic wipe-off board to each student in the class, students can interact with concepts and practice skills in the large group with little concern for making big mistakes! In addition to acting as individual response boards for informal student assessment, the small dry-erase boards can be used for sorting and classifying.
For instance, the class discusses what the word "freedom" means, and students are asked to provide examples of freedom. On their small markerboards, they draw a picture or write a few words to illustrate the concept of "freedom." Students can erase as much as they want, use dry-erase stamp sets, and use peel-off stickers. The teachers can redirect and guide students as they work. Students then stick their magnetic boards to the main board and explain to the class what they wrote or illustrated. When it comes time to sort the boards into personal freedom and public/group freedom, any student can move the concepts around in the way they think is best, with no need to write--just re-stick on the board under a different heading! Also, no "error" or changed decision is difficult because the markerboard can simply be moved under a different hearding. The resulting graphic organizer can be copied down by students or could easily be digitally photographed, photocopied, and added to student notebooks.
Boone makes 5"x8" markerboards that are also magnetic and come in sets of 4, so 6 sets would outfit most classrooms. Want to make your own? Try laminating large index cards and sticking heavy-duty business card-sized magnets (available at office supply stores cheaply) to the back.
School's about to start and now is the time to stock up on things that will cost more later!
For students (and any of us) who lose their place when distracted from reading and completing worksheets and forms, have pads of inexpensive sticky notes around the room. Model for students the use of a sticky note to "hold your place" while reading out of a book or off of a printed overhead. "Think aloud" about how you are using the sticky note not just when you walk away from the book or material, but because at any time there may be a distraction (knock at the door, buzzing fly, polite question interrupting, need to scan a list of questions for which one to answer next from the text) that would break your concentration. Think aloud for your students also about the amount of time you are saving by having the placeholder (not having to scan the whole page again when your eyes return to it) and how it serves double duty as a secure bookmark in a textbook (won't fall out).
We like the Savvy Technologist enough to wander through his old postings--and struck gold!
In a 2005 posting, the Savvy Technologist interviewed Earle Harrison, an assistive technology consultant and owner of Triumph Technology, a source for adaptive technology and adaptive media solutions. They talked about universal design, assistive technology, and accessible Web design. Earle mentioned many different hardware and software products during the conversation, including:
* macvisionaries.com
* FreedomBox products including the Key To Freedom
* BrailleSense notetaker
* Kurzweil Educational Systems
* Mobile Speak
* StreetTalk GPS software
* JAWS for Windows screen reader
* Windows-Eyes screen reader
* Building Accessible Websites (With CD-ROM) by Joe Clark
* Constructing Accessible Web Sites by Jim Thatcher
Interested? Click on the link to hear the podcast of their conversation (http://technosavvy.org/?p=298)
Try these monitor adaptations...also from the Making the Connections Conference at Virginia Tech.
*Attach a pad of post-it-notes to the side of the monitor to let students know their assignment or instructions.
*Mount a sheet magnifier on the monitor
*Use a TV swivel for adjusting the position of the monitor.
Document holders:
Attach chip clips to the monitor with Velcro to hold the documents
Use a clothespin and attach document to a plastic picture frame or three ring binder
Use a Word frame or color line for tracking
Looking for mouse adaptations? Try these also from the Making the Connections '06 Conference at Virginia Tech.
*Turn the mose pad over to slow down mouse speed
*Create a mouse house from a video case or 3 ring binder: http://lburhkart.com/mhouse.htm
*Glue a button (or anything with texture) to the mouse button
*Attach velcro to the side of the monitor to make a mouse holder
*Trackball--upside down mouse
*Disable to right mouse key by using the functions in the control panel.
Monitor adaptations tomorrow!!
Do you need to adapt a computer keyboard for a specialized need? Try one of these suggestions we picked up at the AT and Aug Com -Making the Conections '06 conference at Virginia Tech.
*Create enlarged letter stick-ons using Avery coding labels in bright colors
*Add texture to the keys by sticking sandpaper, felt, stick-on earrings or jewels
*Try dicem, self liner, slip stop (for rugs) or even Wikki Sticks to hold keyboards in place.
*Use a shoe box lid to create a keyguard: simply cut out holes to correspond to keys. For more time and expense involved use Plexiglass and use foam along edges of the keyboard to raise the keyguard off the keyboard. Make a photo copy of the keyboard in order to make a template prior to cutting your material.
More tomorrow about mouse adaptations.
Interesting posting on the website for Sabine Parish, LA: A quick checklist for determining student-specific modifications (http://www.sabine.k12.la.us/standards/CSmchecklis.htm). Some good ideas for us AT-minded folks!
Only one note: many of the "modifications" they list are things I would see not as modifications, but as accommodations or simply differentiated or alternate instruction...
...because we can't stop brainstorming uses for the wax-covered yarn and are so glad to see even more ideas posted online at wikkistix.com:
...and the manufacturer's site now posts occupational therapy uses for the cool light-tech learning tools (http://www.wikkistix.com/otuses.htm) as well as general educational uses (http://www.wikkistix.com/educational.htm).
Virginia's own Jane Quenneville wrote an article in 2001 that still reads well 5 years later: Tech Tools for Students with Learning Disabilities: Infusion into Inclusive Classrooms is available at http://www.ldonline.org/article/6380. In the article she hits on talking word processors, word prediction, portable note-taking devices, prewriting organizers, and multimedia prewriting prompts.
August 15, 2006 Presenter: Karen McCall, Sponsored by EASI (Equal Access to Software and Information).
Register at http://easi.cc/forms/tablet.htm
This web seminar will demonstrate the ability of students with disabilities to use tablet technology and Microsoft OneNote. The tablet offers tool for task accessibility such as handwriting, speech recognition, the use of screen magnification, and screen reading software. With the new smaller models of tablets, you have “big Windows? applications on a small Windows XP Pro based computer. Add Microsoft OneNote and you have a powerful digital notebook. OneNote is a free form digital notebook tool that can be used with adaptive technology. Tablets can be used by people with dysgraphia, learning disabilities, visual disabilities, or who are blind. More academic institutions are moving to tablet technology and this seminar provides an overview of how it can be used as an inclusive tool.
Here's a free demo that I received at this month's American Educational Research Association conference in San Francisco--looked so good that I grabbed it right up! The write-up for Inqscribe (great name) focuses on ease of use: the product developers say that transcription is easier because you can view the video and transcribe the video in the same window.
Continue reading "INQSCRIBE transcription and Subtitling Software" »