Assistive Technology Home Page
This website is designed for teachers and it provides instructional resources. The product section reveals some of the theory behind using technology in the classroom. The resource section provides useful tech tools and links.
Action Plan
Story Bird Access to Martine's book
(I copied and pasted this book onto the website since a digital download is $4)
(I copied and pasted this book onto the website since a digital download is $4)
Reflection of Course
I was really excited about taking this course because it offers exposure to hands-on teaching tools and the first assignment that focused on UDL was a great eye opener. As a teacher, it is so important to provide different opportunities to access, represent, practice skills and show knowledge. It is also key to collaborate with colleagues and introduce new teaching techniques into your practice.
When we moved on to Google Chrome, I discovered the most applicable tools for students was linked researching and writing. Extensions like Google Read & Write, Grammarly and Google Translate simple to learn but useful for students grade three to university.
After learning about Google Chromes "Read & Write program I fell into a blackhole search of useful educational technology. I was introduced to some Twitter groups, Apple education Apps and gradually progressed through the plethora of tech links on Paul Hamilton's website titled UDL Resources. T later realized that the tools were endless that I just had to stop! There are so many options but one has to consider what technology is available in your specific school, what grades you teach and the needs of your students.
Then, once I made my way out of the blackhole of tech resources, I compiled audio book resources. I had used Tumble Books multiple times with my students and really enjoyed finding new audiobook webpages because I found Tumble Books didn't have a huge selection of reading material for different age groups. Finally at the end of my exploration, I reviewed very specific specialized technology. I reviewed Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) which I have used infrequently throughout my career and several other specialized technology.
Lastly I attended a presentation on how to use Google Translate at the Immigrant Welcome Centre in Nanaimo. A lot of teachers from the school district attended the short presentation and used the app/extension when communicating with Syrian refugees.
The goals coming away from this course is to continue discovering resources, organize resources and use technology to meet the unique needs of my students.
My Aah moment was realizing that accessing and representing information are key areas of focus for many teachers. I really love the tech tools that simplify websites and allow students text-to-speech options.
Having the right tool removes so many barriers but it is important to note that each learner requires their own set of tools.
When we moved on to Google Chrome, I discovered the most applicable tools for students was linked researching and writing. Extensions like Google Read & Write, Grammarly and Google Translate simple to learn but useful for students grade three to university.
After learning about Google Chromes "Read & Write program I fell into a blackhole search of useful educational technology. I was introduced to some Twitter groups, Apple education Apps and gradually progressed through the plethora of tech links on Paul Hamilton's website titled UDL Resources. T later realized that the tools were endless that I just had to stop! There are so many options but one has to consider what technology is available in your specific school, what grades you teach and the needs of your students.
Then, once I made my way out of the blackhole of tech resources, I compiled audio book resources. I had used Tumble Books multiple times with my students and really enjoyed finding new audiobook webpages because I found Tumble Books didn't have a huge selection of reading material for different age groups. Finally at the end of my exploration, I reviewed very specific specialized technology. I reviewed Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) which I have used infrequently throughout my career and several other specialized technology.
Lastly I attended a presentation on how to use Google Translate at the Immigrant Welcome Centre in Nanaimo. A lot of teachers from the school district attended the short presentation and used the app/extension when communicating with Syrian refugees.
The goals coming away from this course is to continue discovering resources, organize resources and use technology to meet the unique needs of my students.
My Aah moment was realizing that accessing and representing information are key areas of focus for many teachers. I really love the tech tools that simplify websites and allow students text-to-speech options.
Having the right tool removes so many barriers but it is important to note that each learner requires their own set of tools.