Student Guide Corner

IMPORTANT : First, read The Homework Myth by Alfie Kohn.   If, after reading this book, homework is still considered necessary for learning, you will want to consider these alternatives. Many districts require assignment notebooks for scheduling homework and long-term assignments. For some students, a paper-based system works effectively. For other students, the assignment notebook provides unintended consequences as a method of frustration.  Not all students are able to independently record homework in an assignment notebook, for a variety of reasons (i.e. difficulty with pencil control, difficulty managing multiple paper materials, unable to use notebooks due to vision or physical disabilities) .   The paper IS the disability for these students. What are alternatives? Thinking creatively, and considering the ubiquitous technology available, here are a few options: 1.    Embed the assignments on the class webpage. Students (and parents) will know where i...

Why is text-to-speech (TTS) the best kept secret from our students? Is it also the best kept secret from teachers? Do you know about TTS? Is it available on every computer that your students use? The single most important free strategy we can show our students is the ability to use text-to-speech on any computer . Why? Three main reasons. It supports the writing process, especially when editing and revising written work. It provides the ability to access content for students who are reading below grade level. When content is digital it is now accessible and students can access the curriculum independently. No longer are they dependent on others to read to them. It's Universal Design for Learning . As part of the writing process, teach students to use TTS. When students write, the use of TTS often motivates them to write more. They enjoy listening to what they have written. Then, as students edit their work, they are more likely to catch errors when they listen to it (and especially...

Hearing how technology changes the lives of users with disabilities using their own words makes more of an impact than my words. A great article at the AT Mac blog describes how an adult web designer who is autistic utilizes readily available technology throughout his day, for communication, organization and managing trouble. �I could not live without my iPhone� How many times have you heard someone say that? Or something similar about a gadget, whether it�s an Apple device or otherwise? Well, for me, that's pretty much true. Welcome to the world of autism and assistive technology." This is fantastic. I loved reading how technology helps Jamie Knight achieve greater independence. Technology makes a difference. It is about the tools and this article reinforces the importance of showing our students different tools so they can develop their own toolbelt for life beyond school.

You may have noticed the dearth of posts lately. I'll try to make up for that with this post, Ten Tips for Tuesday. Dave Edyburn's annual round-up of the best Special Education Technology Literature (What Have We Learned Lately) is worth a read. Check it out. We all benefit from his work. Thank you, Dave! The need to equip and empower our struggling learners has never been more critical. Fortunately, the availability of tools and strategies makes this easier than ever. If you haven't already read it, read, Toolbelt Theory for Everyone, by Ira Socol to understand the urgency of empowering every student for success. Tools matter. Now that you understand the importance of offering tools to your students with learning challenges, head over to the UDL Tech Toolkit Wik i. It's constantly updated and links to a number of free tools that improve access to the curriculum and remove the obstacles to learning. If Glogster is blocked in your school, you can navigate to the cat...

One of my favorite deep thinkers about all things special education, UDL and learning is Ira Socol who blogs at SpeEdChange . Ira has eloquently and persuasively advocated building the skills necessary to allow students to create personal toolbelts in his post, Toolbelt Theory for Everyone . If you haven't read it yet, you need to. Here's a sample: The only way to allow students to assemble this essential toolbelt for information and communication is to to throw open your classroom and let the world in. How will your students know which calendar works for them - the one on their phone, Google Calendar with SMS appointment texting, Microsoft Outlook, or any of a dozen paper systems unless you allow them to try them out? How will your students know whether they 'get' a novel better by listening to an audiobook, or reading it on paper, or using text-to-speech, if you don't let them experience all repeatedly and help them decide? Will their choice be the same when the...