Sessions

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Using Audio & Video to Engage Students (10:15am-11:15am: Edison North)

Students are engaged by audio and video! According to the 2017 Project Tomorrow Digital Learning Report, 68% of teachers report that they are able to more effectively differentiate instruction with the use of technology. How can we do this with the classroom technology available today? How can we promote Universal Design for Learning in our classrooms? Let's explore the range of tools - both websites and apps - that are available to provide multiple means of engagement, representation and action / expression. Whether we are using these tools to share content or to amplify student voices, there is no denying that students are engaged by audio and video.

This session will explore different tools that educators can use to promote flexible UDL style learning in the classroom. Replacing writing with A/V will engage learners.

Learner Objectives:

  1. Participants will explore the range of tools available to enable students to express themselves with both audio and video.
  2. Participants will learn about the features of tools and strategies to implement these tools in the classroom.
  3. Participants will explore apps, extensions, web tools and software to support students in the areas of audio and video.


The "Write" AT & Apps for Note Taking (12:45pm - 3:00pm: Edison North)

Long gone should be the days of having a scribe or designated note-taker as an accommodation on an IEP. But how do you promote independence and success of students for whom writing is a challenge? From tools designed with accessibility in mind, to everyday tools used widely in education, there are a range of technology resources that can support students who struggle with note taking. This fast paced session will examine a variety of tools accessible on a wide range of platforms, such as Chrome, iOS, and Android. Explore tools that provide supports for annotating texts, noting important evidence in online video, and that support students who are challenged with listening and writing simultaneously. Beyond just writing the notes themselves, we will also look at tools and strategies for organizing and making sense of notes. Both free and for fee resources will be examined and modeled.

Learner Objectives:

  1. Participants will identify three key skills necessary for quality note taking.
  2. Participants will explore a minimum of five assistive technology tools designed to promote effective notetaking.
  3. Participants will explore a minimum of three everyday technology tools that can be incorporated into an successful notetaking solution.


Thursday, November 29, 2018

Tool Talk! (10:15am - 11:15am: New York Central)

It’s back for 2018! We have become overwhelmed with apps available to use with our students. How do we keep up? Which ones are “good”? What does “good” even mean with regards to apps? Come join this edcamp-style conversation session where we will talk about all things apps in the classroom. Have a question? Want to share a success story? We will focus on the FEATURES of these tools and how they can benefit students! Session notes will be collected in digital format to keep the learning going even after the session.

The goal of this session is to engage all the participants in an edcamp - style sharing session. Everyone comes to a conference with great ideas to share - this is their chance! I will facilitate the discussion by outlining areas of conversation. I will come prepared to demonstrate / discuss solutions related to Chrome but the hope is that the audience will do most of the talking and sharing. Even if that sharing is just asking questions - it will still generate discussion and problem solving.

Learner Objectives:

  1. Participants will explore the range of supports available for any device (iOS, Android, Chrome, PC, Mac).
  2. Participants will learn about the features of tools and strategies to implement these tools in the classroom.
  3. Participants will explore apps, extensions, web tools and software to support students in the areas of writing, reading communication, and organization.


Promote a UDL Learning Environment with Google Tools (12:45pm - 3:00pm: New York Central)

The use of Google tools & Chromebooks continues to explode in education. But how can we use this array of tools to promote a culture of Universal Design for Learning (UDL)? This workshop will focus on the three principles of UDL - Multiple Means of Engagement; Representation; and, Action & Expression - and explore ways to incorporate Google tools into the UDL learning environment. From Chrome apps and extensions to Google tools such as Cardboard, this workshop will highlight ways to support ALL learners in the classroom. Make sure to bring your devices to participate in the learning!

Learner Objectives:

1. Understand a minimum of three core differences between a Chromebook, standard computer and tablet technology tool for education. Participants will also experience assistive technology hardware supports to use with the Chrome platform to meet the diverse needs of all learners.

2. Discuss and identify at least three examples of utilizing G Suite for Education, both in the classroom and at home, to facilitate student learning in the areas of: Literacy, learning, researching and executive function.

3. Through hands on exploration and collaboration with peers, evaluate and determine a minimum of five effective Google Apps and Extensions that will meet the unique needs of each learner in the both the special education and regular education classroom.