Resources for Executive Functions
A resource developed by Karen Janowski, Assistive Technology Consultant, EdTech Solutions
karen.janowski@gmail.com, @KarenJan
This resource page includes a number of free and low-cost tools to manage and/or develop executive function skills. It is based on the work of Dawson and Guare who propose a two-pronged approach to working with students with EF issues. First, consider the environment, what can be changed externally to support the students. Second, provide explicit instruction. These tools may help as part of an intervention regimen. Scroll down to access all the categories and tools. Thank you for visiting.
Low Tech and Readily Available Options:
Start with what is readily available. Use the devices' Calendar and Reminders apps and features. Use low-tech tools such as Sticky Notes and colored highlighters. Use Sticky Notes on computers (Stickies on the Mac) and definitely explore Google Keep - syncs across all devices and has excellent features for many different skills. Teach these tools - students do not typically know about or use them effectively. Explicit instruction is key but also be willing to learn from your students. They can become the experts.
Self-Regulation
Self-Help for Anxiety Management - Free iOS or Android app developed by a team of psychologists, computers scientists and student users with a range of self-help tools to manage anxiety.
Mindshift CBT - Anxiety Canada - "MindShift uses scientifically proven strategies based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help you learn to relax and be mindful, develop more effective ways of thinking, and use active steps to take charge of your anxiety." (from the website, free iOS or Android app)
Mood Meter - Increase self-awareness, promote self-regulation, build emotion vocabulary including nuance.
Headspace - mindful meditation, free trial and annual fee
Self-Control - blocks distracting websites, full customizability
Organization and Time Management
Task Analysis and Time Estimation Work Sheet - The purpose of the Task Analysis Work Sheet is to raise student's awareness of the multiple steps that may be involved in a single task and to develop their perception of how much time it takes to complete that task. (From LDOnline)
Stay Focused - Chrome extension that limits the amount of time you spend on time wasting websites. Highly configurable.
Rescue Time - Web-based time tracking software to promote focus and productivity. Offers graphs and visual support. The Lite version is free.
Cold Turkey - Love the name. Right now it is Windows only but they say they are adding Mac capabilities. Set timers, improve focus and productivity. Pro version offers additional features (one time $19 fee).
Pomodoro Technique - A Time Management method to help manage distractions and increase productivity. Use a time to work for focused periods with short breaks.
Study Time app - Sustain focus and manage distractions. Adds table and graph view to determine how time is spent. $1.99, iOS app based on the Pomodoro Technique
Pomodone - Free (with premium versions) online tool based on the Pomodoro Technique. Connect to your current Productivity tool (Todoist, Trello, Evernote, Wanderlist). Chrome extension available.
Thinking Time Tracker Chrome Extension - based on the work of Sarah Ward and her "Get Ready, Do, Done" strategy.
Dayboard - Chrome extension to help you manage your tasks and distractions. Replace your new tab page with a daily to do list to focus on your most important tasks each day.
TrackClass - Helps you organize school work. From reminders to notes to assignments and grades, you'll be on top of your studies! (Free resource)
Remind - Awesome free tool to communicate with your students about homework, assignments, feedback, etc.
Customize your iGoogle Home Page with productivity apps
Study Skills
The Most Powerful Way to Remember More - Must see video to share with students! Based upon the concept of Spaced Repetition or Distributed Learning. Cramming does not work!
New smart study features. Builds strategic competence.
Notes about Highlighting
Highlighting is Ineffective Let's Change That - Edutopia
The Surprising Truth about Highlighting
Memory Tools
Evernote - Helps you capture and remember anything. Record audio, capture photos, type or handwrite notes. Works online or with all mobile devices.
Note Anywhere Chrome Extension - Make notes on any web page, any position. When you open that page again, the notes get loaded automatically.
Electronic Flashcards
Flashcard Apps
Screencasting Apps - important as a memory tool
Notability - audio, text, handwriting input. Can sync audio to inputted text for later review. ($1.99)
Evernote - syncs across all devices. Can add text, photos, audio. Does handwriting recognition when searching words. (free)
Glean.co - Online tool, syncs notes to audio, import presentation slides, converts audio to text.
Audio Note2 for IOS - Notepad and audio note taker. Syncs audio with notes. free or in-app purchases - $9.99
RocketBook Notebook - Reusable digital notebooks which save to the cloud. Use with Google Docs to convert handwritten text to OCR.
Research
Diigo - Annotate, Archive, Organize. Download and Install the Diigo Toolbar. Learn more here and also watch the embedded video.
Scrible - Research, annotation and Bibliography tool
Use Evernote as a Research Tool
Google Keep as a Research Tool
Note Anywhere Chrome Extension -
Make notes on any web page, any position. when you open that page again, the notes get loaded automatically.
Notestar - NoteStar is an Internet utility to assist in the preparation of research papers. Teachers and students can set up research projects with topics and sub-topics. Students may then take advantage of NoteStar's many features to collect and organize their notes and prepare their bibliography page." (from the website)
Live Binder - Collect information for a research project in one place.
When writing a research paper, you may want to explore Research Paper Builder,an online commercial product ($39) .Be sure to check the Free Interactive Demo first.
Writing Tips
Graphic organizers can help you as begin the writing process. Check out these free, online graphic organizers:
Bubbl.us -Brain Storming and Organizing Tool good for visual thinkers/learners, EASY to use, very simple, customizable features, sharing capabilities
SpiderNet - Brainstorming/mind mapping tool. Can add documents, images, maps, share with other collaborators. Watch the twominute video tutorial here.
Text2MindMap- Create a simple idea web by simply typing the ideas into an outline, Easy to use
Webspiration- Graphic Organization good for visual thinker/learners, EASY to use, advanced feature, sharing capabilities, customizable, developed by creators of Inspiration/Kidspiration
Recall Plus - Students can organize their notes, create flashcards, make use of 3D tools and more in this great mind mapping tool. It is downloadable. The Lite version is free.
Exploratree-Create graphic organizers from scratch or with helpful templates
After you have completed your writing, copy and paste the text into Paper Rater. Paper Rater offers Grammar and Spell Checking as well as plagiarism detection and writing suggestions to improve your writing, as well as a Vocabulary Builder and Writing Style suggestions.
Library Resource Portals
Internet Public Library great resources on any subject for any age
Multnomah County Library Homework Center subject-organized resources for the most-assigned projects
Sweet Search - Search engine for K - 12 students, "every website in Sweet Search has been evaluated by our research experts."For documentation
Bib Me - Bibliography Maker
EasyBib - Bibliography Composer
Research & Documentation Online Download sample papers (MLA & APA styles) with Hacker & Fister's well-known guide
Apps for iOS Devices
Search for categories such as Productivity, To-do, organization, flash cards, mind maps, schedules, etc. New apps created daily. Some suggestions:
iHomework
MyHomework
iStudiez
FlashCard Apps - Cramberry - synchs with Computer
Sound Note, Audio Note, Notability
Remember the Milk
Evernote
Thinking Maps