There are many different technology tools that teachers have at their disposal. Below are two favorites that can be utilized to foster self-directed learning, varying the difficulty based on each students' needs. Each resource is linked at the bottom of the page.
Raz-Kids is a reading resource that has 29 different levels of reading for students of differing abilities to access and read. With the vast amount of levels and books, it has a reading level for every kid, regardless of their academic ability. There is a learning portal that allows each student to pick which books they would like to read, giving incentives for them to complete them. This really puts the power in the hand of the student and allows them to self-direct their own learning.
Quizlet is an interaction study tool that many teachers are utilizing in their classrooms. It is a virtual flashcard app/website that allows teachers to engage their students in interactive studying and games. Students are able to move as quickly or as slowly as they would like, with multiple different ways for them to study the material. This is an amazing tool, as not every student learns in the same way, and by allowing each student the ability to choose how they want to learn the flashcards, it gives them the ability to master their own learning sailboat.
Technology has come a long way and with it, so has assistive technology. This is a vital resource for teachers, as some students need more help to be able to understand what is being taught. Below you will find two assistive technology examples, however there are many others that do an amazing job as well.
Students with visual impairments and/or blindness often struggle with written language, especially on something as small as a calculator. Teachers can utilize a form of technology known as a Talking Calculator to help during math lessons for these students. The calculator looks similar to a standard calculator used by their peers, however, it allows each key to be spoken aloud. This adjustment makes it easier for students who are blind or have visual impairments to verify that they have pressed the correct button.
For students who struggle with dyslexia, a common assistive technology is an e-reader. Electronic readers (e-readers) enable dyslexic students the ability to keep up with their peers while reading. Many e-readers come equipped with resources like AudioBooks and text to speech apps. By utilizing these e-readers, students are able to focus on the quality of reading, rather than struggling through the text. This keeps their focus on reading and understanding the content.