Educational & Assistive Technology

Flipgrid

Flipgrid is a free resource that offers a bundle of learning tools which includes a video tool that teachers can use to post videos of instructional content for students. When a teacher posts content, students are able to respond and contribute to discussion by posting their own self-recorded videos on the thread below the original video.

Flipgrid supports self-directedness and independent learning because it allows students to access content to review when they need it, and also enables them to take control of their learning by organizing and recording a video showcasing their own work and thought process which allows for academic freedom.

Quizlet

Quizlet is a free resource students can use to make flashcards, study content, and play interactive content-related games. As a teacher, you can utilize Quizlet to enable your students to be able to review and refresh instructional content by making them a flashcard set of the content you are covering in class.

Students can also make all of this content themselves and utilize it as a tool to support their self-directed and independent learning by taking initiative and managing their own learning. By offering this tech tool to students, you are empowering them to take responsibility for their own education.

Text-to-Speech Technology | NaturalReader

Text-to-speech technology is usually already included as a tool on most electronic devices such as tablets, computers or smart phones. This technology allows the user to have printed text read aloud to them from a variety of files, whether it is a website, a Word document, or an E-book. The user can usually select the speed of the reading depending on their individual needs. This tool can help meet individual student needs and education in the classroom by helping students focus on content (for those with needs associated with ADHD), helping students with word recognition and enabling students to identify errors in their writing. Oftentimes, a student may struggle with reading print on a device if their eyesight is poor. This tech tool eliminates that educational barrier and all other student needs mentioned above.

If not already downloaded on your device, or you are looking for an improved software system, check out NaturalReader.

Alternative Keyboards | KinderBoard

Alternative keyboards are both physical keyboards as well as programmable regular keyboards that have special overlays or key arrangements and key sizes in order to enable those with disabilities who have difficulty using a traditional keyboard. Keyboards like KinderBoard are computer keyboards with enlarged keys and color coded key sections that help to meet individual student needs and education in the classroom by assisting children with vision or motor-skill impairment to overcome educational barriers and gain equitable access to the same education as their peers.

Other keyboards may include visual image keys in order to meet the needs of students that have trouble with using a typically modified keyboard in order to still be able to express themselves in class and also for assignments. For students with trouble both reading and writing, a combination software can help to turn their writing into audible speech for enhanced communication abilities.