As we are all well aware iOS 7 was released earlier this week. Change is inevitable; it is pure excitement and joy for some but not always easy for others. As any provider of tech support knows our focus is on the later. Apparently we know all the answers even though we are seeing the new iOS for the first time as well. Thankfully there are those excited to explore and test out the iOS and share their findings. Can’t…
Over the last two weeks I have had the opportunity to attend some workshops on the iPad in general and for use with those who have special needs. I have come away more solidified in my vision of the use of iPads in schools The iPad is a game changer when it comes to supporting differentiated instruction and universal design in learning. I know there are other devices out there but Apple made a commitment to accessibility a long time ago and continues to…
I have found myself once again immersing myself in Universal Design for Learning both for a class I am teaching and to help justify to teachers why they may need to vary the tools and media they teach with. As educators we need to go back to the fundamentals of what, why and how we teach. I strongly suggest you take some time to explore these 2 related sites as they have much information and many examples to help inform your teaching. CAST and National Center on Universal Design in Learning
I read online a great deal. I support teachers who wish to share web content in classrooms with younger children. As well as students who have visual and special needs. I frequently recommend two tools to help remove the distracting and sometime inappropriate clutter. Viewpure – allows you to view youtube videos against a white background, no ads, and no comments. Readability – I started using readability while it was still in development. It is now a commercial product with…
In the up coming months we hope to be exploring the use of iPods and iPads in a variety of Special Education settings. We have begun to put together a list of Apps we would like to try. Though I can visit the app store and read a variety of web pages we are really looking for information from people who have taken them for a run. If you have any apps you would like to share please add them…
A large portion of the participants in our little blogging experiment are special education teachers, at the elementary level. I am looking for resources I can direct their way, specifically blogs and wikis. The links below are from Special Education Bloggers, please comment and let me know of others. I know there are some great resources out there. Mechelle DeCraene in an email offered to lend a helping hand to our participants. Karen Janowski is an assistive technology consultant and…