Assistive & Instructional Technology Integration for Academic Success

1. Assistive & Instructional Technology Integration for Academic Success David Davis - david@fdlrstech.com

2. Assistive Technology • AT - Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially or off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. • AT Service - A service that directly assists a child with a disability to select, get or use an assistive technology device.

3. Assistive Technology • Technology that, when used by a student, enhances the performance or functioning of a target skill, including cognitive processes, learning, communication, sensory, and physical abilities.

4. Assistive Technology • Pencil Grips

5. Instructional Technology • Technology that, when used by an instructor, enhances the instructional process. • Interactive Whiteboards: IT or AT?

6. Comparison of AT Mindsets • 1980’s and 1990’s • Primarily determined by Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Therapists • Often based on performance with an “access” language • Based on the technology of the day • AT Plans and outcomes based on device usage success

7. Comparison of AT Mindsets • 1980’s and 1990’s • Primarily determined by Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Therapists • Often based on performance with an “access” language • Based on the technology of the day • AT Plans and outcomes based on device usage success • 2006 (Today) • Determined by the student and team as needed, addressing all student support needs • Based on performance with a “performance” language • Simple accommodations and digital technology freely available • AT Plans and outcomes based on user success beyond the device

8. Moving from Strategies to AT • Pointing to pictures to communicate. • Strategy or Assistive Technology?

9. Moving from Strategies to AT

10. Moving from Strategies to AT

11. Moving from Strategies to AT • Using a mind map to scaffold information analysis using compare/contrast. • Strategy or Assistive Technology?

12. Moving from Strategies to AT

13. Moving from Strategies to AT

14. AT for Thinking and Memory • How do you identify strategies & scaffolds?

15. AT for Thinking and Memory • Scaffolding and support for: • Memory • Engagement (and length of time) • Categorization • Pattern Recognition • Clarifying • Analyzing • Synthesis

16. Challenges • ADHD • Engagement / Extended Engagement • Organization Skills • Activity Completion / Follow Through • Memory • Learning Disabilities • Organization Skills • Memory • Pattern Recognition • Linear / Text • Writing

17. “Stock the Shelf” • Internet • Microsoft Office / Open Office • Docs and Spreadsheets (Google) • Evernote • Acrobat Reader / Standard • Picasa / iPhoto • Audacity / Garage Band • CMap / FreeMind / Inspiration • iMovie / Movie Maker

18. “Stock the Shelf” • Quick Changes / UDL • Text to Speech • ReadingBar – ReadPlease • Natural Reader • Speaking Notepad • 1st Read It Aloud • Read-e • Speechzilla for WORD SOLO Classroom Suite Kurzweil Read & Write Gold

19. “Stock the Shelf” • Quick Changes / UDL • Text to Audio • ReadingBar • Text Aloud • Natural Reader • Kurzweil • Read & Write Gold • Language • FreeTranslation

20. Mapping Information • Mapping information is a scaffolding technique that supports pattern recognition, information organization, and memory. • Tools include: • Highlighters • Comments • Stamps

21. Higher Order Scaffolds • Many students with disabilities require visual representations of higher order thinking skills to analyze and synthesize information. • Tools include: • cMap / FreeMind • Inspiration • InspireData

22. Memory Journals • Many students with disabilities have problems with memory and making connections to past learning. Externalized memory journals can make a difference. • Tools include: • Evernote • OneNote • PlanPlus • Smart Software

23. Simulations • Simulations provide a learning environment where students can engage in problem solving and decision making exercises while learning from mistakes. Cognitive maps can assist students to problem solve. Simulations can often be controlled by mouse emulators. • Examples include: • Riverdeep Virtual Labs • Pintar Virtual Labs • SodaPlay • ExploreLearning

24. Data Collection • Data collection moves from the use of technology to the impact of technology on academic goals and objectives. • An example data collection system: • FDLRS Data Form • FDLRS Sample Report • FDLRS Sample Raw Data

25. Assistive & Instructional Technology Integration for Academic Success David Davis - david@fdlrstech.com