Scan and Read Software

An example of scan and read software is Microsoft's Reading tools and learning disabilities programs that help students who have difficulty in reading.  Text-based materials give options that include scanning, reformatting, navigating or speak out loud text.  Such materials also help students with visual impairments or students who are learning the English language (ELL's).  In addition, students with learning disabilities may also benefit as text is heard and highlighted. 

Benefits: Students with visual impairments/ELLs/Learning Disabilities (ADD, ADHD) 

Visual: Window Eyes

Naturally Speaking Voice Recognition Software

An example of naturally speaking voice recognition software is Microsoft's Speech recognition or voice recognition programs which helps students who do not have the ability to move a mouse or use a keyboard to give commands by using their voice.  A microphone is attached to the computer and students can create documents, emails, enter data using their voices. 

Benefits: Students with range of motion disabilities

Example: Dragon's Voice Recognition Software

Talking Word Processor Software

An example of talking word processor software is Microsoft's Talking and Large-print Word Processor.  It is a software program that use speech synthesizers to provide auditory feedback of what is typed without any added screen enlargement. The text is already enlarged for the student.

Benefits: Students with visual impairment

Visual: VisioVoice

Link for Demo: http://www.infogrip.com/products/visiovoice.html

Word Prediction Software

An example of word prediction software is Microsoft's Keyboard Filters.  They are typing aids that use word prediction utilities and spell check that lessens the number of keystrokes one must take

Benefits: Students with range of motion disabilities

Visual: Dwellix

Exploring UDL Websites:

Another part of module 1 was to explore some of the other websites and to go more in depth to the CAST.org website. Below are five different sites I have checked out.  Each has a description of what the site has and how a teacher can use the site in their classrooms.


1.  http://ada.osu.edu/resources/fastfacts/guided-notes-fact-sheet


As a social studies teacher of 8th grade students, this post offered insight on note-taking.  The idea behind guided notes is that they will not only help your students with disabilities but all students, the idea behind Universal Design by Learning.  Although much of the information is geared towards college studies, teachers even in the middle grades are preparing students for post-secondary life.  
 When teachers provide guided notes, they should use symbols to help students recognize different ideas, strategies, key concepts, or important items.  See below for some suggested guided notes symbols. 

Explanation of Symbols in Guided Notes:
●➜ ✷ ★ ❶  
Write a definition, concept, key point, or procedure next to each bullet, asterisk, star, or numbered circle. 

__________  
 Fill-in blank lines with a word or phrase to complete a definition, concept, key point, or procedure.

☛ ☛ ☛ ☛ 
 The pointing finger comes into play when you review and study your notes after class. It is a prompt to think of and write your own example(s) of a concept or idea for applying a particular strategy.

✎ Big Idea ✎ 

Big ideas are statements or concepts with wide-ranging implications for understanding and/or applying course content. 

2.  www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/toolkits.tk/procedures.cfm?tk_id21

This site explains how to plan for ALL learners.  There are two important parts of designing learning so that all students may learn:
1.  First educators must understand what UDL is 
2.  Teachers must make the commitment to planning their curriculum so that all students learn.  This must be a team effort between regular education teachers and special education teachers.  

Below is a graphic of the four steps to the process of UDL.  Each step has a process within itself to make sure the process is complete.

 source: www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/toolkits/tk_procedures.cfm?tk_id21

3.  www.udlcenter.org/aboutUDL/udlguidelines

The UDL center website provides more information about Universal Design by Learning.  Not only can one learn, but the site also provides access to advocating for changes to education.  Some of the tabs one can click on and check out are: advocacy, implementation, and community.  The site also provides resources such as videos and books that explain more about UDL.  Something that I will use as a visual learner was the UDL graphic organizer that I have posted below

www.udlcenter.org/aboutUDL/udlguidelines

  
4.  www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent

Take a moment and check out the three brain networks quiz on this website.  As discussed in this post and the previous ones, the brain has three networks that are all vital to simple or complex tasks.  I found this quiz to be very cool and interesting, as well as an inside look into my own mind and how I process what I see.  I will let my students try this so they can also see how their own brain's work and how differently each mind is (you can also print out a copy for each student if you do not have computers for your students).

 Get it...The Three Stooges :)

source: www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent

  


This is the image that is analyzed to understand brain networking

source: www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent

5.  www.cast.org

This is the original link to finding out about Universal Learning by Design.  Having the opportunity to simply explore the site allowed me to find the "book builder" tool (bookbuilder.cast.org).  Here, you create a free account to access the book builder tool and other tools on this site.

I went ahead and created an example of a book for my students.  We will use this site in class to recreate different events and battles during the American Civil War unit.  This will be great to both check for understanding and to allow my students to use their creative side while studying the subject.
 

bookbuilder.cast.org

 The site is very teacher and student friendly.  It even provides coaching as you complete your book.  I highly recommend this site!