For teachers who may be interested in finding out more about the Structured Learning System I have included a link to an article on Structured Learning here.
If you are looking for more detailed information, I have uploaded a copy of my Special Education Part 3 final project which was titled "How to Create a Structured Learning Environment". At the end of the document are other suggested resources for getting more information on Structured Learning.
Assistive Technology
As a part of a course on Assistive Technology, I was required to develop a website with useful links for teachers. I found many of these to be very useful and so I have kept the list together here in the hopes that it will help other teachers who are eager to use AT.
Links For Training on AT Software Programs.
One of the themes that surfaced time and again in the Assistive Technology Course was that of the importance of adequate teacher training on the software. The impact that teachers who are conversant in the software can have upon the positive outcomes for students using AT is significant.
The following links are useful videos or guides to some of the software programs that are on the SEA Claim and Special Education computers.
Kurzweil 3000 - YouTube video instruction - this is the first in a series of simple tutorials for using Kurzweil 3000.
Premier Literacy training videos - these can also be accessed through the software itself.
Dragon Naturally Speaking - YouTube video instruction - this is the first in a series regarding Dragon,
they are presented in a simple, easy to follow format.
Dragon Naturally Speaking website - This is a link to the customer page which includes a user workbook and videos for Version 11 and Version 10.
Dragon Basic Commands - This is a brief listing of basic commands for Dragon Naturally Speaking as well as instructions on how to import and export voice files.
Word Q - This is a PDF Getting Started Guide from SET BC that describes how to set up a new user on Word Q.
Word Q on YouTube - Video demonstration on setting up new user. Other videos can be reached from the right side of this web page. Alternatively you can watch this on the company website here.
Smart Ideas User Guide
Smart Ideas Quick Start Guide - from osapac, a brief document to get you started with screen shots.
Smart Ideas YouTube video - This was developed by the Halton board, it review Quick Create in the programs. There are other videos listed by Halton. It is very simple to follow.
Clicker 5 - This is the link to the home page for Clicker 5. On the left tool bar you can find resources such as the Clicker 5 Guide which you can download and use as a resource.
Clicker 5 Learning Grids website - This links you to the Learning Grids sign-in page. Once you register (for free) you can download ready made Clicker materials. Once downloaded you can then adapt them to meet your own needs. I
have found many great resources on this site.
Boardmaker YouTube Tutorial - This is a brief video on how to create with Boardmaker. Keep in mind that this is a newer version of the program, on our computers the tool bar will be on the left hand side of the Boardmaker page and it has fewer options.
Boardmaker SET BC Resources - This is a listing of PDF and video tutorial for using Boardmaker v.6 and v.5.
Writing With Symbols - This links you to the company page which includes downloadable guides and on-line tutorials.
Assistive Technology - Resources
I have listed below some links that you may find useful for resources on the
internet that are related to both high tech and low tech AT.
Materials
Alternative Education Resources Ontario - aero site for access to alternative format texts for students
Premier Digital Content listing - Premier has provided a page with links to many websites with digital classroom resources that can be accessed with Premier software.
Baltimore Schools Boardmaker Books - This is a listing of Boardmaker books that are ready made, you will require the Winzip program to extract them.
E Books Listing - from a US library, a listing with links to free e-books.
Apps for Special Education - A listing of iPhone iPad and iPod Touch apps for special education including links.
picture SET BC - An excellent resource for picture supports for students
under a variety of headings such as "school", "home" and "community".
JPPS Books and Activities - This is a link to a US school district site which has many visual support downloads. I have printed off and used many of these books in my class. Also in Kurzweil here.
Speaking Of Speech Materials Exchange - For more picture support materials in PDF look through the various sections of this materials exchange site. I have used many of these materials in my classroom.
Why reinvent the wheel when so many things are already made?
Information
Ontario Software Acquisition Program Advisory Committee Web Site - OSAPAC is where you can learn about the ministry licensed software.
Ottawa Network For Education - This is the link to the "AT Staffroom", which in turn has links to tutorial videos and other resources.
Talking Books using Power Point - A step by step guide for how to create talking books using Power Point.
SNOW Website - An Ontario resource with information and links on AT.
Assistive Technology Tools, Tips and Tricks -
This is a resource from Nova Scotia that gives a brief overview of types of AT, what the learner profiles may be, and possible outcomes along with other material.
Gateway Web Site - This has information on low tech solutions as well general information on types of AT (in left hand tool bar click on "AT for Education and Employment" for a listing of AT devices).
Closing The Gap, Inc. - This is an organization that "focuses on assistive technology for people with special needs through its bimonthly magazine, annual international conference and extensive Websie.". You can sign up for a free trial. They offer an extensive resource
directory which lists AT products.
Toolbox For Educators - A listing of AT by type from the University of South Carolina, with links to the software websites.
Assistive Technology - Video Links
In addition to the videos listed in the "Training" section, here are some
useful links or videos that I have found inspirational.
Using AT To Brainstorm Ideas - This is a video by the Ottawa Board regarding the use of SMART Ideas, directed at students. It's a good quick review for how to use the program.
How Blake Middle School Uses Kurzweil 3000 in the Classroom
- This YouTube video shows how this software can be used to make all students successful. I love it as a model for how it can be possible to "normalize" AT and make it a useful tool for the whole class.
My Device is my Hero - This video demonstrates the power of a communication device and the positive effect it can have on a student with a communication disability.
Timmy Swindale: An Autism AAC Success Story - An
inspiring video of how an AAC device has changed the life of a young boy who is
gifted in mathematical abilities.
Articles of Interest
I am particularly interested in the use of speech-to-text software, and have found these 2 articles to be of special interest.
Speaking To Write / Word For Word: An overview of Speech Recognition - An
excellent article by Bob Follansbee regarding the use of Speech To Text such as
Dragon. This gives a good overview of the challenges that these programs present
in an educational setting but also recommendation for training and use. The
website itself, The Resource Room, is worth exploring as well.
Using Voice Recognition Software with Students with Learning Disabilities
- Craig Stuve is a teacher with the Peel District School Board
and has written about his success with using Dragon Naturally Speaking with the
students in his science classes. He makes some valid suggestions at the end of
his article.
If you are looking for more detailed information, I have uploaded a copy of my Special Education Part 3 final project which was titled "How to Create a Structured Learning Environment". At the end of the document are other suggested resources for getting more information on Structured Learning.
Assistive Technology
As a part of a course on Assistive Technology, I was required to develop a website with useful links for teachers. I found many of these to be very useful and so I have kept the list together here in the hopes that it will help other teachers who are eager to use AT.
Links For Training on AT Software Programs.
One of the themes that surfaced time and again in the Assistive Technology Course was that of the importance of adequate teacher training on the software. The impact that teachers who are conversant in the software can have upon the positive outcomes for students using AT is significant.
The following links are useful videos or guides to some of the software programs that are on the SEA Claim and Special Education computers.
Kurzweil 3000 - YouTube video instruction - this is the first in a series of simple tutorials for using Kurzweil 3000.
Premier Literacy training videos - these can also be accessed through the software itself.
Dragon Naturally Speaking - YouTube video instruction - this is the first in a series regarding Dragon,
they are presented in a simple, easy to follow format.
Dragon Naturally Speaking website - This is a link to the customer page which includes a user workbook and videos for Version 11 and Version 10.
Dragon Basic Commands - This is a brief listing of basic commands for Dragon Naturally Speaking as well as instructions on how to import and export voice files.
Word Q - This is a PDF Getting Started Guide from SET BC that describes how to set up a new user on Word Q.
Word Q on YouTube - Video demonstration on setting up new user. Other videos can be reached from the right side of this web page. Alternatively you can watch this on the company website here.
Smart Ideas User Guide
Smart Ideas Quick Start Guide - from osapac, a brief document to get you started with screen shots.
Smart Ideas YouTube video - This was developed by the Halton board, it review Quick Create in the programs. There are other videos listed by Halton. It is very simple to follow.
Clicker 5 - This is the link to the home page for Clicker 5. On the left tool bar you can find resources such as the Clicker 5 Guide which you can download and use as a resource.
Clicker 5 Learning Grids website - This links you to the Learning Grids sign-in page. Once you register (for free) you can download ready made Clicker materials. Once downloaded you can then adapt them to meet your own needs. I
have found many great resources on this site.
Boardmaker YouTube Tutorial - This is a brief video on how to create with Boardmaker. Keep in mind that this is a newer version of the program, on our computers the tool bar will be on the left hand side of the Boardmaker page and it has fewer options.
Boardmaker SET BC Resources - This is a listing of PDF and video tutorial for using Boardmaker v.6 and v.5.
Writing With Symbols - This links you to the company page which includes downloadable guides and on-line tutorials.
Assistive Technology - Resources
I have listed below some links that you may find useful for resources on the
internet that are related to both high tech and low tech AT.
Materials
Alternative Education Resources Ontario - aero site for access to alternative format texts for students
Premier Digital Content listing - Premier has provided a page with links to many websites with digital classroom resources that can be accessed with Premier software.
Baltimore Schools Boardmaker Books - This is a listing of Boardmaker books that are ready made, you will require the Winzip program to extract them.
E Books Listing - from a US library, a listing with links to free e-books.
Apps for Special Education - A listing of iPhone iPad and iPod Touch apps for special education including links.
picture SET BC - An excellent resource for picture supports for students
under a variety of headings such as "school", "home" and "community".
JPPS Books and Activities - This is a link to a US school district site which has many visual support downloads. I have printed off and used many of these books in my class. Also in Kurzweil here.
Speaking Of Speech Materials Exchange - For more picture support materials in PDF look through the various sections of this materials exchange site. I have used many of these materials in my classroom.
Why reinvent the wheel when so many things are already made?
Information
Ontario Software Acquisition Program Advisory Committee Web Site - OSAPAC is where you can learn about the ministry licensed software.
Ottawa Network For Education - This is the link to the "AT Staffroom", which in turn has links to tutorial videos and other resources.
Talking Books using Power Point - A step by step guide for how to create talking books using Power Point.
SNOW Website - An Ontario resource with information and links on AT.
Assistive Technology Tools, Tips and Tricks -
This is a resource from Nova Scotia that gives a brief overview of types of AT, what the learner profiles may be, and possible outcomes along with other material.
Gateway Web Site - This has information on low tech solutions as well general information on types of AT (in left hand tool bar click on "AT for Education and Employment" for a listing of AT devices).
Closing The Gap, Inc. - This is an organization that "focuses on assistive technology for people with special needs through its bimonthly magazine, annual international conference and extensive Websie.". You can sign up for a free trial. They offer an extensive resource
directory which lists AT products.
Toolbox For Educators - A listing of AT by type from the University of South Carolina, with links to the software websites.
Assistive Technology - Video Links
In addition to the videos listed in the "Training" section, here are some
useful links or videos that I have found inspirational.
Using AT To Brainstorm Ideas - This is a video by the Ottawa Board regarding the use of SMART Ideas, directed at students. It's a good quick review for how to use the program.
How Blake Middle School Uses Kurzweil 3000 in the Classroom
- This YouTube video shows how this software can be used to make all students successful. I love it as a model for how it can be possible to "normalize" AT and make it a useful tool for the whole class.
My Device is my Hero - This video demonstrates the power of a communication device and the positive effect it can have on a student with a communication disability.
Timmy Swindale: An Autism AAC Success Story - An
inspiring video of how an AAC device has changed the life of a young boy who is
gifted in mathematical abilities.
Articles of Interest
I am particularly interested in the use of speech-to-text software, and have found these 2 articles to be of special interest.
Speaking To Write / Word For Word: An overview of Speech Recognition - An
excellent article by Bob Follansbee regarding the use of Speech To Text such as
Dragon. This gives a good overview of the challenges that these programs present
in an educational setting but also recommendation for training and use. The
website itself, The Resource Room, is worth exploring as well.
Using Voice Recognition Software with Students with Learning Disabilities
- Craig Stuve is a teacher with the Peel District School Board
and has written about his success with using Dragon Naturally Speaking with the
students in his science classes. He makes some valid suggestions at the end of
his article.