Math manipulatives are tools that can help students of all abilities explore and understand math concepts. As noted by Anstrom (2006), “selecting and accessing the appropriate tools and processes for students with disabilities is critical to their understanding of mathematics” (p.11). Whether concrete or virtual, manipulatives can be supportive tools for learning. Try it at… Read More Math Manipulatives at Your Fingertips
You are browsing the Assistive Technology category.
Not Only Calculators
It may not seem like it is testing season but preparing students to access state assessments is very important throughout the school year. To use an accommodation in a state testing environment, a student must have that accommodation justified and documented in their IEP or 504 Plan. It should be included in their daily instruction… Read More Not Only Calculators
Resources for Assistive Technology Teams
The Virginia Board of Education Comprehensive Plan: 2018 to 2023 includes Assistive Technology (AT) as a means to help students use technology to engage in their learning. AT teams and specialists in school districts, help teachers and IEP Teams to determine and use AT in the classroom. The start of the new school year may… Read More Resources for Assistive Technology Teams
Professional Development Modules to Increase Communication
Communication looks different for everyone. Some may communicate using words, gestures, behaviors, sounds, refusals, and more. It can be different for each learner. Analyzing the form of expressive communication your student uses, can assist educational staff in designing a communication system with and for the student (Downing, Hanreddy, & Peckham-Hardin, 2015, pp. 60-61). Project Core,… Read More Professional Development Modules to Increase Communication
Tech Tools for Education
Educational, Instructional and Assistive Technologies can support all students in their acquisition of knowledge. Educators and specialists, at technology conferences, frequently share their thoughts on technology during a workshop session called a Smackdown. A Smackdown is a rapid-fire sharing of apps, tools, or teaching tricks that have been found helpful to students in the teaching… Read More Tech Tools for Education
Free Resources for Students in Virginia
A great free resource for students is Find It Virginia, which includes many links to websites that students can use for literacy, learning, and research. Free to residents of Virginia are e-books and digital resources including newspapers, magazines, and encyclopedias for elementary, middle, and high school students. Under the Elementary/Middle School tab, try Kids InfoBits for researching… Read More Free Resources for Students in Virginia
My StoryMaker
My StoryMaker, (your computer needs Adobe Flash to use this website) is a free interactive program for writing short stories hosted by the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Through visuals, the author selects the characters, items, objects and settings. By selecting feelings, actions, and interactions, the author guides the characters. The program fills in sentences based… Read More My StoryMaker
