As technology improves, online professional development opportunities have become varied, efficient, and cost effective. The major concern for online learning is how it compares to traditional face-to-face learning. Research According to the US Department of Education (2010), students who participated in online learning performed better than students learning identical material through traditional face-to-face instruction…. Read More A New Way of Learning Assistive Technology
Considering AT? More Than a Checkbox!
The Virginia Assistive Technology website features Consideration of Assistive Technology in the IEP, a guidance document that contains forms, and resources to assist IEP teams with the decision making process. Research Consideration of assistive technology devices and services is an important factor in the lives of students with disabilities. The IDEA(1997) and the IDEIA(2004)… Read More Considering AT? More Than a Checkbox!
Mobile Technology: Using A Smartpen For Data-Based Decision Making
Teachers can use the Livescribe SmartPen to provide a means for data collection, analysis, and reporting of student progress, making documentation easier to manage. The SmartPen is a tool teachers may want to use to assist with data collection across the school day. Research As we search and explore technology that provides students with… Read More Mobile Technology: Using A Smartpen For Data-Based Decision Making
Mathematics Representations: Virtual or Concrete Manipulatives
Students with physical disabilities can utilize virtual manipulatives when access to concrete materials is not feasible. There is research that supports the use of technology-based manipulatives with students who experience difficulty with abstract mathematical concepts. Research Students with physical disabilities can utilize virtual manipulatives when access to concrete materials is not feasible. Further, there… Read More Mathematics Representations: Virtual or Concrete Manipulatives
The Impact Of AAC On Natural Speech Production
AAC interventions have a positive impact on speech production among all ages and across a variety of AAC intervention approaches. Of the participants reviewed, 94% demonstrated an increase in speech production. Research When a student is nonverbal or minimally verbal, adults will sometimes delay introducing an augmentative or alternative communication system believing that the… Read More The Impact Of AAC On Natural Speech Production
GO(e)s with Writing
One of the most important steps in the writing process is the organizing or prewriting step, yet it can be problematic for some students. When you consider the importance of non-linguistic representation, the use of graphic organizers (GO) can be key to helping students produce good writing. Research One of the most important steps… Read More GO(e)s with Writing
Moving From Emergent Literacy to Conventional Reading: Assistive Technology Supports for Nonverbal Students
Teaching a successful reading curriculum which includes five components: phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension challenging for educators of students who have complex communication needs. Research Once students have gained emergent literacy skills, it is essential to begin a comprehensive reading curriculum (Erickson, Hanser, Hatch, & Sanders, 2009). A successful reading curriculum will… Read More Moving From Emergent Literacy to Conventional Reading: Assistive Technology Supports for Nonverbal Students