Promoting Success for All Students through Technology

Chapter 10 Overview Computer technologies expand opportunities to meet the learning needs of all students, including those with special educational needs, those who are learning English as a new language, or those coming to school from diverse backgrounds. Technology makes possible teaching and learning activities that respond to multiple styles and preferences. Differentiated Instruction Universal Design for Learning

Universal design for learning(UDL) is the application of universal design principles to educational settings. UDL applies recent advantages in understanding how the brain processes information to the design of the curriculum that can accommodate broad student needs. UDL is defined in the following terms: Multiple means of representation, to give learners various ways of acquiring information and knowledge Multiple means of expression, to provide learners alternatives for demonstrating what they know Multiple means of engagement, to tap into learners’ interests, offer appropriate challenges, and increase motivation

Technology For Teaching Diverse Students Students of different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences need varied teaching approaches and multiple instructional methods to be successful learners. Multicultural education is based on the ideas that all students regardless of their gender, social class, and ethnicity, should have equal opportunities to learn in school. Making teaching and learning more culturally relevant requires changing what is taught and how it is taught.

The internet offers teachers and students unique resources for exploring multiple languages within the school curriculum. These resources support the education of students learning English as a new language while also providing learning opportunities for English speakers who are learning another language. Diverse Learners

Online Language Translation Services Google Translate is a free website and as a smartphone or tablet computer app that offers two-way translations between 50 languages. Commonly spoken languages such as English, Spanish, Chinese French, Arabic, and Japanese are included. Online translation resources have many classroom uses. Notes, assignments and other material can be provided in English and other languages.

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Interactive whiteboards can transform how teachers differentiate classroom learning for students. They are mounted on a wall and connected to a computer and a projector. They create engaging instructional opportunities for entire classes, groups, or individuals. Highly effective way to teach individuals with special learning challenges who respond well to visual, auditory, and hands-on learning activates.

Adaptations For Classroom Learning With Technology Low-Tech accommodations refer to changes that are made easily, inexpensively and without applying digital materials Mid-tech accommodations involve substantive shifts in organization and delivery of curriculum that may include the use of digital material. High-tech Introduce changes associated with the integration of computers and other specialized information technologies in the classroom. Technology offers two main routes for designing the classroom for diverse learners. First, it supports changes in the classroom environment. Second, it supports changes in how the curriculum is delivered.

Word Clouds  Visual representations of text.  It allows teachers and students to display large amounts of written text in a visually engaging format on a computer screen.  Word clouds are generated by software programs that take a count of the words most frequently used in a document and reposition into a pictorial image.  Effective teaching strategy when used as entry points, discussions openers, or graphic organizers for students.

Electronic Spellers and Dictionaries  An electronic speller and dictionary is a toll for learners of all ages.  Beginning readers can find correct spellings, listen to words spoken aloud, and check accuracy of their spelling without adult help.  Students can plug in headphones into the machine, students with hearing impairments, students learning English as a new language, and non-fluent readers can see and hears words they may not be able to sound out phonetically.

Assistive Technology To Reach Diverse Learners Assistive technologies apply the concept of technological convergence and enables teachers to use differentiate instruction and universal design. Enables individuals with disabilities to do things they might otherwise not be able to do. Ex: Large keys on a keyboard to assist individuals with reduced hand functions. Allows individuals with hearing, sight, mobility, or cognitive challenges to translate text and understand spoken words. Can be used for all students. Important that a student do not become reliant on technology pronouncing words for them.

Text Reading Software Also known as text-to-speech software, lets computer users hear written text read aloud by a computer. They allow users to choose the pace of words read aloud per minute. Others highlight the text as the computerized voice reads it loud. Screen reading software: acts as a translator of the visual page. Screen reading software is often bundled with features that allow the user to understand the whereabouts and actions of the mouse, and acting as a virtual tour guide.

Electronic Storybooks and Storybook Aps Electronic books makes reading more interactive. Students hear a story read aloud as they watch it unfold on the computer screen. Are available from websites or as apps.

Mali Givens and Tanika Conner