1. + Tools to Support Students with Executive Function Difficulties Kayla McAlister Assistive Technology Specialist http://newtonassistivetech.wikispaces.com/ From Todd Hanson’s Everyday Technology for Students with ADHD and Executive Function Difficulties

2. + What are Executive Functions? Executive function is an umbrella term for cognitive processes that regulate, control, and manage other cognitive processes such as planning, working memory, attention, problem-solving, verbal reasoning, inhibition, mental flexibility, task switching, and initiation of monitoring of actions.

3. + Thomas Brown’s Model of Executive Functions

4. + How can we help? Activation – Organizing, prioritizing, and activating to work Focus – Focusing, sustaining and shifting attention to tasks Effort – Regulating alertness, sustaining effort, and processing speed Emotion – Managing frustration and modulating emotions Memory – Utilizing working memory and accessing recall Action – Monitoring and self-regulating action Find the tools that will make a difference

5. + Using Assistive Technology AT will not solve any problems on its own, it only bridges a gap. Without a solid academic process, students cannot reach their potential. Best practices for using AT should be taught to and modeled for the student. AT should be incorporated into the methods being taught in the classroom for the students who will benefit from its use.

6. + Activation Process What will it take to finish this project? How long should each step take? What tools will I need for each step? Which step should I do first? When does each step need to be completed to stay on track? What barriers could get in my way? Organizing, prioritizing, and activating to work Tools Color coding Duplicate materials Cloud-based storage File management Notes organization Graphic organizer Calendar False deadlines

7. + Color Coding & Duplicate Materials

8. + File Management Teachers need to teach file management and naming conventions. Explore Google Classroom!

9. + Notes Organization

10. + Taking Notes Notability iOS and OS application Records audio as notes are taken Quick tutorial: http://goo.gl/awljyzhttp://goo.gl/awljyz Support questions http://support.gingerlabs.com/ http://support.gingerlabs.com/ Audio Recording in Microsoft Word In Notebook layout Syncs audio to what is typed Evernote Works across platforms Take notes and create checklists Search handwritten notes The Live Scribe Pen Works on specific paper Syncs audio to handwritten notes

11. + Graphic Organizer Interactive student organizers http://www.readwritethink.org/cl assroom-resources/student- interactives/ http://www.readwritethink.org/cl assroom-resources/student- interactives/

12. + Graphic Organizers Inspiration Free trials: http://www.inspiration.com/freetrialhttp://www.inspiration.com/freetrial

13. + False Deadlines MyHomework Across platforms Color code classes Assign priority for assignments inClass Organize schedule Set course alarms Google Calendar Access on any device Set up reminders and repeating events ToDoist Across platforms Any other suggestions?

14. + Focus Process What is important now? What do I need to do this? What should I put away? What am I doing and what am I supposed be doing? Focusing, sustaining and shifting attention to tasks Tools Simple space Pleasant space One task at a time Take scheduled breaks Timer

15. + Timers 30/30 iOS app Add tasks with a timer Shows time elapsing Time Timer Visual timer Repeat Timer Interval timer Has anyone used any other types of timers?

16. + Effort Regulating alertness, sustaining effort and processing speed Emotion Managing frustration and modulating emotions Process How am I doing/feeling right now? Is there anything that is pulling me down? Is there anything that I can deal with and take it off my plate? Tools Scheduled breaks Timer Music Fidgets, balance ball Exercise, meditation, mindfulness exercises, yoga Apps

17. + Calm Free meditation app Anyone have any suggestions for relaxation apps? MindShift Self-Help for Anxiety Management

18. + Memory Utilizing working memory and accessing recall Process What are the key concepts? Tools Active reading Summarizing activity Rehearsal

19. + Flashcards Quizlet.com Cram.com

20. + Action Process What am I doing and what am I supposed to be doing? Am I on track? What barriers are in my way? Monitoring and self-regulating action Tools Task management Checklists Timer

21. + Hanson, Todd. "Everyday Technology for Students with ADHD and Executive Function Difficulties." ATIA. Caribe Royale All-Suites Hotel & Convention Center, Orlando, FL. 30 Jan. 2015. Lecture. Citation