Assistive Technology for Paraprofessionals

Gordon County Schools

March , 2015

http://www.thisiscolossal.com/tags/rainbows/

After the completion of this training you will be able to:

--Explain Assistive Technology--Provide Examples of Assistive Technology--Describe 3 ways AT can be used with SWDs in the classroom

Learning Targets

--The term TECHNOLOGY refers to a “tool”--We can use high & low tech tools--Technology can be used toa. Engage all studentsb. Differentiate to meet a group of students’ needsc. Provide support for 1 student as deemed necessary by an IEP committee – this becomes Assistive Technology

What is Technology?

any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability.

Assistive technology is…

--is a process with steps.--usually starts with frustration with a student not being able to function.--can be an ongoing search for items or approaches that begins with low cost and low tech. --can show up later when the student begins to progress with other struggles that surface as they move through the curriculum.

The Need for AT…

http://healthmatters2day.blogspot.com/2011/12/roles-of-conscious-and-sub-conscious.html

It is rare to find…

--one item that can solve all the problems from now on.--a list with exactly what you are looking for--experts who can give you detailed advice--clear cut answers--strategies that don’t fade in effectiveness as the student develops

http://www.improvediagnosis.org/resource/resmgr/Images/criticalthinking.jpg

The difference between AT and Instructional Technology

Instructional Technology--Whole group focus--Targets the design, development and evaluation of “learning," according to the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) Definitions and Terminology Committee.

Assistive Technology--Individual Focus--Adaptations made for one person--Many possible solutions--Starts with what the student can’t do.--Looks at low cost and low tech first--On going process that can change for student reaction and growth

Discussion of Current Knowledge of Assistive Technology

C:\Users\sarrington\Desktop\Assistive Technology Solutions for Living, Learning, Working & Playing.mht

AT can be used to support:

Communication

Visual Supports

Devices

Visual Supports in Communication

http://www.secretsofthefed.com/laser-beaming-may-bring-end-to-power-lines/

One learning theory compares the brain with a

knowledge store. As new

knowledge comes in, it becomes part of the collection.

http://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/1074/20130328/physicists-propose-new-laser-system-revolutionize-world.htm

Part of the problem is…

Reading is really a process to develop meaning from print (Robertson, 2009), but to do that, the child will need knowledge of the spoken language that is being read.

Robertson, L. (2009). Literacy and Deafness: Listening and Spoken Language (2nd ed.). San Diego, CA: Plural, 44.

Part of the problem is text.

“Cognitive load” is the amount of effort it takes to move new information from short term memory to the long term. Several approaches can help:

--Visual support--Breaking down the language

Sometimes teachers will say…Idiom

--Hit the spot

--Tip of the iceberg

--Stop Beating around the bush

--Let’s wrap it up.

--Hold your thought.

--Start from scratch.

Meaning

“Answer right”

“Small part of a big problem”

“Don’t waste time.”

“Finish.”

“Wait.”

“Start over.”

How to Help

1. Watch reactions.

2. Rephrase when needed.

3. Shorten any wording to match their understanding.

4. Get clarification from the student if unsure.“What are you being asked to do?”

Use language targets in script form

Program:Writing withSymbols

Visual schedules are easy to follow

Boardmaker is another program that can be used to provide visual supports.

Add visual support to social stories

Apps can help but start with their interest…

http://blog.iamnikon.com/en_GB/d-slr/nikon-d300s-shoots-incredible-lightning-picture/

Use the app to practice language

Example Targets:“Would you ride like that?”“Can you get hurt if you do that?”

Example Targets:“What do you need to lift off?”‘’What will you do to avoid that wall?”

Educational APPS

https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewMultiRoom?cc=us&fcId=399470755&cid=wwa-us-kwg-ipad-com

Khan Academy offers a free app for help in Geometry

Apps like “Pizza Fractions 1” can help with visual support

isosceles : geometry sketchpad allows you to change shapes

Splash math is a free K-5 app aligned with Common Core Standards

PROVERBidioms by Greenstone Games LTD

This provides visual support for idioms. The user clicks on the picture and choose the idiom from a list. It helps the user to see how phrases can represent a comparison or word picture to add meaning.

ABC Reading Magic by Preschool University

Push the letter to hear the sound that it makes. This allows the user to select the items that they don’t know and then sound out the ones they do. They can hear it as many times as they push the box. It helps in hearing the blend that all the letters make to form the word. This is part of a series of apps like it.

This is important for students who still don’t understand that the letter name is different from the sound. They need practice with the sounds that letters make.

Speech with Milo Board gameThis app is made by By Doonan Speech Therapy and allows you to practice with speech sounds using 500 words. In order for the player to advance, they have to pronounce the sound right (or try to). This helped with articulation in our experiment but it wasn’t factored into the evaluation.

Housekeeping ItemsWrite Cut-lines on Pictures

Housekeeping ItemsDevelop free choice boards

Housekeeping ItemsFunctional Skills System for Autism

Housekeeping ItemsPersonalized Social Stories

Housekeeping ItemsDeliver content with text readers

Housekeeping ItemsCPS can help to…

--review content since all the questions are in a data base.--mix team based games with subject coverage.--go through a lot of materials since the questions are in multiple choice.--answer or test without having to write.

Housekeeping Items

--Screen recordings (Jing) (Apowersoft) (Example)--Podcasts--Wikis

Specialized Options

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/triple_ocr_gateway/space_for_reflection/nature_of_waves/revision/1/

CalifoneSpecialized PaperWriter PlusCalculators (visual and talking)Colored OverlaysSeating EquipmentText readersEase of access tools on PC’s (Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\ Ease of Access Center)

Visually supported text

Examples of AT in the classroom

http://clubtek.co.uk/laser/index.html

-- Read article “AT for kids with Learning Disabilities: An overview. (Reading Rockets)- http://www.readingrockets.org/article/assistive-technology-kids-learning-disabilities-overview--Think of a child you work with and how an AT device could help them be successful.   Choose a device or tool that the child is not currently using and explain how implementing this device could improve or enhance a specific curriculum area where the child struggles. Write 1-2 paragraphs and turn in to ESS office.

Module Information for 1 PLU

http://www.lasershows.net/index.php/latest-news/132-global-rainbow-uk

Are you able to:--Explain Assistive Technology--Provide Examples of Assistive Technology--Describe 3 ways AT can be used with SWDs in the classroom

Learning Targets

http://www.secretsofthefed.com/laser-beaming-may-bring-end-to-power-lines/

Housekeeping Items

--Module Information for Full Credit PLU--Sign-up sheet for additional outside training--Questions?

Contact Information:sarrington@gcbe.org

crenick@gcbe.org

Housekeeping Items

http://www.lci-uk.com/portfolio/345/laser-displays-for-events-promotions-advertising?from=solutions&pid=334