Technology and Technology and OrganizationOrganization

Organizational skills plague many students.Organizational skills plague many students.It is important to know how a student learns, It is important to know how a student learns,

remembers, thinks, and organizes most easily remembers, thinks, and organizes most easily and naturally.and naturally.

Primary Learning StylePrimary Learning Style

Determining learning Determining learning preferences through eye preferences through eye movement and how this relates movement and how this relates to learning.to learning.

Eye Movement ActivityEye Movement Activity

Look at the person and watch his or her Look at the person and watch his or her eyes as you ask 3-4 questions which eyes as you ask 3-4 questions which require that they RECALL information.require that they RECALL information.

As you look at their eyes, you will see their As you look at their eyes, you will see their eyes move in one directions first. (up, eyes move in one directions first. (up, middle, down) (left and right) middle, down) (left and right)

Mark the eye as you see the movement. Mark the eye as you see the movement. You do this from the observers point of You do this from the observers point of view.view.

The first direction is considered the “hard-The first direction is considered the “hard-wired” learning and information storage wired” learning and information storage preference.preference.

Eye Movement AnswersEye Movement Answers

Visual Learners are people who Visual Learners are people who tend to look up first.tend to look up first.

Auditory Learners are people Auditory Learners are people who tend to look sideways.who tend to look sideways.

Kinesthetic or Tactile Learners Kinesthetic or Tactile Learners are people who tend to look are people who tend to look down.down.

Visual LearnersVisual Learners

Looking up and to left indicates Looking up and to left indicates a visual learner who prefers a visual learner who prefers symbols, pictures, maps.symbols, pictures, maps.

Looking up and to the right Looking up and to the right indicates a visual learner who indicates a visual learner who prefers to learn with words.prefers to learn with words.

About 50% of learnersAbout 50% of learners

Auditory LearnersAuditory Learners

Looking straight right indicates an Looking straight right indicates an auditory learner who learns best by auditory learner who learns best by listening to words.listening to words.

Looking straight left indicates an Looking straight left indicates an auditory symbolic learner who learns auditory symbolic learner who learns best when sound (often music) is best when sound (often music) is tied to what he is learning. Many tied to what he is learning. Many auditory symbolic learners prefer to auditory symbolic learners prefer to listen to music while studying and do listen to music while studying and do best on their tests with the same best on their tests with the same music.music.

About 20% of learnersAbout 20% of learners

Kinesthetic or Tactile LearnersKinesthetic or Tactile Learners

Looking down and to the right indicates Looking down and to the right indicates that person needs to work in 2 that person needs to work in 2 dimensionsdimensions

writing, painting, or drawing to learn.writing, painting, or drawing to learn.

Looking down and to the left indicates Looking down and to the left indicates the student needs to actually move the student needs to actually move their bodies in order to learn.their bodies in order to learn.

About 30% of learnersAbout 30% of learners

Thinking StylesThinking Styles

After you have determined the After you have determined the inborn or primary learning style inborn or primary learning style of the student, look for his or her of the student, look for his or her preference for thought preference for thought organization.organization.

Are You a Global or Linear Are You a Global or Linear Sequential Thinker?Sequential Thinker?

The left hand column contains a The left hand column contains a number of statements that may number of statements that may or may not describe you. As you or may not describe you. As you read each statement, decide if read each statement, decide if the statement Almost Never, the statement Almost Never, Sometimes, or Almost Always Sometimes, or Almost Always describes you.describes you.

Global ThinkersGlobal Thinkers

Global thinkers tend to miss Global thinkers tend to miss details and do not put as much details and do not put as much emphasis on doing all the steps emphasis on doing all the steps in sequence.in sequence.

Visual, global thinks often have Visual, global thinks often have a lot of “stuff” in view so that a lot of “stuff” in view so that they can keep track of it.they can keep track of it.

Linear Thinkers Linear Thinkers

These people are great for These people are great for details and often need details and often need uncluttered spaces.uncluttered spaces.

Have trouble working in the Have trouble working in the midst of visual clutter.midst of visual clutter.

Likes things put away in an Likes things put away in an organized system.organized system.

Do things precisely and in order.Do things precisely and in order.

Scoring and InterpretationsScoring and Interpretations

Most people’s total score falls Most people’s total score falls somewhere between -5 and +5 somewhere between -5 and +5 on the continuum.on the continuum.

In terms of organization, In terms of organization, knowing these tendencies helps knowing these tendencies helps understand how the student understand how the student sees the world and therefore sees the world and therefore what may or may not be what may or may not be important in organizing.important in organizing.

Organization Problem Organization Problem InventoryInventory

For each of the following For each of the following statements, consider whether statements, consider whether this is a problem your student this is a problem your student may exhibit.may exhibit.

If it is, place a check mark in the If it is, place a check mark in the white box to the right of the white box to the right of the statement.statement.

Scoring and InterpretationScoring and Interpretation

Generally speaking, we have found the Generally speaking, we have found the following is true of the total checks per following is true of the total checks per category boxes scores.category boxes scores.

0-3 checks indicates a low to non-existent 0-3 checks indicates a low to non-existent degree of organization problem in this degree of organization problem in this category.category.

4 checks in a category can be symptomatic 4 checks in a category can be symptomatic of problems for some people, but could still of problems for some people, but could still be found in a person who is functioning be found in a person who is functioning with some degree of organization success with some degree of organization success in this category.in this category.

5-8 checks almost always indicated 5-8 checks almost always indicated functional problems in this category of functional problems in this category of organizational problems.organizational problems.

Additional InformationAdditional Information

Most students with organizational Most students with organizational problems have one category this is problems have one category this is relatively high. (7-8) and 2 others relatively high. (7-8) and 2 others areas that are less problematic (4-7)areas that are less problematic (4-7)

Start with the category that has the Start with the category that has the highest score.highest score.

If attention is the major area, If attention is the major area, regardless of it number score, start regardless of it number score, start trying to deal with it first. It always trying to deal with it first. It always affects the other categories of affects the other categories of organization problemsorganization problems

Categories of Organizational Categories of Organizational ProblemsProblems

Organizing is a vital task that too many students Organizing is a vital task that too many students just assume will happen no matter what they do. just assume will happen no matter what they do. The truth is that real organization requires a The truth is that real organization requires a great deal of planning and discipline. First you great deal of planning and discipline. First you have to recognize the areas in which your have to recognize the areas in which your student might have organizational problems.student might have organizational problems.

TemporalTemporal SpatialSpatial CategoricalCategorical AttentionalAttentional PrioritizationPrioritization SequentialSequential

TemporalTemporal

Students have problems Students have problems Keeping track of timeKeeping track of time Estimating correctly the amount of time Estimating correctly the amount of time

it will take to complete a taskit will take to complete a task Keeping track of assignmentKeeping track of assignment Following long-term, multi-step Following long-term, multi-step

assignmentsassignments Transition poorly between activitiesTransition poorly between activities Estimating how much time is needed or Estimating how much time is needed or

leftleft Poor clock reading or elapsed time Poor clock reading or elapsed time

figuring skills.figuring skills.

Temporal - StrategiesTemporal - Strategies

A larger format (size) assignment bookA larger format (size) assignment book A digital recorder for assignmentsA digital recorder for assignments A palm-type device with alarmsA palm-type device with alarms An audible or visual timerAn audible or visual timer A computer program with day/week/monthA computer program with day/week/month A watch with day and date as well as A watch with day and date as well as

alarmsalarms Color filtersColor filters Reading helpersReading helpers Highlighting tapeHighlighting tape

SpatialSpatial

Students have problems organizing Students have problems organizing their physical spaces.their physical spaces. Trouble organizing their notebooksTrouble organizing their notebooks Keeping lockers, desks, and backpacks Keeping lockers, desks, and backpacks

“neat”“neat” Organizing their papers.Organizing their papers. They tend to need more space when They tend to need more space when

workingworking Have trouble finding tools even when Have trouble finding tools even when

they are in sight, they often can’t “find” they are in sight, they often can’t “find” it.it.

Spatial - StrategiesSpatial - Strategies

Binders and FoldersBinders and Folders Use of color coding Use of color coding Color filter use for copying, color papers for writing.Color filter use for copying, color papers for writing. Reading Helpers or Reading Guides for lining up Reading Helpers or Reading Guides for lining up

math columnsmath columns Small zippered casesSmall zippered cases Zippered notebooksZippered notebooks Math Grids for math computation/raised line paperMath Grids for math computation/raised line paper Filing systems (in notebooks, for lockers, at home Filing systems (in notebooks, for lockers, at home

or in classroom)or in classroom) Map of deskMap of desk Proper assignment formatProper assignment format In/out folderIn/out folder

CategoricalCategorical

Students have problems knowing Students have problems knowing how to sort and categorize data with how to sort and categorize data with which they have to work.which they have to work. They never know which folder work They never know which folder work

goesgoes They can’t identify the different folders They can’t identify the different folders

they actually need.they actually need. Overwhelmed when they have to take a Overwhelmed when they have to take a

group of “things” and find a method to group of “things” and find a method to sort and organize them.sort and organize them.

Categorical - StrategiesCategorical - Strategies

Using inspiration to create student Using inspiration to create student designed categoriesdesigned categories

Teaching sorting techniquesTeaching sorting techniques Using multiple colors of Using multiple colors of

highlighters/highlighting tapes while highlighters/highlighting tapes while reading to categorize different kinds of reading to categorize different kinds of informationinformation

Color coding of file folders and book coversColor coding of file folders and book covers Note-taking with Inspiration templatesNote-taking with Inspiration templates We all have our own way to put things into We all have our own way to put things into

categories. Have student pick the one that categories. Have student pick the one that makes sense to him or her.makes sense to him or her.

AttentionalAttentional

Students have problems attending to Students have problems attending to tasks long enough to finish and/or tasks long enough to finish and/or organize them.organize them. Often hear only part of the instructionsOften hear only part of the instructions Only get part of the assignmentOnly get part of the assignment Only have some of the tools they need Only have some of the tools they need

in classin class Frequently require recueing or repetition Frequently require recueing or repetition

of tasks, or they find themselves in a of tasks, or they find themselves in a task with no idea of where they are task with no idea of where they are heading.heading.

Attentional - StrategiesAttentional - Strategies

Using color/lights to increase attentionUsing color/lights to increase attention Non-verbal cueing (notes, picture cards, rubrics)Non-verbal cueing (notes, picture cards, rubrics) Background “noise” aids for auditory students Background “noise” aids for auditory students

Hemi-Sync CD’sHemi-Sync CD’s Having the dictionary right at handHaving the dictionary right at hand Talking calculators or Talking dictionary spell Talking calculators or Talking dictionary spell

checkers for multi-modal presentation of informationcheckers for multi-modal presentation of information Need repetition of directionsNeed repetition of directions May need chapter headings rewrittenMay need chapter headings rewritten May need information from chapters presented in May need information from chapters presented in

tablestables Highlight new vocabularyHighlight new vocabulary Create 10 minute summary tapesCreate 10 minute summary tapes

Attentional - Strategies Attentional - Strategies continuedcontinued May need additional cueingMay need additional cueing Pre-reading questionsPre-reading questions Page #’s for end of the chapter testsPage #’s for end of the chapter tests Explain what “check” your work Explain what “check” your work

meansmeans May need to move to learnMay need to move to learn

Seat cushion, therapy ball, fidget ballSeat cushion, therapy ball, fidget ball May need extra sensory inputMay need extra sensory input

Chewing gum, chewing on a straw, hard Chewing gum, chewing on a straw, hard candycandy

smellssmells

PrioritizationPrioritization

Students have problems knowing Students have problems knowing what is most important and vital.what is most important and vital. They don’t know what they should studyThey don’t know what they should study Which papers should be kept and which Which papers should be kept and which

ones should be thrown awayones should be thrown away Which assignments they should start Which assignments they should start

firstfirst These students often have categorical These students often have categorical

organizational problems.organizational problems.

Prioritization - StrategiesPrioritization - Strategies

““Anxiety” categorization (get the worst over first)Anxiety” categorization (get the worst over first) Color coding from “hot/red” to “cool/blue”Color coding from “hot/red” to “cool/blue” Using orientation as a cue to importance (page-up Using orientation as a cue to importance (page-up

or portabook)or portabook) Arrow Tabs and Page Markers on pages in the Arrow Tabs and Page Markers on pages in the

book to denote most important information that book to denote most important information that must be learned.must be learned.

Using bins or boxes at home and/or school to store Using bins or boxes at home and/or school to store papers not immediately neededpapers not immediately needed

Marking what has to be done first or what is most Marking what has to be done first or what is most important with Post-it Page, Markers, color coding, important with Post-it Page, Markers, color coding, or a certain color highlighter.or a certain color highlighter.

SequentialSequential

Students have problems with Students have problems with remembering and carrying out the remembering and carrying out the steps in a task or process in the steps in a task or process in the correct order.correct order. They tend to skip stepsThey tend to skip steps Lose track in the middle of the process Lose track in the middle of the process

and need to start at the beginningand need to start at the beginning They are often overwhelmed by tasks They are often overwhelmed by tasks

with too many stepswith too many steps They often exhibit memory problemsThey often exhibit memory problems

Sequential - StrategiesSequential - Strategies

To do list (paper and PDA)To do list (paper and PDA) RubricsRubrics Visual cue remindersVisual cue reminders Use of templates for repeated tasksUse of templates for repeated tasks Peg Word Schema “cards”Peg Word Schema “cards” Vocabulary and end of the chapter questions Vocabulary and end of the chapter questions

completed on note cardscompleted on note cards Study guides spark notesStudy guides spark notes Reminder bulletin boardsReminder bulletin boards Table of contents as an outlineTable of contents as an outline Step cardsStep cards Reminder cardsReminder cards PowerPointPowerPoint

Modifying TextModifying Text

What is involved in modifying What is involved in modifying texttext Shorten the length of the sentenceShorten the length of the sentence Shorten the length of the textShorten the length of the text Change compound/complex Change compound/complex

sentences to simple sentencessentences to simple sentences Reduce the number of 3 syllable Reduce the number of 3 syllable

wordswords Reduce the figurative languageReduce the figurative language

Judi Sweeney @ Judi Sweeney @ www.onionmountaintech.comwww.onionmountaintech.com

Kansas Infinitec CoalitionKansas Infinitec Coalition ks.myinfinitec.orgks.myinfinitec.org For those accessing the KIC website for the first time during the 2007-2008 school year, we have For those accessing the KIC website for the first time during the 2007-2008 school year, we have

simplified and streamlined the initial login/password creation process!simplified and streamlined the initial login/password creation process! 1. Please click on the ‘Create a New Account’ link on the home page, which is located below the login 1. Please click on the ‘Create a New Account’ link on the home page, which is located below the login

box.box. 2. The ‘Create a New Account’ link will bring you to a new window.2. The ‘Create a New Account’ link will bring you to a new window. 3. Please fill out your profile in the form provided.3. Please fill out your profile in the form provided. 4. Add your school email address. 4. Add your school email address. Your email address is your username.Your email address is your username. 5. Then add your first and last name, school address, city, state, zip code, phone number, occupation 5. Then add your first and last name, school address, city, state, zip code, phone number, occupation

and pick a password. You will confirm your password.and pick a password. You will confirm your password. 6. At the bottom of this form click on ‘I agree to the Terms of Use.’6. At the bottom of this form click on ‘I agree to the Terms of Use.’ 7. Congratulations! Your account has been successfully created! Click on the link to log into the KIC 7. Congratulations! Your account has been successfully created! Click on the link to log into the KIC

website.website. 8. Then, simply log in with your username and password.8. Then, simply log in with your username and password. 9. If you have any difficulty logging into the KIC website, please email 9. If you have any difficulty logging into the KIC website, please email helpdesk@ucpnet.orghelpdesk@ucpnet.org

InfinitecInfinitec

Infinitec means infinite potential Infinitec means infinite potential through technology.through technology.

Members of KIC have access to:Members of KIC have access to: Universally designed lesson plansUniversally designed lesson plans On-line classroom trainingOn-line classroom training Educational resourcesEducational resources

Your PresentersYour Presenters

Leann ToddLeann Todd

Assistive Technology Assistive Technology CoordinatorCoordinator

ltodd@usd266.comltodd@usd266.com