Participants will learn about FREE assistive technology tools that they can use immediately to meet the needs of their diverse learners. These tools include speech-to-text, text-to-speech, ad-blockers, annotation tools, graphic organizers, translate tools, customizable reading content based on Lexile level, interactive videos, and more! Participants will utilize all of these tools on Chromebook or other personal devices and develop practical ways that they can use these tools in their classrooms. Emphasis will be put on easy application of assistive technology tools – no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to lesson planning! Each module will include an online video tutorial as well as a subsequent live Q&A session about each tutorial.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: July 6, 2020
Course Details
| Audience | K-12 Classroom Teachers and Specialists |
| Level | Beginner |
| Instructor | Erin Foley |
| Dates | July 13, 2020 – August 13, 2020 (4 weeks) |
| Earn | 15 PDPs (or option for 1 Credit) |
| Location | Online |
| MassCUE Member Cost | $150 |
| Non-Member Cost | $190 |
| Limit | 20 Participants |
| Prerequisites | Basic computer and Internet skills |
| Optional Graduate Credit (Pending) | At the first class, participants may choose to register for 1 graduate credit through Worcester State University for an additional fee of $125. All participants, including those who do not opt for graduate credit, will receive a certificate documenting the number of course hours attended. |
Erin Foley
Erin Foley is the Digital Literacy Specialist at Hanover Middle School in Hanover, MA, and is a Google for Education Certified Trainer. She has 13 years of experience as a classroom teacher with 10 of those years specifically in the field of instructional technology. Erin is a member of the Hanover Public Schools Technology Committee and believes that technology is a powerful tool in transforming the learning environment to meet the academic needs and interests of students. Erin has presented at conferences including the MassCUE 2019 Fall Conference and the MassCUE Datapalooza 2019. She was also named as a PBS Learning Media Digital Innovator in 2016.
Module 1: Participants will learn how to use various iOS/Android apps, Chrome extensions, and websites to meet the needs of students with reading and/or language difficulties, including ELL students. These include the Snapverter iOS/Android app, SpeakIt and Read&Write extensions, and Rewordify, NewsELA, and TweenTribune websites.
Module 2: Participants will learn how to use various iOS/Android apps, Chrome extensions, and websites to meet the needs of students with writing difficulties. These will include the SnapType iOS/Android app, Read&Write and Grammarly extensions, and Voki, Blabber, and LucidCharts websites.
Module 3: Participants will learn how to use various Chrome apps/extensions and websites to meet the needs of students in math and science. These will include the Equatio extension, various MathLearningCenter.org Chrome apps, and Explore Learning and McGraw-Hill virtual library manipulative websites.
Module 4: Participants will learn how to use various iOS/Android apps, Chrome extensions, and websites to meet the needs of students with attention and/or executive function difficulties. These include the iOS/Android Remind and Class Dojo apps, AdBlock extension, and Symbaloo website.
Project Description:
Those educators wishing to receive one credit from WSU will describe a current lesson within their curriculum and will select three students from their class(es). Educators will describe the needs of their three students and choose tools to meet each student’s needs.
This course supports the following Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science standards:
K-2.DTC.b.3 Use a variety of digital tools to present information to others. 3-5.DTC.a.3 Use digital tools (local and online) to manipulate and publish multimedia artifacts. 3-5.DTC.b.1: Communicate key ideas and details individually or collaboratively in a way that informs, persuades, and/or entertains using digital tools and media-rich resources. 6-8.DTC.a.4: Individually and collaboratively, use advanced tools to design and create online content (e.g., digital portfolio, multimedia, blog, webpage). 6-8.DTC.b.1: Communicate and publish key ideas and details individually or collaboratively in a way that informs, persuades, and/or entertains using a variety of digital tools and media-rich resources. 9-12.DTC.a.1: Use digital tools to design and develop a significant digital artifact (e.g., multipage website, online portfolio, simulation). 9-12.DTC.b.1 Communicate and publish key ideas and details to a variety of audiences using digital tools and media-rich resources.
Sign Up for This Workshop
FREEmium Tech Tools to Meet Student Needs in All Areas July 13, 2020 – August 13, 2020 (4 online weekly sessions)
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