Assistive Technology
All google chrome AT is already available in the standard chrome browser, true or false?
False, there are many additional google chrome add ons and applications
The UDL planning method is meant to only support students with disabilities, true or false?
False, the UDL planning method is for everyone! Students with disabilities, who struggle with english, who come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, and more!
What does it mean to have all students part of the mainstream classroom?
No one is pulled aside to be given their accommodations, accommodations are integrated into the lesson to remove or minimize barriers.
A teacher is making a random seating chart. The teacher has a variety of students with disabilities, including one with limited hearing and one with limited sight. The teacher says that because of equality, those students should sit wherever the chart places them. Is this a correct response, why or why not?
No, remember equality vs equity. The students should sit at whatever desk allows them to see/hear most clearly. Teachers can edit the "random" seating chart before showing the class as to not call out those students.
Describe two ways that text to speech could benefit a student or students?
Many answers! If they had 2 they're all good :)
Some include: ELL, Easily distracted by internet and ads, essay proofreading, improving comprehension if learners prefer auditory information
Provide an example of an assistive technology that would provide multiple means of expression and action?
Many answers, some could be: speech to text, virtual manipulatives, note-taking apps, graphic organizers
What are two examples of changes you can make in your class classroom to make it more inclusive?
Many answers: wider walkways for wheelchairs, lower coat hooks, inclusive language, seating accommodations for students with sight issues, hanging pride flags/infographics
You have a student in your class that is learning english but is having a very difficult time keeping up with notes at the pace you are going. What are some ways you could help this student?
Many answers: Speech to text, share notes, pens that record, basic recorders, shell notes
What does the TECH pneumonic stand for?
Target, examine, create, handle
What are the three main principles of the universal Design for learning?
Representation, Expression and Action, Engagement
What is the difference between equality, equity, and Justice?
Equality: Everyone gets the exact same thing
Equity: Everyone gets what they need based on the inequality
Justice: Long term Equity! Fixing the system so that resources can be given to everyone
During the reading comprehension exam, more than a third of the students did not finish. Ms. Jenkins decides to give her students who are struggling with english and have extra time IEP requirements the chance to continue writing tomorrow. Is this a fair response, why or why not?
It's on the right track! Ms. Jenkins is trying to be equitable by giving students with disadvantages in reading comprehension access to extra time. However, considering that more than a third of the class finished, maybe Ms. Jenkins should consider removing such harsh time limits on exams - moving towards justice.
Describe the difference between low, mid, and high tech assistive technology?
low: Minimal training required to use, Low cost, Easy to implement, Easily accessed and replaced
Mid:Does not require extensive training to use, Reasonably priced, Often have a power source
High: Often requires training to use, Generally implemented in specialized cases, More expensive, Should be paired with low tech devices in case of tech failure
Name 4 of the 9 guidelines under the UDL?
perception (Guideline 1); language, mathematical expressions, and symbols (Guideline 2); comprehension (Guideline 3); physical action (Guideline 4); expression and communication (Guideline 5); executive function (Guideline 6); recruiting interest (Guideline 7); sustaining effort and persistence (Guideline 8); and self-regulation (Guideline 9).
Provide an example of an equality, equity, justice transition in a classroom environment?
Could be anything! An example could be:
Equality: No one in the english class uses speech-to-text software during essay writing so that its equal.
Equity: IEP and ELL students can use speech to text software during the essay writing process since allowing them this resource is working to correct an inequality.
Justice: All students are encouraged to explore and use speech-to-text for essay writing if they want! This barrier is removed.
John has a learning disability so Mr. Thompson has him sit at a special table right next to his desk, is this inclusive, yes or no? why or why not?
No, by doing this Mr. Thompson is singling out the student with the learning disability. Mr Thompson should include the student with the rest of the class, but can place him at the desk clump closest to him!
Describe an example of a high tech - low tech pairing?
How are assistive technologies connected to the UDL?
Using and encouraging assistive technologies in the classroom directly addresses many of the guidelines of the UDL. For example, one of the guidelines is providing options for comprehension, and by allowing students use of assistive tech, such as dictionary plug ins, they are directly working toward this guideline. Another example is self-regulation, by giving students assistive tech, they can participate independently in activities they could not beforehand.
What are some ways you could deal with students in your class using hateful language?
Also many answers - good discussion question. Some thoughts could be: try not to call the student out in front of everyone, clearly indicate that it is not okay, explain why it is not okay, seek help from administration if the problem continues, check in with the victim
A teacher is solving a system of equations graphically and selects blue and purple to indicate the two different graphs, is there a problem? If so, what could the teacher do to make this more accessible?
Yes, blue and purple are very difficult to differentiate between if you have red/green color blindness (very popular in boys specifically). The teacher could pick more contrasting colors and also show the equations next to the graph. More answers also!