Assistive Technology Enhances Our Ability to Differentiate

Our Special Education team helps teachers and students access computer devices, specialized software, and learning strategies that accommodate a variety of learning styles. This differentiation enables students to increase their independence and productivity as well as build their self confidence. Technology provides our students greater access to the curriculum and gives them opportunities for positive social interactions with their classmates.

Specialized software allows students to use visual planning as a pre-writing/organizational aid, word prediction to express ideas, and editing features such as interactive spell checks and talking word processors. Math calculators, text readers, scanners, and electronic reference sources are also available for students.

In their general education classrooms students have access to wireless notebook computers and electronic keyboards that can be used at their desks, in addition to electronic spellers, talking calculators, audio tapes, and digital imagery. These tools enhance our students' ability to gain understanding and communicate their learning.

We  recommend the following web sites for more information about the products we use or to access tools for home computers:

www.donjohnston.com
Co: Writer 4000, Write Out Loud, Report Writer (Macintosh, Windows) These software programs provide word prediction, talking word processing and supports for writing.

www.inspiration.com
Inspiration 7.5 and Kidspiration
These powerful visual learning tools inspire students to develop ideas and organize their thinking. This program is typically used with students in grades 3 through high school.

www.code-it.com
This site will bring you to free share ware that once downloaded, will allow internet users to listen to text written on the web. A useful tool for users who struggle with reading. Go to free share ware, and scroll down to find Web Speakster v.2.0.