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I am considering AT resources for a 6th class pupil with ASD and a mild general learning disability. The pupil is currently working on an individualised learning programme at 1st /2nd class level but likes to access the mainstream class content where possible. I try to do this via SESE subjects with differentiated learning content and outcomes for him.
The pupil is competent in using the ipad and various apps in it. I will spend some time instructing him on the use of immersive reader and dictate in word as it will allow him to listen to the text rather than trying to read it. Dictate will allow him to contribute meaningfully in written tasks without the pressure of writing answers which can be a challenge and often results in him disengaging.
The KLOOG website and app will be hugely beneficial to this pupil who finds it hard in social situations and to form meaningful friendships.
I like the Write about this app which will allow him to respond to a picture using the video element rather than writing a narrative piece. This can be used as a whole class lesson also so he can feel part of the mainstream lesson.
For numeracy, I like the topmarks app which has content aimed at various levels of ability, also the Maths dictionary for kids website would be very beneficial to this pupils learning.
The school development planning section in the inclusive educational framework emphasizes that schools need to accommodate the learner and that teaching and learning must be child centered. Students should always be at the center of learning and their should always be active participation from all students. Schools must decide what approach fits best in their environment and with their pupils. I like the idea of the ‘flipped’ classroom and as a teacher of 5th and 6th class I feel this really could work well. I am excited to try it in the coming academic year.
<p dir=”ltr” style=”line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;”><span style=”font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;”>Task 1.</span></p>
<p dir=”ltr” style=”line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;”><span style=”font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;”>The SETT model is a very useful tool for teachers of pupils with SEN and can work extremely well in line with a child’s student support file in selecting the most appropriate AT tool to assist the child’s learning. The SETT plan uses the elements of the student, environment, task and tools which gives a simple but effective framework for not only the teacher but the SET and parents to work from. Using this framework in a collaborative approach where the pupil, parents and SET can work together to develop a straightforward framework to identify the pupils needs and select the correct AT to assist the pupils priority learning needs is an excellent resource to have. Using this model would allow for the use of self assessment by the pupil and allow them the autonomy to select future learning goals and needs. </span></p>
<b id=”docs-internal-guid-3f39e989-7fff-f644-4a5a-46d9ecb70a79″ style=”font-weight: normal;”> </b>
<p dir=”ltr” style=”line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;”><span style=”font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;”>Task 2. </span><b style=”font-weight: normal;”></b></p>
<p dir=”ltr” style=”line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;”><span style=”font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;”>https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VsLZrIwI3csb3vfvNanKGr8v4TmpaATvCQmeSceknXk/edit?usp=sharing</span></p>
<p dir=”ltr” style=”line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 14pt;”>Using the SETT framework and principles I created a framework for a 5th class pupil with dyslexia. The pupil is bright and capable but finds decoding 5th class level texts difficult. His comprehension is good and works well orally.</p>
<p dir=”ltr” style=”line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 14pt;”>The whole class task is to read a paper on The 1916 Rising and answer some comprehension questions on it. I suggested the pupil uses microsoft lens to take a picture of the paper and open immersive reader using text to speech option to read the paper to him. Also the the picture dictionary element could help him with unfamiliar vocabulary.</p>
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<p dir=”ltr”></p><p dir=”ltr” style=”line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;”><span style=”font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;”>My activity is focused on an EAL student who has emerging English language skills.</span></p>
<p dir=”ltr” style=”line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;”><span style=”font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;”>Using Microsoft Edge I located a document on the Ancient Egyptians (</span><span style=”font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;”>https://www.ducksters.com/history/ancient_egyptian_food_daily_life.php</span><span style=”font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;”>) as the whole class was studying them for SESE. The class were using ipads to navigate to the website and read the information. I asked this particular student to screenshot the page and open the microsoft lens app which then allowed him to open the text in immersive reader. I then asked them to use the text to speech option to read the document to them in their native language which would allow them to understand and comprehend the information in the document.The pupil was then asked to answer 5 simple questions in English. I informed them that the picture dictionary may assist them with any unfamiliar words. </span></p>
<b id=”docs-internal-guid-2b11729f-7fff-b3a0-ee53-69318126e419″ style=”font-weight: normal;”> </b>
<p dir=”ltr” style=”line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;”><span style=”font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;”>Cosán</span></p>
<p dir=”ltr” style=”line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;”><span style=”font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;”>Cosán should be viewed by all teachers as an integral and vital aspect of the profession. We as teachers are lifelong learners and should aim to improve and develop our pedagogical skills and knowledge year on year. As the Cosán frame work states ‘As teachers, learning is as fundamental to their practice as teaching.’ CPD is so important and especially in the area of this course with the developments in IT and AT, teachers need to develop their skills in order to provide the best possible opportunities for learning to their pupils. </span></p>
<span style=”font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;”> </span>The AT tools available in Microsoft 365 are fantastic and such an amazing resource to have in the classroom. I have used the dictate tool previously and found it hugely beneficial to pupils. Immersive reader is new to me but an absolute game changer for AT with pupils with SEN especially dyslexia and dysgraphia. It has so many features within it that make it a must for any pupil with literacy difficulties, I personally love the one or three line focus and the syllable tools especially. I also love the grammar feature which could be used as a whole class lesson. I can see myself using immersive reader daily with specific pupils I have in my class this year. Office lens is also new to me and I can already see myself using this in the coming school year also for pupils with SEN and also in the mainstream lessons, its fantastic and hugely beneficial to EAL pupils as it can translate the English text to their spoken language.
Assistive technology is becoming an integral component to teaching and learning in the modern classroom. As the digital learning framework states it should be imbeded in all teaching, learning and assessment. Our pupils ate going to be living in a digital world and it is important that pupils have access to and become competent in using various devices and software to support both thier learning and prepare them for the future. Many pupils will persue careers which will not involve pen and paper in their daily lives.
The SETT model is a great resource and the framework makes it very easy to use alongside ieps and support plans to focus on the specific areas that AT will assist their learning and access the curriculum that their peers are working on. I will definitely be using the framework frequently in the coming year.
The wide range of AT available can be daunting and it can be time consuming on teachers researching various software and devices that can be used to assist our sen pupils. I am looking forward to hearing about tried and tested AT that can be easily implemented to my teaching.