[Sinead Courell Ryan]

Thanks for your understanding.

Office 365 tools in use in the classroom:

I have used Office 365 tools to complete an article of text on Kellie Harrington’s recent gold medal win at the 2024 Paris, Olympics.  I am hoping to use this in the new school year as a topic of discussion so think it will be useful.

I have done the accessibility checks on it so it accessible to all.  However in this case I am targeting a 4th child with dyslexia.  I have increased the spacing and used a light coloured background colour to aid with reading.  I have included two photographs as he is a visual learner.  I will guide him to use the Immersive Reader tool to have it read aloud to him if required.    I am hoping that by taking away some of the additional obstacles to him in his learning journey that he may enjoy reading a bit more too. This should benefit him and his style of learning hugely.

[Sinead Courell Ryan]

There are so many Assistive Technology tools out there it can be overwhelming.  However the SETT model helps to filter these down quite a bit.  In some cases I believe it will require time and trying out different tools to see which one/ combinations they prefer.

I am thinking about a 5th class boy with dyslexia.  When I get to know the child and know his preferences the SETT model is extremely helpful.  We usually do this with a colleague and following guidelines shared from OT/ other outside professionals.  In this instance it has been recommended to make some physical environment alterations and considerations as well as AT.

For his AT tools we have been trying to increase his touch typing skills as he enjoys working with technology.  If we can develop his tying skills it will aid his written communication opportunities.

We have used Nessy Fingers and BBC Dancemat in the past with him.  We are now looking and assessing other touch typing programmes such as TTRS to move towards.

We had considered the E pens.  We decided they may be more useful in a quieter environment like with helping with his homework at home.

With his I Pad I’m excited to show him Immersive Reader.  This will help hugely with any online texts that can be copied and pasted into a Immersive Reader compatible software.  With class text books I will now consider copying the text into a Word doc (thanks to Ellen’s great idea in the Module 3 assignment – Thanks!).  It will afford the student the independence he wants and needs to progress at his own pace.   Immersive reader brings so much flexibility to it with offering full screen reading possibilities, picture dictionary, translation options and can be tailored to the child’s visual preferences.   I look forward to discussing the accessibility checks with his class teacher as it may benefit more than just the child in question.

Although overwhelmed by all the tools that are out there I am trying to upskill somewhat as I know the importance of inclusivity and every child’s right to an education.  It is up to me as a teacher to advocate for each child and their individual needs, preferences, learning styles and needs.

The Inclusive Education Framework is a valuable planning tool for schools.  It acts as a lens for our staff to assess and keep track of our efforts to improve blended learning and  inclusive growth in our school.  This universal Design for Learning benefits everyone.

[Sinead Courell Ryan]

Hi Eoghan, Thanks for the guidance.  I don’t know how to do any of your suggestions unfortunately.  I have learned that I need to do a basic computer skills course next year before looking at other technology courses! eek! I have chosen to complete a text on the Olympics using Immersive reader tools.  How do I attach it? Thank you.

[Sinead Courell Ryan]

Part 1:

AT is a tool to add to our teaching of all children especially proven to be effective with those with additional needs.  We use differentiation all the time in our classrooms so I see AT as one of the to ptions to be considered in this process.  The SETT framework functions as a checklist/ guidance to finding which from of AT might suit the child best at that time.

On starting with a new class we try to get to know the children.  Their strengths and areas of need.  With SEN children it is even more important to spend time doing so to find out what they may get the most use out of.  For instance a child who is pre verbal, in a mainstream school may require something to help with their communication.  I understand some may use Lámh but others may prefer ACC methods of communication.   A child who has an additional need in reading may benefit from the Immersive reader function of software.

Secondly, the environment has to be considered too as if they are in a loud environment ear phones may be required if Immersive reader is to be most effective.

Next, the task is the next thing to be considered.  Is the work to be differentiated by amount/ background colour/ spacing/ amount of time given to them to complete the task? In what way do we want the child to share his/ her feedback?

Once the above three steps have been addressed it will act as a filter for your AT options for the child.

Appropriate assessments will be hugely informed by the SETT model.  Teacher observation together with SNA input is invaluable as well of course.

In my experience, this is often completed as a team.  And it is great team (parents, child voice, OT etc) effort that leads to the most successful outcome for that child.

Part 2:

I completed a SETT plan for a student named Alex who has difficulty with writing.

 
<p style=”text-align: center;”>Module 4 Assignment: SETT in Practice.</p>
Student name: Alex

Student:

Alex likes his friends, the colour green, playing outside, tight hugs, TV time.

Alex enjoys story time.  Enjoys working with others.

Alex has difficulties with written work.  He avoids it.  He tires easily.  He writes lightly with his pencil.  He gets easily distracted.

Environment:

Alex He may need to be in a corner with less visible distractions.

Alex has no additional gross motor physical requirements to be considered at this time.

Task :

Alex will be compete a slightly shorter amount of the comprehension written exercise than his peers.

Tools: including AT Tools:

Alex may benefit from the use of the Immersive Reader feature for reading the main text.

Alex can do a warm up fine motor activity (Theraputty) while listening to the text being read aloud to him.

Alex can use a slant board for his written answers.  He may be encouraged to write one answer and dictate or type (touch typing tool: programme) the next.

 

[Sinead Courell Ryan]

Part 1: To follow as I am a little unsure about the task.

Part 2:

Cosan – the principles of Cosan the National Framework for teachers Learning…

Yes, teachers like most people and a lot of professions are life long learners.  Most careers now a days continued success and progress relies on regular upskilling of the professionals concerned.  I see it as scaffolding and building on previous knowledge.  Sometimes expanding the boundaries of our thoughts.  That is why CPD is so important.  Without it our education system will become stagnant.  It is essential for growth.  We all want what’s best for the kids in our classrooms and what’s best is for us to continue to hone our crafts and to continue to celebrate our newly attained skills with our fellow staff members.  We can all maintain our autonomy while also contributing to our team efforts as they all combine to benefit the whole school community.

[Sinead Courell Ryan]

I am not very computer literate so signing up to this is a bit daunting to be honest. However I will try my best to take part as much as I can.
In recent years we have seen the referrals, need, the use and the reliance on assistive technology grow in our area of the country as I am sure is the case most places. I currently work in the SEN section. As a Special Ed. teacher we are expected to know about these things. It is important to learn as much as I can so I can feel confident helping the children in my care.
Regarding the school self- evaluation process Assistive technology and IT in general, is one of the area’s in our school that I know the least about. Moving forward as a school body its important for me and colleagues with similar technology limitations to try to upskill. The school self-evaluation highlighted to me my need to do this course. I am dedicated to helping the children in my care to achieve success whether they have additional needs or not. I am sure this course will help in many ways.
With regards to the Digital Learning Framework standards I could and will address lots in time but I think the first is the baseline entry point That being Pupils will enjoy their learning and be motivated to continue their learning journey through a sense of achievement along the way. When pupils are happy and feeling good they will be more open to learning new content.

[Author]

Posts