[Sinead Fahy]

There are many technology resources that can be used to support students with special needs – using the SETT model will help to identify which AT will suit each individual child’s needs.

For this task I am considering a student in 6th class with dyspraxia using technology to support literacy.

To begin I would start by using the windows accessibility features already built in – ToggleKeys, StickyKeys, FilterKeys, MouseKeys.

For further support adaptive switches, adapted mice, joysticks could be considered with collaboration of OT

Some students with dyspraxia find it difficult to maintain concentration and so online stopwatches, timers and timetables will be useful. It might also be useful to use Immersive Reader tool which highlights one line at a time if the student struggles to focus.

Typing assignments for poor fine motor skills and pencil control. Speech-to-text or Dictate would be useful for further scaffolding. It will enable the student to complete tasks and boost confidence.

Catering for these needs and making accommodations will ensure inclusion and access for all in School Development Planning.

 

[Sinead Fahy]

The SETT model is a child-centered approach and it provides the teacher and other professionals with a structure on how to collect data on support students using Assistive Technology. The SETT model can be used by teacher, SET team, students, parents and other professionals when creating goals for the IEP at School Support Level. The SETT model is flexible and specific to individual students. I like this model as it supports the teacher and others in identifying what will work the child’s specific needs.

 

For this task I created a sample SETT plan for a student in 6th class with intellectual disability.

Please see the link to the google doc.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RaI_6cwrDtxtCxde8s2KdJf4atwasDNv1qPgGs9s-24/edit?usp=sharing

 

 

[Sinead Fahy]

Microsoft accessibility tools – 

Emperor Penguin (nationalgeographic.com)

Using Microsoft Edge I found this reading comprehension on Emperor Penguins. I opened the webpage in Immersive Reader and made some adaptations to the text which would help any struggling reader/reader with dyslexia. Using Immersion Reader I changed the font, background color, spacing. Students can use the ‘read aloud’ option and ‘picture dictionary’ available on this site. It will enable the student to access the material along with their classmates.

Cosan Framework: 

CPD and professional development is essential as an educator. It is our responsibility to keep up to date with recent studies, policies, learning methodologies and so on. Education is always evolving and by engaging in meaningful professional development, teachers will be able to support their students effectively. Cosan is important in order to foster a culture of professional learning and ensuring teachers have access to it and engage in it.

[Sinead Fahy]

This is my first time exploring Immersive Reader and it is a fantastic resource. I love how accessible it is. I think it would be important to help students see value of it in their own lives. They can also download it on their own phone and use it in real-life.

The read aloud feature would be very useful to empower students and to enable them to access material beyond their independent reading level. It will boost confidence and motivation.

The picture dictionary is also a fantastic feature. It exposes students to new vocabulary and will help with their comprehension of a text.

I would use Immersive Reader in the mainstream classroom to enable students to work independently using headphones. It can also be used in 1:1 or small groups as a Guided Reading session. When introducing this resource to students it would be important to explicitly teach them how to use the Immersive Reader and its different functions.

I am looking forward to trying it out in the classroom

[Sinead Fahy]

The focus on digital technologies is increasing in primary schools as we are keeping up to date with the digital world. As outlined in the Digital Learning Framework, digital technologies should be embedded into teaching, learning and assessment. Group work and projects are always a successful way to embed digital technologies into the curriculum.

Schools have been adapting over the past few years to promote digital literacy and prepare students for the modern world. The planning tool is very useful as it will help guide schools in their self-evaluation process. The pdst webinars outline the steps with examples from some schools.

Assistive Technologies are essential to creating an inclusive classroom as it can help increase accessibility for all students. AT enables and empowers students, particularly students with SEN. With such a broad range of AT options available, it can be overwhelming. I found the SETT very useful as it ensures you stay focused on the specific needs of individual students and choose AT that will meet your students’ needs. I would have considered AT to only include the use of technology – so I found the low/no tech examples interesting as we use it a lot more than we think in every day teaching, where iPads and other technologies are not available to us.

I have experience with text-to-speech and speech-to-text for EAL students. It increases student engagement and motivation as it empowers them to access materials. I am looking forward to explore other AT options during the course and implement them in the classroom.

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