#edtechchat Archive
#Edtechchat focuses on Education Technology. Co-founder Tom Murray says #edtechchat "connects us professionally with inspiring educators from all over the world, all of who encourage us to be better every day for the children and families we serve.”
Monday October 24, 2016
Welcome to ! Please introduce yourself and from where you’re joining us!
We will use a Q1, Q2… format for Questions during . Please use the A1, A2… format for answers.
Hi everyone. Pip from New Zealand here.
Hey Now Assistive Tech Specialist from NJ & Mgr of PD at
Chad, principal from LI, NY
Alicia, 6th grade teacher in the Hopkins District.
Yes! Great potential with the tools available to us. https://t.co/fGzC1BILqN
Technology allows us to learn anything anywhere, we need to teach digital citizenship to our students
Thanks for joining in Chad
Hi everybody James from Grove City.
Make sure to add to all of your tweets tonight for this chat. Your voice matters!
Nicole,student teacher from the University of Northern Iowa, in the Kansas City area. Excited for !
Maggie, Kent State MLIS/MEd student
Nathan and I am joining you from 's camper
Hello, Roger here. I'm a Kent State University Student.
Emily here. 9th grade English teacher from Batavia, Illinois.
Hey Oh-Io! I taught in SWCS for 4 years
Good evening from spring city tn
Hey everyone! My name is Alison, I'm an undergraduate special education student
Niko PYP Coordinator and teacher librarian from Bangkok Thailand
hey I'm Kelly a PST from UNE
Hello & . Checking in from Marcil room 124. A twitter break before book presentations.
Love having student teachers with us to learn and grow!
My name is Louisa and I'm a pre-service teacher currently studying Early Childhood and Special Education at E-town College in PA
Q1 coming up in one minute…
Olivia Gilmore, Kent State student!
Hello everyone! Julie, tech coordinator from Chattanooga, TN
So glad to have you with us
So great that you are joining us then!
Q1:How to balance linguistic language instruction while providing content that is age appropriate but not decoding accessible?
then whose camper am I in?
Great to see many new faces and voice tonight Thanks for being here for
Hi! I'm Abby from Ohio, joining tonight as a Kent State University student.
We’re so excited to be part of ! It’s happening now - come chat w/us!
Greetings all. Greg from Chattanooga here.
RT Q1 https://t.co/iLwbdLDXtZ
Q1:How to balance linguistic language instruction while providing content that is age appropriate but not decoding accessible?
a1: I am an orion-gillingham classroom educator certified director to technology, it’s key to balance reading and accessibility
Hi all Jackie from Staten Island
A1. I'm a big fan of audiobooks - listening is a strong part of understanding language.
a1: leveraging today’s hardware and software is key to do right by ALL learners
A1) Yes please tell me. I have studies that are too old to be working with students they share the same level
A1: So many tech choices avail today to ensure access for ALL learners
can be huge for many learners to access content for decoding and comprehension purposes https://t.co/1Hk9zNB8HA
A1. I'm a big fan of audiobooks - listening is a strong part of understanding language.
A1: is say audiobooks are a big support, like
A1. Audiobooks are a great option! Students are able to understand what they hear and follow along with the text too!
So glad to see here, he get’s the balance of instruction and for ALL learners https://t.co/zDp1qNwcVI
A1: So many tech choices avail today to ensure access for ALL learners
Discussed during our pre-con last week. Shift the term: “Auditory Reading” instead of “listening” to materials
A1: Ss getting books that can be read to them. We use the app a lot.
Agree! I find I absorb material better if I listen to an audiobook.
If we are talking AT - I am gonna show up!
A1) Many libraries circulate books with audio so the student can listen and follow along!
a1: I do appreciate to match learning levels but i'm not sure that's what you mean.
Hello ! Happy to be here:)
Really good point Jackie. So many choices. Must make sure to focus on features of tech + match to Ss needs
Important to instruct at reading level, but also provide access to comprehension level. Built in screen readers and audiobooks!
A1 Your catalog and library databases can be modified and searched by grade/lexile level.
A1 Along with audiobooks / overdrive older Ss could create readings for younger students to access.
I actually absorb better by reading, BUT as a Librarian, I need to reach every single child where they are.
I like that! Implies active engagement, not passive listening.
Teach your students about political campaigns/civic engagement using these great resources! https://t.co/DKzZwR8bQq
A1: watching a theatrical play while reading it is a great way to do this
A1) I've seen kids reading leveled reading books- larger in size, with content of interest but reading level appropriate.
. we use iPads for the ease of use of the speak screen and speak of text throughout the device
great to know they are still popular. My pre-k kids listen to audio books and watch books on the smart board
How do you convince a school & your own child to use an iPad in school to type etc..... school is VERY reluctant to expensive AT
Yes! Great resource!!! https://t.co/TqmIm2M1mn
a1: I do appreciate to match learning levels but i'm not sure that's what you mean.
Hi everybody, Sarah from in CT
Hello Andy coming to you live from parent teacher conferences where no one wants to visit me :) St. Charles MO
YES! Also helps break the myth that audio reading is "cheating" https://t.co/MQbE2rA9zZ
I like that! Implies active engagement, not passive listening.
A1: Having students share the findings of their reading to others- this can be by video, face-to-face, etc.
A1: Reading to students and actively involving them in the story
Q2 coming up in one minute…
Hey all, Michael from here, joining late :-)
I love using to record students personal readings for fluency and decoding
Q2: What benefits do you see from using audiobooks for struggling readers?
home from whatever that thing was in Texas
hi Alison! Happy to have you here tonite! Love seeing aspiring teachers!
Foundation grant made it possible to get playaways! Find a grant!
Its my first time being a Specials Area teacher, not used to it yet!
we should talk. If you teach the child, the child finds success, then teachers will see the power
I am at a prek level but I find when the kids act out the elements of the story they understand it much easier.
What's the need? If it's in the IEP school has to. Child on the other hand is a different matter.
welcome Michael! So glad you are here!
I thought is was a larping party
A2: Students confidence is built and can participate in comprehension questions.
A2: So many benefits...access to grade level materials; engagement; expand vocab to name a few
we are then happy to have you here
A2 helps students match words to text
That doesn't make me feel any better for your school though... why wouldn't you want to talk w/your kids teacher?
a2: Ability to feel a part of classroom, meet needs for Ss with reading issues
A2: More students can be engaged and take part in the learning
A2: Students can take part in classroom discussion and feel like they are on the same level as peers
Hi everyone, Rachelle from Pittsburgh, teach Spanish & a course in
tools like and video apps can be used to have students record themselves
A2 advantages for all Ss to hear the beauty of the written word
A2. Ss can understand spoken word at much higher level than written. Helps raise Ss up. We tell Ps to read to Ss - not all do.
at what point does someone go dragon
A2: It gives them access to books otherwise out of reach
a2: readers can enjoy content that meets their comprehension levels that is above their decoding levels Level the playing field
A2. Ability to read same book a peers and added entertainment value!
A2) My son has struggled and audio books have assisted him, and I know he comprehends more thanks to them.
A2 they can still enjoy the content and learn story parts, etc. w/o the complications or embarrassment of not reading
Dani here, Latin teacher in VA
Use of audiobooks makes more rigorous lit accessible for Ss with reading difficulties & enables them to be part of discussion
A2: Audiobooks are also great for the busy student. Can be listened to in the car or at work
A2 Audiobooks provide a level playing field for struggling readers in the classroom
2 apps I've come to know and love https://t.co/qqFNCTdm2z
tools like and video apps can be used to have students record themselves
A2) Audio books draw them into the story, makes reading exciting, opposite of being turned off by books, they want more!
A2 Supports accessibility needs, helps foster skills for internal narration of text
hmm, well, mine are only 1 and 4 and I'm in the elementary world, so news to me :) I will go when mine are that old!
A2Audiobooks may allow struggling ss to find a type of book they are interested in. This may create a drive to read more
A2: This allows Ss to match what they're listening to w/ what they see, building their knowledge of words & their confidence
Audiobooks help students participate in discussion and in the classroom. Reading along with the audio is an added bonus!
Helps understand and build vocabulary even if the student struggles with reading skills.
A2 Helping Ss access information, participate in discussion, & practice skills at their own pace. A good story is a good story!
A1 Audiobooks w/ paper books could be a strong combo so kids can follow along. Would work well for struggling readers & ELLs
This is so key, we all can enjoy audiobooks, so why not let the students do so too
breaks down barriers to those kids that struggle
Getting some fabulous answers to Q2! https://t.co/QScSZDFJRh
Q2: What benefits do you see from using audiobooks for struggling readers?
I love the idea of students being able to access the same books as their peers and foster a love of reading
I agree audiobooks are great!
Allows Ss to follow along with text to learn new words as well as hear text fluently!
Tools like uPar from can help determine if audiobooks can support comprehension
careful, it may just be to embarass them
yes great point. Ss using podcasts for content creation. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in action
I love how you mentioned ELLs. Using both books provide the necessary visuals for ELLs in the classroom
A2: Audiobooks allow my Ss to gain access to books that were once inaccessible.
EXCELLENT parenting! I do that to my teen all the time. Builds resilience.
Love tools like Scan Pen which turns text into OCR readable text
plus its fun, or at least my parents always had fun doing it... still do...
A2) I suggest audio books for parents when they come to me for literacy assistance for at home. Thanks
Curious - do S's ever cite "saving time" as a reason for audio books? Can read a book while driving to school, doing chores, etc
Yeah so glad you are here!
Audiobooks are also good resource for "rereading" texts https://t.co/LuQvKnV5tr
A2 Helping Ss access information, participate in discussion, & practice skills at their own pace. A good story is a good story!
A2: they change from hating to read to loving it!
I agree - I enjoy audiobooks, but more so when I can follow along.
Q3 coming up in one minute…
A2 @ Hearing the different tones and fluctuations can help understand the story better for struggling readers
SpeEd+ELL Ss can greatly benefit from audiobooks vs written text
I have never found this, curious if others have https://t.co/hO30gcAJej
Curious - do S's ever cite "saving time" as a reason for audio books? Can read a book while driving to school, doing chores, etc
Love this app Using it w/ Ss w Cog Dis who are non readers for community integration https://t.co/uTfIzndGvV
Love tools like Scan Pen which turns text into OCR readable text
It's definitely one of the reasons i love audiobooks - I hae my amazon echo read to me
A2: I listened to audiobooks while working out today. It truly makes reading accessible in every way!
A2 It is a way to help Ss to focus on the words and match w/ sound, follow along, be engaged, build confidence
Q3: What are some quick ideas for differentiating instruction to meet needs of learners?
A2 using audio books can help Ss follow along and be able to go at their own pace even pausing and going back if needed
A2: Audiobooks are great for students who may not be native English speakers. Parents may not be able to help much.
Not commenting on "saving time" but they do mention using "lost time" more effectively. On the bus, etc
Really like these and also , my Ss have taught lessons
Some students benefit from human voices, resources that can provide along with & WhisperSync
Some students won our Great Reading Games b/c they read while doing chores! :)
I ❤️recording Ss on my phone, & to share w Ps. Ive also had Ss send me fluency readings through !
Ss can use audio and written texts in concert to achieve success in reading https://t.co/ByZnrCqgxJ
SpeEd+ELL Ss can greatly benefit from audiobooks vs written text
I don't know if it's saving time as much as using time that may otherwise be wasted? Or using time more efficiently?
Though Learning Ally is only for students with reading, vision, and/or other disabilities.
I am Patty from Kent State University.
A2) I used excerpts from the Harry Potter audio books with my reading group and they upped their reading time at home.
This is a happy day for me :) https://t.co/bprPAFJjdK
Though Learning Ally is only for students with reading, vision, and/or other disabilities.
A2: With audio books, kids can enjoy the story.
love introducing to all students so they can determine if leveraging it impacts their comprehension for many reasons
Audio books are a wonderful way for a struggling reader to gain confidence regarding classroom participation
A3. learners need diff font, audiobooks, sharing reading w another S, Game apps, ebooks w adjustable size/contrast
A personal favorite of mine! I love watching my Ss and Ts reactions when they see how awesome it is!
A3: Creating opportunities for these Ss to recap with someone after reading a paragraph is helpful
Also leveraging audiobooks can provide engagement in ways we might not have expected
A3 going to be learning on this one
A3: Paragraph shrinking with a peer.
Great point. Conversation with peers is a great way to have Ss assess their own comprehension https://t.co/otiLj1jA0p
A3: Creating opportunities for these Ss to recap with someone after reading a paragraph is helpful
A3) Make sure texts are formatted in a way that is easy to read. No weird fonts, larger text, etc, esp on assessments.
haven't met anyone who volunteered yet. Such a powerful free resource
Welcome to Twitter. You picked a great chat if this is your first one.
A3: The font, format, and color choices of materials used in a lesson should be visually easy on the eyes and not chaotic
A3) If tech isn't handy Ss can read with each other or have class read things aloud (choral response), dyslexic kids can follow
It is key to help ALL learners learn to leverage to support reading, decoding or comprehensions, LD or not,
Has anyone ever had experience with that "dyslexic" font or even know what I am talking about?
A3: Not sure of any specifics but there are tons of great apps and computer games and programs to help students reading ability
The studies don’t show that it is definitively impactful, but can’t hurt
A3: dyslexia font, eBooks, highlighted strips, colored overlays, peer reading to name a few
I say give anything a shot if it might work right?
A3: Having students with dyslexia use audiobooks while reading can be a huge help
Q4 coming up in one minute…
Present the material in small steps using an ipad.
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exactly, I usually ask my Ss when I use it if they think it helps studies don’t support it, but can’t hurt
https://t.co/jtx2JMYnQS
a2: readers can enjoy content that meets their comprehension levels that is above their decoding levels Level the playing field
Q4: What are roadblocks to providing audio accessible content to students?
I'm all grown up and I still use same technique! Though it's usually just a piece of paper now. Prevents skimming
studies aren't always right though, I like that you give them the chance to voice their like/dislike
Love building my lessons in Slides then use to engage my Ss to read and extend knowledge of decoding
A4: Money is a challenge. Audiobooks are great but expensive. Would love to find more cost effective resources. Suggestions??
A4: Unfortunately, some schools don't have the resources (money, technology, etc) to provide Ss w/ audio accessible content
Administrators do not agree. I wanted to order books online. I was told no.
q4the cost of providing them for the school would cause some issues.
A4: need to have the technology to deliver the audio content https://t.co/CLc4e9LEiL
Q4: What are roadblocks to providing audio accessible content to students?
my every waking moment is now accompanied by audiobook or podcast. Which may or may not be a good thing...
A4 sanitary headphones... not the best at this topic, but I am learning a lot, thank you guys!
A3: dictation (i.e. Dragon) & predictive software like Co:Writer prevent Ss from limiting their writing bc of spelling
A4: Audiobooks can be very expensive if not in public domain.
At the HS level, many more obscure texts do not have audio available.
just worked with a T to building note taking into so Ss could use built in text-to-speech of iPad to help study
A4) The setting could determine if audio content is appropriate- hands on projects also using books could be a challenge
A4: If textbooks, getting the publishers to provide the licensing and the audiobooks. https://t.co/si3Xx9hxTR
Q4: What are roadblocks to providing audio accessible content to students?
A4. Roadblocks to audio content: CASH, Hardware to play, content - not all things are audiobooks! We are limited.
A4. Technology and money can both be roadblocks.
Henry Burroughs, consultant checking in late from FL!
I check twitter so often for learning that it seems crazy. I get it. We all find our niche.
Can have Ts read books and stories into a recorder to deliver for free to their Ss https://t.co/fG0q2IdpJr
A4: Money is a challenge. Audiobooks are great but expensive. Would love to find more cost effective resources. Suggestions??
Our local library offers lots of free audiobooks with a library card?
We need more companies to bring their textbooks and texts to places like That allow students to
A4: at the HS level, many more obscure texts do not have audio.
A4: Lack of awareness of free/low cost solutions for Struggling readers like built in accessibility features of all tech devices
For students who qualify for a learning ally account, it can be cost prohibitive if the school does not provide seats.
A4) Easiest one for me so far! I teach Latin, so it is hard to find audio resources for many of the texts we do.
A4.2: resources are a great chance to create audiobooks.
Money for the technology. Even if the teacher can borrow the ebook from the library they have to have a way to deliver it!
A4) Teachers not knowing best practices for the needed tech is at times a roadblock for providing audio accessibility content
A4.3: Don’t forget some devices allow you to have a screenreader run and say out loud
How do you create them using OER? What is your platform of choice? https://t.co/BVEaS9lehM
A4.2: resources are a great chance to create audiobooks.
Biggest roadblocks: getting some to see that whether text is viewed by eyes or heard by ears, it is the same task
It is also most helpful when the student has access in all learning environments.
A4) Lack of differentiating in a classroom can be a road block.
A4 not enough funding available, or hard to find the audio books
Just amazes me that I use a calc, word prediction, spell check, reminders on my calendar to survive w ADD but school says NO
A4: Non-profit offering audiobooks 4 student w/print disabilities. Some states offer grants. Info -> https://t.co/HeF9T6faxI
if Ss are identified can qualify for which is free also has low cost options
difference is is human voice digitized can be impactful difference
A4: Biggest roadblock working w/ El Ed Ss are images being excluded from chpt bks. Ss need pics 2make inferences & connections.
A4) Ohio digital library is a great source for borrowing ebooks and audio!
The licensing with should be more permissible to creating your own audio versions.
/ has great low cost options for human voice read text and most importantly textbooks!
Yes showed me that on the iPhone two years ago. https://t.co/FXpgD7Yd9B
A4.3: Don’t forget some devices allow you to have a screenreader run and say out loud
if just need novels, and Ss can use digitized voice, free for qualifying Ss (on iPad use )
each company has their requirements, not really challenging. Highly recommend
If Ss are identified, is free
Agreed, everyone learns differently: some with eyes and others with their ears
Q5 coming up in one minute…
that's silly, its 2016, we've gone digital... not to mention bad for the Ss coping skills. blah!
I also started using the C-Pen () which has a tremendously + response too!
She would rather have hard copies.
And IEP will work or just a teacher signature.
I agree Leslie. I have been using the C-Pen also. Great response from Ss
Excited to do online conference with in Dec on using with multi-sensory linguistic instruction
Q5: What tech tools do you use as an educator to help students w/reading disabilities access print?
we use Bookshare paired with or Read2Go apps for Ss. Epic is another one we use too!
. you can help a student on a tablet while other students follow along on the classroom display
Esp now w/ the US voice added it's really incredible compared to what is out there!
devices have ability to leverage text-to-speech and speech-to-text. iOS in settings, in other device w/ extensions
I thnk studies dn't always account for every1 tho, sum of us r weird and go agnst the data, but ur right
A5: iPad is a great way to make print larger or smaller so the student can read it. Also will read hard to pronounce words
A5: For mobile apps-check out for TTS & new Link app for human narrated audio
A5 I like the Ebooks with the Audio built in to it. Help is there if they need it
Today is is a shame to not leverage to support learners for it is easier and easier to do
Oh, I agree with you I think we've gone too data centric.
Google read & write is a game changer for ALL.
archaic policies that undermine learning potential, I'm sorry
A5: My kids love Chromebooks and iPods w/ and Google tools.
but like you said, you gotta have it!
A5: I use the accessibility features on the Mac for my students. Speech & Dictation help my Ss to be more independent
A5: Providing the opportunity for students to change print size on the iPads based on their needs
A5: Text Help Study Skills for highlighting and collecting highlights! Also looks up words
A5. Chromebooks and tablets in use at my school
I've heard chrome books are quite popular....what say you?
Apps on ipad or computers that let students interact while reading the story with pictures and activities could be very helpful!
Yes, I *love* Chromebook for my son who has
has an amazing set of digital books for all ages. Free with public library card. It's AWESOME!!!
very true, then we retire though!
A5: Chrome exts. check out Snap&Read Universal from + Read Write for Google from
All teachers and staff being on board with UDL principles is essential!
yes, the cost is amazing for the tool, and companies like have extensions
A5 there is the spoken words feature on accessibility I've seen Ts use
A2: increased reading fluency
I love Chromebooks! Lots of extensions and add ons to help Ss. Nice for them to have a keyboard too.
A5) Skill develpmt/learning tech like Lexia has audio as needed
What is awesome is passion of to support tonight’s conversation, for they know we can do better by ALL learners
I always forget this is another resource! Have to be better about promoting that!
I have to get going, thank you all for the enlightening topic!
just did a post for on iOS10 accessibilty updates, hope to post soon!
Want more AT? Join us every Wed. 8PM ET for Want to catch up? Read the Storify from past chats: https://t.co/cMAfVeecFe
Thank you for joining us!
Q6 coming up in one minute…
come to and learn more about and other options
A5: Voice Dream Reader, ClaroScan Pen, the TTS in Co:Writer, SnapType Pro & Notability,
Q6: What are tech tools we can provide students to become independent in accessing print?
A6 learning the accessibility options on their devices is always important
A6: provide the websites for them and teach them how to use.
Thanks for a great chat on AT. I always have room to grow in this area.
A6: teach Ss to use the tools they have, today’s tech is so easily and , they just need to be shown
I love Apple's built in text-to-speech for everyday life.
A6. Find tutorials to share how to use things or create your own.
Hope you join us for to keep learning about this important topic! https://t.co/rB5YjZwNTo
Thanks for a great chat on AT. I always have room to grow in this area.
75.00 to take my son to AT place to have them teach him how to use his dragon speak naturally...any cheaper options out there?
A6: Does anyone know of any specific websites to provide to students to give them access to print while making it fun?
A6: I have Ss who use Learning Ally for their independent reading books!
If the point is to help students access the curriculum, learning ally achieves that purpose.
define fun? I find when my Ss just find they can access text it is rewarding
A6: The great thing about smartphones is they are making normalized - so many use &
sad face! Can he access on school computers?
A6: Providing proper training on access. features so Ss r empowered & successful using tech 4 school & in their daily lives!
This is so huge! Today’s tools are everyday tools, so take away stigma https://t.co/nJ9Tyy7ihU
A6: The great thing about smartphones is they are making normalized - so many use &
When the purpose is to help Ss increase reading fluency, there needs to be accountability that they are reading along.
Thx to & for bringing this important topic to Keep connecting & sharing!
The new vocab words they learn will help w/fluency too though, but VOICEtext is a nice tool also.
Thanks for joining this week’s ! Don’t forget to follow your new connections from tonight!
Thank you for hosting us on !
Thanks for moderating tonight!
So thankful for all of you who joined us tonight! Your voice and your personal learning matters to your students!
Thank you both for this much needed chat.
