#LDchat Archive
Understood holds this weekly Twitter chat that aims to keep the momentum going and raise awareness of learning and attention issues. Follow along with hashtag #LDCHAT and follow users @understoodchats & @understoodorg. Experts will be available to answer your questions and concerns and share resources from Understood.org.
Wednesday March 9, 2016
Welcome to today’s LD Chat! Today, we’ll be talking about what’s happening in . Who's with us today?
This is Dan with the Understood team. I'll be moderating the chat with .
Happy Wednesday! Excited to be here today :)
Hi folks! Marvin from Fresno, CA here. Happy to be with you for https://t.co/UTOXTUcN91
Welcome to today’s LD Chat! Today, we’ll be talking about what’s happening in . Who's with us today?
I think my biggest ?? as an educator is how to integrate technology into our daily work routines?
Here for a short bit Sharon in CT
We’ll use a Q1, Q2… format for questions. Please use the A1, A2… format for answers.
Happy hump day, lets talk tech. Parent for Oklahoma.
Q1: Is there a difference between AT and ? If so, what is it?
the technology should be just the tool that is used in the lesson
but that being said sometimes it does also mean rethinking go the lesson looks
A1: Absolutely there is. Primarily, is tech used by a PWD to improve or maintain function. https://t.co/rlMcBWSSel
Q1: Is there a difference between AT and ? If so, what is it?
Hi . Late due to ordering . ;) Kerri, /LD, blogger, coach, generally awesome. ;)
A1: Without that , the PWD can have a very difficult time doing things or may not be abel to at all.
: is to compensate for something a S can't do on their own, is about building engaging lesson
I believe AT is when technology is used to assist a Ss in everyday academic tasks. is when technology is..
A1. seems universal, where as AT seems to be "leveling the playing field".
cont.....is used to provide direct instruction to ALL Ss within a classroom setting.
A1: Technology makes things easier makes learning possible for some students.
https://t.co/NRWKJA5RrA
can be when rolled out to all students. However, that’s because the AT may have been designed as AT.
A1. AT = disability accommodation; = enhancement for learning using technology.
But we can’t forget that important part of the def. of “used by a pwd.” THAT is key.
A1: Some of the best has elements - think Universal Design for Learning ()
For me it is trusting technology & how to efficiently use technology within my daily teaching routines
So I would call even a tool like Read&Write or Snap&Read when rolled out to all. It’s AT when used by PWD who need it.
Q2: Which ed tech tools are must-haves for teachers, parents and students?
With any whether or other, make sure there is direct instruction as to how to use the tools
Any suggestions for K-3rd grade I would LOVE!! :)
start one lesson at a time to try a tool.
What about those "At-Risk"? Not a PWD but AT can be essential when paired in a UDL setting.
A2: Let’s start with good reliable high-speed internet? Incredible how much of a difference that can make. https://t.co/mIVrFNieQe
Q2: Which ed tech tools are must-haves for teachers, parents and students?
A2- graphic organizers. email. electronic submission of assignments. videos. electronic white board.
DM your email and we can collaborate
A2. I think it varies, and varies based on what technology a person finds a good fit for them—ie. phone vs tablet vs computer 1/2
A1 Edtech is provided for all makes something easier that may be difficult
yes, high-speed internet!!!
A2. 2/2 and preferred OS.
A2: is a tool that can be used in many ways
A2: must-haves for everyone include devices with robust built-in accessibility (e.g., iPads w/ dictation, TTS)
Yep! I think this is something its of people don’t consider.
https://t.co/8Un2JsboPn
A2. I think it varies, and varies based on what technology a person finds a good fit for them—ie. phone vs tablet vs computer 1/2
A1 it is important that all Edtech have . Leaving some behind is not an option in Edtech
Where is the best place to find tools? I feel this is an area in my teaching I def. need 2 improve on
Great blog on teaching spelling. Kids are looking up word origins...1st grade even!
A2. I find for myself that I use dictator on iOS rarely but it’s sometimes more effort to edit the darn thing after. :]
Awesome! I would love that :)
Using Technology to Engage Students With Learning Disabilities ( Connected Educators Series) https://t.co/LU0i436oNv
A2. Not an educational use but I do find dictator helpful when it is cold out—less typing with cold hands. Bahaha
A2: My favorite tools are There are many to choose from, but these have a collaborative element.
I do think ppl forget that can include MS Office. It’s just educational technology—tools we use for education.
Wow! Really! Would love to find out more :)
Use for differentiated reading
A2. I still consider Google Calendar a must for myself with ADHD but I am currently trying it in tandem w/ system
Too often we want to call it product X or brand Y. Let’s start simple— allow homework completion & submission online as an option.
A2. Depends on the class and age. Should starts simple and build as the student grows.
yes! Classroom has been awesome for our students
Just empowering students to dictate and listen to text is huge
Q3: How have new technologies changed teaching and learning, especially for kids with learning and attention issues?
Have tutee who is benefiting from and extensions on her laptop
A2: I agree with ! We love using Google tools for collaborating, sharing and working-the extensions and apps help too.
. weigh in! https://t.co/u7K7ZTAcgS
Q3: How have new technologies changed teaching and learning, especially for kids with learning and attention issues?
A3: more engaging with multi-media options. Reach Ss w/diff learning styles.
A3 there is less stigma in using technology to support and engage let I because everyone uses it, tech common place, tools vary
A3. Not only did alt format textbooks make it more accessible for me to read long text w/adhd + visual memory issues 1/2
A3. It made it so i could more easily CARRY my books. In my iPad = with me > books likely at home. 2/2
Q3 it's given kids access to want was unaccessible before
has great way to export outline right into
A3: Cloud computing has forced the issue of making educational materials accessible- a huge 👍🏻 for students!
A3: They’ve brought computers into the classroom. That’s a key foundation for just about any of this. https://t.co/Zi8kKhTNH7
Q3: How have new technologies changed teaching and learning, especially for kids with learning and attention issues?
A3 - YES less stigma! That's huge. MS/HS Ss refuse to use tech if not everyone is allowed to use it.
A1 I suppose AT can include many things including nonacademic areas.
I think technology helps children w learning & attention issues immensely!!
A3: Using tech helps w/ motivation. Ss are more engaged in a task and often emerge as leaders teaching us something we didn't know!
Q3 it's allowed kids to show their true intelligence
More educators allow the tech which means more learners can use it to meet needs
A3: But the adding of tech brings with it increased responsibility for . It can make it easier,
it engages their minds &offers the complete multisensory learning engagement.
A3 (cont’d): but it can also make things worse if we don’t think things through. Lots of using tech for tech sake.
When we empower students to be independent (with or without tech) we are serving them best
I feel like teachers.....like myself need to catch up w the learning styles of our Ss
Exactly. is for more than just school/education. https://t.co/pVlUYgl1xY
A1 I suppose AT can include many things including nonacademic areas.
A3: Some edtech is hyper focused on data/testing and what children learn and away from how children learn. Not great 4 LD .
Q4: What are some of the challenges for teachers and parents when using ?
And is great so long as we start teaching pre-service teachers its value & how to use it effectively.
A3 continued. Those of us in the industry need to be mindful of the benefits and negative consequences of the whole student picture.
A4: Same answer as A2— reliable high speed internet or the lack thereof. Also, understanding the tools. https://t.co/aYWm9FxDY7
Q4: What are some of the challenges for teachers and parents when using ?
A4. tech challenges: stable internet. blocked sites. less function (of programs) on tablet vs. computer. kids not ck email.
AMEN! Not all is great tech!!
A4. Not all students have internet access
A3: Not everyone has the same technologies at home. Some ps do not see the value of edtech tools/prefer more traditional methods
challenges: good paring, team knowledge(parents, student, teacher)
A4 - Keeping up w/ the constant changes in can be difficult for everyone - not a lot of time to get comfortable w/ tools.
yes! Choices must be thoughtful and purposeful and don't just throw tech at S and hope all will be okay
A4. blocked site: if a co doesn't do website correctly, it'll be blocked by school. Some university sites can't be accessed
But see, I think lots can be if you choose wisely. Be a discriminating consumer. Know why you’re choosing what you want.
A4: Challenges at school--internet down, dated tech, borrowing a laptop cart, log ins. etc. etc
A4: Challenges include availability of hardware, wifi strength & network infrastructure, & keeping up w ever changing tech landscape
not all tools need Internet
I think it's getting past our own fears & mindset as adults that technology is just playing "games" all day.
That’s true. I’d add that without internet, connections, sharing, & collaboration are limited.
That’s why I think early adopter syndrome in isn’t necessarily a good thing. Take time to investigate.
It’s the simple things that get you.
https://t.co/vAvyTjdPrf
A4: Challenges include availability of hardware, wifi strength & network infrastructure, & keeping up w ever changing tech landscape
A4.Functionality.Ex:Google docs doesn't have spell check on tablet. So have to open on computer b4 turning in.
Definitely an issue but IMPT consideration. Good if we can give free access, but need to teach critical eye https://t.co/lBJPb2Av73
A4. blocked site: if a co doesn't do website correctly, it'll be blocked by school. Some university sites can't be accessed
Start with one area of weakness or one lesson goal and work from there
Wouldn’t this be helpful for Ts to get data though? Good for informing further instruction.
Always a good approach - no matter what content area, topic, project, … https://t.co/4msULdJ4Tl
Start with one area of weakness or one lesson goal and work from there
3rd party keyboard helps with this
Exactly, & I think we need to start this with pre-service instruction. Teach teachers how to do this early.
data? You mean seeing the misspelled words?
I had pleasure of pairing my Ss w a class from another state to build nation-wide collaboration.
Q5: What are some great websites for information resources related to academic content?
"Tech gives the quietest student a voice." if, and only if, it's accessible to every student. https://t.co/mCKJieay5k
A4. Same as with anything for parents: need to know the content to help + apply it. Just like math homework or whatever.
A4 A generational divide.
and now co-writer universal has one
- Don Johnson products are awesome!!
I did a great writing collaboration w/ using
A5: always a good resource. World Book, , , … are other great resources.
love new Co-writer keyboard available in Universal
A5cont: IMPT to address digital citizenship - use and media resources.
Great share. We paired Ss on Docs-Authentic peer audience
I am somewhat out of the loop re edtech.
nice! students love those kinds of tasks
Q6: What are some easy ways for "technophobic" parents and teachers to use ?
It really emphasized IMPTance of elaboration in writing - for local references
A6: Before trying to get anyone to do anything, understand why there’s a resistance. https://t.co/5m9iyEjFyq
Q6: What are some easy ways for "technophobic" parents and teachers to use ?
A4: Ask a teen to show how to use a new-2-U app
A6: I teach the S the tech first, their own use of it leads the fearing adults to see the power and then they want to learn too
A6 (cont’d): After that, you can talk about the tech they already use just to break the ice. There’s always something.
Resistance usually due to lack of information, also invite the adults to a conversation
A6: Parent Ed sessions, workshops for Ps & Ts, … use GForms to go paperless - to get input from Ts & Ps.
A6: Reluctant parents & teachers can ask their students to teach them about - no shame in letting kids take the lead! 😃
Even in we still have profs who have “No Screens” policies. That does make it tough, & sometimes there’s no beating that.
Yes! Well said. Let students lead us as they usually learn quickly & quicker.
You may have more success in than in making that change too. Still, conversations need to be had.
Letting our Ss teach us also provides instant engagement, ownership, & empowerment!
A6 I like to say if we try it we know if it helps. If we just talk about we don't. Let's try it
A6. More professional development for educators
As I say, what difference does it make if I write or type my notes if I’m not disruptive? Let me cook. I’m not watching Netflix
We'll be wrapping up soon. Any final thoughts?
Thinking about it, even if I were watching Netflix, it’s on me if I don’t get the material. We need to also foster responsibility.
Purposeful PD for teachers - give Ts to get hands-on and not just talking to them. https://t.co/9d49UsNNK9
A6. More professional development for educators
so very true. I'm more concern about Ss being ready for real world. Embrace what they will use there.
Great conversation! Thanks for joining this week's LD Chat. Join us next week at 12pm ET for more on AT.
