For the 21st century’s diverse student population, differentiation in lessons has become imperative in learning environments. Assistive technology is one of the ways that these differentiated lessons can be presented to our students. The two assistive technologies that I use in my classroom frequently are discussed as follows:
Two Assistive Technologies
Portable Word Processors/ Chromebooks: A lot of assignments are required to be completed online for our students.; however, not all the students are able to afford their own computers. Portable word processors such as Chromebooks are affordable and a lot of school systems such as my school district are providing them for all of their students. Nielsen (2011) stated in regard to this that Chromebooks even though they cost less, still provide all of the essential features of word processing for all students. Some Chromebooks come with text-speech capabilities, talking calculators, and other wonderful features. This Chromebook can also be useful for students with disabilities. Most of the add-ons, apps, extensions that work for regular chrome browsers, should work for Chromebook as well.
Graphic Organizers: Graphic organizers are essential when it comes to differentiating the lesson with concrete and visual explanations. There are many types of graphic organizers available online. Nielsen (2011) stated that although there are a huge number of resources available, one thing we have in common is to help our students better with their notes and assignments for all areas. These graphic organizers can be for reading, math, science, or social studies content areas to help and guide our students to accomplish their assignments.
Two Supportive Applications
To run the lessons smoothly and aligned with the skills and lessons, online applications are extremely helpful nowadays. The two applications that I use frequently are discussed as follows:
Reading Horizons: Reading Horizons Discovery is online self-paced software that is designed to assist students to understand the rules and mechanics of the English language. It aims to lead towards a higher accuracy in reading, spelling, and pronunciation for Kindergarten through 3rd-grade students (Reading Horizons, 2022).
Reading Rangers: Reading Rangers is a self-paced online reading program designed for kindergarten through 5th grade. This software allows students to practice phonics elements, and participate in a reading process that includes activities to improve students’ fluency and comprehension skills.
References
Google chrome as assistive technology. Google Sites. (2022). Retrieved from https://sites.google.com/site/atingc1011415/home
Reading horizons discovery software instruction. Reading Horizons. (n.d.). Retrieved January 9, 2022, from http://pnet.readinghorizons.com/Media/Default/Products/RHD%20Software%20Instruction.pdf
Interactive, online practice of essential reading skills. Reading Rangers – Self-Paced Online Reading Program for Grades K-5 | Voyager Sopris Learning. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.voyagersopris.com/literacy/reading-rangers/overview#:~:text=Reading%20Rangers%20%2D%20Self%2DPaced%20Online,K%2D5%20%7C%20Voyager%20Sopris%20Learning