Technology as a Method for Teaching

Using Technology as a Method for Teaching -

it is NOT about Teaching Technology Any More!







We have had a real shift in the way we are using technology in the classrooms. We are no longer stuck in the place where we need to teach the technology- most of the kids know more than we do! Now it is time to put the technology to work for us as a tool for learning content. What an exciting time!

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Simple Switch Activities

 Nifty Ideas for Simple Switch ActivitiesLet’s get these kids involved!
Further resources on switch participation provided at the end of this posting.






"Switches provide students with disabilities the opportunity to enhance their learning, recreation,

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Tutorials/Quick Guides

There are online tutorials that can be very useful. (When using them, be sure they match the version you have.) The online tutorials are usually much shorter, much more to the point and often easier to follow than the manuals that come with the software.





Ablenet, Inc. provides great tutorials and ideas for their products. One of my favorites is their BIGmack/LITTLEmack guide and book

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Talking PowerPoint Books

Use PowerPoint as a way to provide information or as a method for demonstrating knowledge, either way, it can be a very powerful program.



Using PowerPoint to develop accessible books is a wonderful approach that is perfect on any teacher's budget!! Buy a mic and make it into a talking PowerPoint! For younger students this is a great method for providing information, for older students it

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Keyboarding Thoughts and Resources

This posting includes thoughts and resources regarding:


Keyboarding Skills


Teaching Strategies


Ideas to Generate More Writing


Language-based Approach


Single Hand Typing


Keyboard alternatives


Keyboard Considerations







Let’s Talk About Keyboarding Skills

© 1997 Miriam Struck, MA, OTR/L

mstruck2@aol.com



"I am often asked for recommendations for software to teach keyboarding

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Full-Feature Demonstration
Programs on the Internet
There are many free demos (also known as Evaluation CD’s) available on-line or by requesting a free CD version of the software. (Most are good for 30 days.) Always ask companies if they have this option before you purchase their software. Here are a few of my favorite full feature products for trial:

AAC SupportOverboard is a communication

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Sites to Support Students with Special Needs


Art
Crayola Digi-Color is a new element on the Crayola website. Artists choose from an array of tools, colors and effects. With support for picking the tools many children will be able to create images of their own. The requirement for coloring is the "click and drag" function of a mouse. Preferences can be set to activate a click lock on most

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Symbols in the Reading & Writing Process

Let’s assume that every child can learn to read. We are doing them a disservice to think otherwise, aren't we? By not teaching a child to read (or making the choice to not teach them) we are limiting their world. It is important that we assume every child can learn to read.




We can try teaching them in conventional ways but if this isn’t working, using visual supports may be the answer.

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Private Business DesriptionIntroduction:I have been providing Assistive Technology services in Butte County since October of 1997 at which time I received my Assistive Technology Certificate from Northridge University. My background includes teaching students with a variety of disabilities for 18 years, previous to working in Assistive Technology. Assistive Technology, or AT, is any item, piece

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Private Business:Enabling Solutions ~ Opening DoorsEnabling People with Disabilitiesthrough TechnologyAlternative Solutions brought to your doorthroughout Butte CountyOptions for Independence…which assists people with disabilities to gain opportunities, make their own decisions, pursue activities and become more active in all aspects of life.Areas of expertise include:Computer AccessSoftware

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Joke Websites- Building social interaction skills

As Linda Burkhart stated, "Jokes are great for building turn taking and social interaction skills. They can also be great as extensions to the language arts, science, social studies and math curriculum. Look for jokes related to specific topics or riddles that utilize vocabulary from a particular unit." Jokes are wonderful to use with communication switches and devices. (Try the sequential

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Creative Ways to Use a Switch Communicator

From AbleNet Inc.

It is important to encourage and expect communication by offering activities and opportunities that are interesting to your students. This is especially important in situations when your students are just getting their first experience in voice output communication. Sequential message devices can be very powerful.

What Are Sequential Message Communication Devices?
These

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PowerPoint for Switch Access - How to Guide

PowerPoint for Switch Access Users
Talking Books



Microsoft
Office Power Point is a presentation program developed for computers.
In PowerPoint text, graphics, movies, music, and other objects are
inserted on individual pages or “slides”. You can make a Power Point
presentation for any topic and customize it with text, graphics, and
music to engage the audience.

Power Point is

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