AT Classes and Events - 2021
Scheduled Classes and Workshops
The following classes and workshops are open to the community at large.
April 1 through June 3 - Assistive Technology for Learning Differences
(10-week, 3-unit ONLINE course through UCSC-Silicon Valley Extension, Santa Clara, CA)
July 8 - Beyond Spellcheck: Using Technology to Bypass Spelling Problems and Improve Writing
(2021 IHD/AzTAP Virtual Disability Conference - ONLINE)
Assistive Technology for Learning Differences
(10-week, 3-unit ONLINE course through UCSC-Silicon Valley Extension, Santa Clara, CA)
Technology can help struggling students leverage their learning strengths and bypass weaknesses to improve performance, independence, and self-confidence. In this online course aimed at teachers, learning specialists, educational therapists, and parents, you will learn about a wide range of tools to support students with learning disabilities, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), executive functioning deficits, and issues with processing information and memory. Through readings, lecture, video demonstrations, and hands-on activities, you will learn:
- How various tools address specific learning needs.
- How to match students with appropriate tools.
- Practical strategies to implement technology solutions and integrate with curricula.
- How technology can facilitate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) practices in the classroom.
- Laws that govern assistive technology (AT) in education.
- Local, national, and online resources for AT information, equipment, and services.
Instruction is primarily online and asynchronous (self-paced) with live weekly sessions of up to two hours for class discussion and interactive learning.
SKILLS NEEDED: Students should have a basic understanding of the academic challenges faced by individuals who have learning disabilities, ADHD, and executive function issues. This can be satisfied in various ways, including (but not limited to):
- Professional experience addressing the needs of students with learning differences.
- Completion of "Understanding Learning Differences" (EDTH.X309) or equivalent coursework.
- Prior review of material on learning differences (provided by the instructor).
- Other requisites may be approved in advance by the instructor.
We recommend students understand the basics of using the Google Chrome browser (e.g., installing Chrome extensions) and Google Core Apps such as Docs, Sheets, and Drive.
TOOLS NEEDED: Hands-on exploration of certain technologies is an essential part of this course. For these activities, students will need access to the following minimum tools:
- A computer with: A PC with Windows 7 or above (Windows 10 highly recommended), a Mac with macOS 10.12 Sierra or above (macOS 10.14 Mohave or above recommended), or Chromebook with latest Chrome OS.
- The Google Chrome browser.
- A personal Google account (recommended: Google account specifically created for use with this course).
- The ability to download and install free and trial software. Specific titles to be provided in class.
NOTE: This course is part of the Educational Therapy Certificate Program at UCSC Silicon Valley Extension. For more information, please visit:
www.ucsc-extension.edu/certificates/educational-therapy
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Dates: 10-week course begins Thursday, April 1st, 2021; ends Thursday, June 3rd, 2021
Times: This is a largely asynchronous (self-paced) online course with 10 weekly modules. Live weekly Zoom sessions of up to two hours supplement the online instruction with class discussion, technology assistance, and other interactive learning.
Location: Online; registered students will receive access to UCSC Extension’s Online Learning Center one day prior to the first class.
Tuition: $640
For additional information about course content: Please visit AT4LD.net
To Enroll: Please visit www.ucsc-extension.edu/courses/assistive-technology-for-learning-differences
You do not need to apply for admission to take UCSC Extension courses.
Beyond Spellcheck: Using Technology to Bypass Spelling Problems and Improve Writing
(2021 IHD/AzTAP Virtual Disability Conference - ONLINE)
Poor spelling due to dyslexia or other learning challenges goes beyond simply misspelled words. It can dissuade kids from using words they know but can’t spell, distract from a college student’s written work, and leave a poor impression of a job applicant. It also fuels low self confidence and writing anxiety.
While grade school remediation can improve spelling skills, this takes time and has limits. Fortunately, struggling writers can leverage technology to independently bypass poor spelling as they pursue remediation, and continue to use these supports throughout college and into the workplace.
Assistive Technology Consultant Shelley Haven will discuss and demonstrate compensatory spelling tools that go beyond basic spellcheckers, including:
- Contextual spelling and grammar aids
- Homophone and confusable checkers
- Typing echo and text-to-speech “proof-listening”
- Syllabification
- Speech recognition
- Word prediction
- Word lists and word banks
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Key Learning Outcomes:
- Explain why standard spellcheckers often fall short for individuals who struggle with spelling
- List at least three different kinds of technology tools that can help bypass spelling difficulties and describe what they do
- Provide examples of how technology can support spelling remediation strategies
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Date: Thursday, July 8th, 2021
Time: 1:15 to 2:30 pm Arizona Time* (which is 1:15pm PDT, 2:15pm MDT, 3:15pm CDT, and 4:15pm EDT)
(*Most of Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time, and thus remains on Mountain Standard Time, MST)
Location: Your web browser ;-) (All conference sessions will be delivered live using Zoom)
Cost: $50 for all three conference days (Wednesday-Friday, July 7-9, 2021)
For details about conference and to register: Please visit https://aztap.org/ihd-virtual-conference/