AT Classes and Events - Spring/Summer 2012

March 17 - Technology to Take the Dread Out of Writing (CHC Parent Education Class)

April 21 - Less Struggle, More Success: An Overview of Technology That Assists Learning (EdRev 2012 Conference)

May 24 - Technology to Reduce Reading Time and Increase Comprehension (ATIA.org online webinar)

July 10 - Technology That Takes the Dread Out of Writing (ATIA.org online webinar)

August 21 - Technology to Capture and Organize What You Learn (ATIA.org online webinar)


Technology to Take the Dread Out of Writing (CHC Parent Education Class)

Students often dislike writing because they stumble with some part of the writing process.  In this class, you'll learn how technology tools can relieve writing anxieties connected with generating and organizing ideas, finding the right words, editing, and correcting spelling and grammar. You will also learn options for generating written text more quickly and legibly. This class includes live demonstrations.

Participants will also learn:

  • How to decide if a student is a good candidate for speech recognition
  • How to use templates to model good writing form
  • When to use and not use word prediction/completion software
  • How text-to-speech software can improve editing
  • The importance of matching technology to a student’s abilities, task and setting

Technology tools to be discussed and/or demonstrated include:

  • Low-tech writing aids
  • Fusion & Neo 2 (portable word processors)
  • Speech recognition for Windows PCs, Macs, iPads and smartphones
  • Ginger Software (contextual spelling and grammar checker)
  • Specialized dictionaries and thesauri
  • Inspiration, Kidspiration, Draft:Builder and Mind Manager (graphic organizer & mind mapping software)
  • Software to improve keyboarding skills

Who should attend:  Though content is primarily aimed at parents, middle and high school students are welcome to attend.

Date: Saturday, March 17, 2012
Time: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm (2.5 hours)

Location:
  Children’s Health Council
  650 Clark Way
  Palo Alto, CA 94304

Map:  http://www.chconline.org/content/contact.html

Cost: FREE (however, pre-registration with CHC is required)

To register:
  Register online at www.chconline.eventbrite.com OR
  Call 650.617.3812 OR
  Email parented@chconline.org

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Less Struggle, More Success: An Overview of Technology That Assists Learning (EdRev 2012 Conference)

With technology that complements their unique learning strengths and challenges, students are better equipped to succeed in middle school, high school, and beyond.  Join assistive technology consultant Shelley Haven as she discusses and demonstrates selected tools to help students:

  • Reduce reading time while improving comprehension (text-to-speech software, e-text, audiobooks)
  • Take the dread out of writing (graphic organizers, speech recognition, contextual spellcheckers)
  • Listen more and write less while taking notes (smartpens, notetaking software)
  • Study more effectively (digital annotation tools)
  • Get organized (digital notebooks, mobile device apps)
  • Minimize frustration and increase self-confidence.

With live demos and a comprehensive Resource Guide, attendees will gain a better understanding of what to explore further.

Date: Saturday, April 21, 2012
Time: TBD

Location:
  AT&T Park (home of the San Francisco Giants)

Map:  http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/sf/ballpark/directions/index.jsp

Cost: Included with EdRev conference registration

To register: Registration info not posted yet - visit the EdRev 2012 webpage for updates


Technology to Reduce Reading Time and Increase Comprehension (ATIA.org online webinar)

Technology tools for reading, from low-tech aids to high-end literacy software, can help struggling students improve reading rate, comprehension, and retention. This class will survey a range of assistive technologies that address reading issues such as speed and fluency, vocabulary, visual processing, and critical thinking.  It will also illustrate how to apply features found in various literacy software to encourage effective study skills.

AUDIENCE:  Parents, Educators, AT Specialists, and Education Professionals working with 5th grade through college-age students with learning differences

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  As a result of this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • List at least five different barriers to reading and understanding printed text and describe how features found in literacy software address those barriers.
  • Describe the relative pros and cons of audiobooks and electronic text as print alternatives.
  • Describe how specific software features can support popular reading and learning strategies such as PQRST.
Date: Thursday, May 24, 2012
Time: 12:30-2:00 pm Pacific Time (1.5 hours)
 
Registration Fee: $49
To register: Visit the ATIA webpage for this webinar

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Technology That Takes the Dread Out of Writing (ATIA.org online webinar)

Students often dislike writing because they stumble with some part of the writing process.  In this class, you'll learn how various technology tools can relieve writing anxieties connected with generating and organizing ideas, spelling and grammar, finding the right words, and editing, as well as learn options for generating written text more quickly and legibly.

AUDIENCE:  Parents, Educators, AT Specialists, and Education Professionals working with 5th grade through college-age students with learning differences

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  As a result of this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • List at least five different challenges encountered by students who struggle with the cognitive and motor aspects of writing.
  • Identify technology tools that assist with each stage of the writing process, from brainstorming through generating written text.
  • Describe characteristics which make a student and task good candidates for speech recognition, and alternatives to consider if they are not.
Date: Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Time: 12:30-2:00 pm Pacific Time (1.5 hours)
 
Registration Fee: $49
To register: Registration info not posted yet - visit the main ATIA webinar webpage for updates

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Technology to Capture and Organize What You Learn (ATIA.org online webinar)

Whether taking notes in class, gathering Web research, or creating a textbook study guide, student success relies on the ability to effectively capture and organize information from a variety of sources. This class will demonstrate tools that aid this “knowledge management” process, from notebook software, smartpens, and graphic organizers to everyday tech such as digital cameras and smartphone apps.

AUDIENCE:  Parents, Educators, AT Specialists, and Education Professionals working with 5th grade through college-age students with learning differences

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  As a result of this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the four components of an effective “knowledge management” system.
  • Describe challenges to effectively taking notes in class and during self-study or research.
  • Describe tools and associated strategies which assist with capturing and managing information collected in class, from books, online, and from other sources.
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012
Time: 12:30-2:00 pm Pacific Time (1.5 hours)
 
Registration Fee: $49
To register: Registration info not posted yet - visit the main ATIA webinar webpage for updates

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Less struggle.

More learning.

 

Copyright ©  2008-2012 by Rachael M. Haven

Greater success.