4/25/09: Making Assistive Technology "Work": Four Keys to a Successful Outcome
5/9/09: Tech to Success! Assistive Technology for Notetaking, Organization, and Writing
9/26/09: Tech to Success! Easy-to-Get, Easy-to-Use Technology for Struggling Learners
10/12/09: Technology to Assist Students with Learning Differences
10/23/09: Matching Students and Learning Technology: It Starts with Asking the Right Questions
11/14/09: Tech to Success! Demystifying Reading/Writing Software for Learning Disabilities
2/27/10: Using Technology to Become a More Effective Reader
3/13/10: Using Technology to Become a More Effective Writer
3/19/10: Tech Tools That Help Struggling Students...and Their Tutors & Ed Therapists
4/17/10: Notetaking & "Knowledge Management": Technology to Capture and Organize What You Learn
9/09/10: Literacy & Learning Software Overview
10/02/10: Tech to Success! Low-Cost, Easy-to-Use Learning Technology
11/06/10: Tech to Success! Finding & Using Alternative Forms of Books
2/12/11: Tech to Success! Technology to Take the Dread Out of Writing
3/5/2011: Tech to Success! Technology to Improve Notetaking & Organization
10/01/2011: Everyday Technology for Learning Differences - iPads, Cell Phones, Smartpens, and More!
10/20/2011: Universal Design for Learning + Assistive Technology = Reduced Barriers for All Students
10/21/2011: Equipping Learning-Differenced Students with a “Technology Toolbelt”
11/5/2011: Read Different! Getting Started with Audiobooks, Electronic Text, and Related Technology
Making Assistive Technology "Work": Four Keys to a Successful Outcome
Assistive technology devices and software can level the academic playing field for students with learning differences. Yet despite their promise, many students, parents, and educators are often disappointed when the technology doesn’t “work" -- that is, it doesn’t deliver the desired (or expected) performance improvement. Why?
While most attention focuses on exploring AT devices, software, and computers – the tangible part of technology -- requisite supporting services are sometimes neglected. Join Assistive Technology Consultant Shelley Haven, ATP/RET, as she illustrates how to create successful AT outcomes by including these four essential services:
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Assessment - matching the tools with the student, tasks, and learning environments
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Training - acquiring the skills and confidence to operate the various features
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Integration - applying those features to accomplish specific academic tasks
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Follow-up and Support - monitoring progress to determine if something needs to be changed.
Date: Saturday, Apr. 25, 2009
Location: EdRev 2009, AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA
Tech to Success! Assistive Technology for Notetaking, Organization, and Writing
Students with learning disabilities often struggle with “knowledge management” -- gathering and organizing information from numerous sources (class notes, books), brainstorming and refining ideas, and putting thoughts into words. This class explores technology to help students manage and express more clearly what they learn, including: notetaking software, digital pens that “record” handwritten notes, graphic organizers, specialized word finders, talking word processors, and grammar checkers. We will also cover technology to aid the physical process of writing (portable writing systems, speech recognition). Live demonstrations, a handout, and trial software will help parents understand where to explore further.
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2009
Location: Children’s Health Council, Palo Alto, CA
Tech to Success! Easy-to-Get, Easy-to-Use Technology for Struggling Learners
“Assistive technology” often brings to mind specialized tools which are complex, costly, even intimidating. Yet struggling students can also benefit from software and devices which are under $100 (or free!) and take less than 30 minutes to learn. This class will explore inexpensive, readily-available technology for PCs and Macs to assist with reading, writing, notetaking, organization, time & task management, math, and attention, including: alternate uses for commonplace technology (cell phone, camera, voice recorder); turning your browser into a versatile learning tool; and underutilized features built into Microsoft Word, Windows PCs, and Macs. With live demonstrations and a comprehensive handout, this class will help parents get started with assistive technology.
Date: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009
Location: Children’s Health Council, Palo Alto, CA
Technology to Assist Students with Learning Differences
The right technology can level the academic playing field for a student with learning differences, increase independence, and instill self-confidence. Join assistive technology specialist Shelley Haven as she demonstrates how various devices and software assist LD students with reading, writing, organization, note taking, critical thinking, math, and attention. She will also discuss the process of matching students with technology tools appropriate to their learning strengths, challenges, tasks, and instructional environment. Includes live demonstrations and a comprehensive handout.
Date: Monday, Oct. 12, 2009
Location: Network of Inclusive Catholic Educators (NICE) Conference, Mercy Retreat Center, Burlingame, CA
Matching Students and Learning Technology: It Starts with Asking the Right Questions
Assistive technology can help level the academic playing field for students with learning differences and learning disabilities. But with so many devices, softwares, and possibilities to consider, how do you identify the tools best suited to a student’s unique abilities and needs?
Join AT specialist Shelley Haven as she demonstrates how thoughtful analysis of the student's learning strengths, difficulties, tasks, learning environments, and various intangible factors can guide parents and teachers toward technologies most likely to produce results – and away from those which won't. Using case studies drawn from her experience, Shelley will illustrate how this information leads to different solutions for ostensibly similar situations. She will also describe what to expect from a thorough assistive technology assessment and touch on auxiliary issues such as technology training and integration.
Date: Friday, Oct. 23, 2009
Location: PEN Speaker Series, The Exploratorium, San Francisco, CA
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Tech to Success! Demystifying Reading/Writing Software for Learning Disabilities
Multi-featured software like WYNN, Kurzweil 3000, Read & Write Gold, and SOLO helps struggling readers listen to and comprehend text. But what else can the programs do, and how do they differ from each other? More importantly, which one best serves your needs? This class will show how the various software features address particular learning challenges, as well as demystify important related issues: where to get books in digital format; different “flavors” of e-books and audiobooks (e.g., DAISY, RFB&D AudioPlus); simpler or lower cost alternatives to consider; and what "scanning a book" into your computer really involves. Live demonstrations, a handout, and trial software will give parents the basics to get students reading.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009
Location: Children’s Health Council, Palo Alto, CA
Using Technology to Become a More Effective Reader
Assistive technology (AT) can help students who struggle with reading, but when AT is coupled with effective learning strategies, students will make even bigger gains in their study skills. This class will show parents and teachers how to apply various technologies with study strategies to address reading issues such as speed and fluency (too much to read, not enough time!), comprehension, recognizing main ideas and “the big picture”, creating an effective study guide, and retention. Includes live demonstrations, examples, and a comprehensive handout.
Date: Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010
Location: Children’s Health Council, Palo Alto, CA
Using Technology to Become a More Effective Writer
Assistive technology (AT) can help students who struggle with the mechanical and cognitive aspects of writing to produce text that is more readable, organized, and expressive. This class shows parents and teachers how to apply a variety of AT to writing issues such as generating and organizing ideas, spelling and grammar, finding the right words, editing, producing written text, and writing speed. Includes live demonstrations, examples, and a comprehensive handout.
Date: Saturday, Mar. 13, 2010
Location: Children’s Health Council, Palo Alto
Technology Tools That Help Struggling Students…and Their Tutors & Ed Therapists
With technology matched to their unique learning strengths and challenges, struggling students can experience improved academic performance, increased independence, and greater self-confidence. In addition, many of these same tools can enhance an educational therapist's or tutor's ability to deliver content instruction, teach concepts, and cultivate learning strategies. Join assistive technology specialist Shelley Haven as she demonstrates learning technologies to help you do what you already do even better, including:
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the benefits of electronic text (e-text) and text-to-speech software
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portable whiteboard devices and "smartpens" to capture instruction
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digital notebooks for organization, research, and sharing
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the versatility of graphic organizers and mind maps
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the myths & realities of speech recognition
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contextual spelling and grammar checkers
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virtual math manipulatives
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...and more.
OPEN TO ALL TUTORS, TEACHERS, and THERAPISTS
Date: Friday, Mar. 19, 2010
Location: Parents Helping Parents, San Jose
Notetaking and "Knowledge Management": Technology to Capture and Organize What You Learn
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 workshop will demonstrate tools to aid that process, from notebook software, “smartpens”, and graphic organizers to everyday tech such as digital cameras and voice recorders. It will also examine how task and setting impact the choice of tool.
Date: Saturday, Apr. 17th, 2010
Location: EdRev 2010, AT&T Park (home of the San Francisco Giants)
Literacy & Learning Software Overview
Individuals with learning disabilities or who otherwise struggle with written language can benefit from a variety of functional supports found in literacy and learning software. AT consultant Shelley Haven will show how features in these programs assist with reading, comprehension, critical thinking, and writing, as well as outline factors to consider that distinguish one program from another.
Date: Thursday, Sept. 9th, 2010
Tech to Success! Low-Cost, Easy-to-Use Learning Technology
“Assistive technology” often brings to mind complex or costly tools, yet struggling students can benefit from technology that is under $100 (or free!) and takes fewer than 30 minutes to learn. This class will introduce you to affordable options, both hardware and software, for a range of learning needs. Live demos.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 2nd, 2010
Location: Children’s Health Council, Palo Alto
Tech to Success! Finding & Using Alternative Forms of Books
Students with learning differences can benefit from books in alternative forms (audio books, electronic text). While it’s easy to find Hamlet in digital form, the process of getting textbooks can be confusing. This course will explore alternatives to printed books. We’ll explain how to get them and what tools you need to use them.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 6th, 2010
Location: Children’s Health Council, Palo Alto
Technology to Take the Dread Out of Writing
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 (e.g., graphic organizer), spelling and grammar, editing, and producing written text (e.g., speech recognition). Live demos.
Participants will also learn:
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How to decide if a student is a good candidate for speech recognition
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How to create and use templates to model good writing form
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When to use and not use word prediction/completion software
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How text-to-speech software can improve editing
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The importance of matching technology to a student’s abilities, task, and setting
Technology tools to be discussed and/or demonstrated include:
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Low-tech writing aids
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Fusion & Neo 2 (portable word processors)
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Speech recognition for Windows PCs, Macs, iPads, and smartphones
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Ginger Software (contextual spelling and grammar checker)
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Specialized dictionaries and thesauri
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Inspiration, Kidspiration, Draft:Builder, and Mind Manager (graphic organizer & mind mapping software)
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Software to improve keyboarding skills
Date: Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011
Location: Children’s Health Council, Palo Alto
Technology to Improve Notetaking & Organization
Students who are disorganized and have trouble taking class notes can alleviate their struggle with technology. This class will demonstrate technology tools and strategies to aid the notetaking process from notetaking software, "smartpens," and graphic organizers to everyday tech like smartphones. Live demos.
Participants will also learn:
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The C.O.R.E. of an effective note system (4 keys to getting and staying organized)
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How to employ smartphones, digital cameras and voice recorders to improve organization
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How to use a graphic organizer to take notes and study
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The role of classroom technology, such as interactive electronic whiteboards (e.g., SMART Board®)
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The importance of matching technology to a student’s abilities, task, and setting
Technology tools to be discussed and/or demonstrated include:
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Livescribe smartpens
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OneNote, Circus Ponies NoteBook (digital notebooks)
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Kurzweil 3000, WYNN, Read&Write GOLD, SOLO (literacy software with built-in study tools)
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Evernote (software to capture and organize digital info from computer and mobile devices)
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Various notetaking and organization apps for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch
Date: Saturday, March 5, 2011
Location: Children’s Health Council, Palo Alto
Everyday Technology for Learning Differences - iPads, Cell Phones, Smartpens, and More!
From computers to music players to smartphones, kids today are immersed in technology. This class will demonstrate how struggling students can leverage familiar technology to compensate for learning weaknesses, capitalize on their strengths, and reduce time and effort spent on school work. Through lecture and live demonstrations, parents will learn how everyday technologies can assist with reading, writing, notetaking, organization, time and task management, math skills, and attention.
Presentation highlights will include:
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Add-ons and Web resources that turn your Internet browser into a versatile learning toolbox
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Apps that emphasize Apple® iDevices as educational tools
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Creative uses for consumer electronics (MP3 player, camera, voice recorder, and smartpen)
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Underutilized features in Microsoft Word
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Learning supports built into Mac and Windows operating systems
Date: Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011
Location: Children’s Health Council, Palo Alto
Universal Design for Learning + Assistive Technology = Reduced Barriers for All Students
This session for educators will illustrate how assistive technologies, typically used to accommodate a single student’s learning needs, can easily create a more flexible learning environment for all students, including those with learning disabilities, English language learners, and gifted students.
Universal Design for Learning, or UDL, is a curriculum framework which considers the diverse abilities and needs of all learners when designing instruction, materials, and assessment. The result is a proactive vs. a reactive approach to learning differences in the classroom which embeds flexibility and adaptability from the start rather than trying to retro-fit curricula to meet the specific needs on one learner or another.
This session will provide a basic overview of Universal Design for Learning principles and show how common instructional methods and materials may inadvertently exclude otherwise capable learners. Using examples and demonstrations, we will then explore how certain assistive technologies -- both low tech and high tech -- can help teachers move toward a learning environment that is accessible to a broader range of learners. Educators will leave with examples they can put into practice using technology they may already have.
Date: Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011
Equipping Learning-Differenced Students with a “Technology Toolbelt”
What kinds of technology will benefit your student with learning differences?
Every student has an internal set of learning tools – the innate skills and abilities they apply to tasks in reading, writing, organization, etc. Think of it as the “learning toolbelt” they bring to every educational endeavor.
Students with learning differences often have an excellent array of internal tools in one area – e.g., math – but only a minimal set in others -- e.g., reading comprehension or spelling. Assistive technology (AT) augments that internal toolset with external tools. AT might leverage a student’s learning strengths to compensate for relative weaknesses, remove barriers to demonstrating their knowledge, or provide an alternate route for accomplishing tasks.
Using student examples and technology demonstrations, this session will illustrate how technology tools complement a student’s internal toolset based on their learning strengths and weaknesses, the task they need to do, and the context in which they do it. Parents and educators will learn how to zero in on the most promising tools to help students toward greater academic success, independence, and self-confidence.
Date: Friday, Oct. 21, 2011
Read Different! Getting Started with Audiobooks, Electronic Text, and Related Technology (CHC Parent Education Program)
Struggling readers can benefit greatly from books in accessible forms such as audio books and electronic text. However, navigating the eligibility requirements, understanding download procedures, installing software, and operating unfamiliar devices can often be daunting tasks. This presentation will provide you with everything you need to know to get your child started successfully.
This class will answer key questions such as:
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What are accessible books and how do they aid struggling readers?
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Who is eligible to receive accessible books? What can you do if you're not eligible?
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Where should you get these books?
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What technology do you need to use them?
Additionally, this interactive class will walk through the process of searching for, downloading, and using accessible books from Bookshare.org and Learning Ally (formerly Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic) on computers and iOS devices (iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch). With live demonstrations and a comprehensive handout, you will leave feeling confident about pursuing accessible books and maximizing their benefits.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011
Location: Children’s Health Council, Palo Alto