Summer Program 2010: Assembling a Learning Technology "Toolbelt"

Why a Technology Toolbelt?

Summer is a great time to get up to speed with technology learning tools that will help a student succeed come fall. Training can be more relaxed, and avoids the pressure of trying to learn AT while juggling other studies.

The overall goal of this individualized summer technology program is to assemble a "toolbelt" of learning technologies which improve performance and increase independence, and to provide the student with both the skills and confidence to apply them. Equipped with the right tools and knowing how to match them to the task at hand, students can "hit the ground running" when school starts -- especially important for students about to enter college. Though the assortment of tools may evolve over time to accommodate changing needs, such a toolbelt will serve an individual with LD through high school, into college, and beyond.  For more about the goals behind creating a technology toolbelt, read Ira David Socol's excellent blog entries on "Toolbelt Theory".

This program is designed primarily for middle school, high school, and college students.  Services provided in your home at times we decide.

 

Program Overview

Step 1:  Match student with tools appropriate to their:

  • Skill set (both learning strengths and weaknesses)
  • Tasks (reading a novel for pleasure and a science text for comprehension are very different!), and
  • Learning environments (classroom, library research, studying at home, tutoring sessions, etc.)
It’s important to first understand the student's skill set -- the skills and strengths they bring to a task as well as the barriers they encounter.  I do this by gathering information from sources such as:
  • Educational evaluations, IEP or 504 plan (if any)
  • Interview with both student and parents
  • Working with student one-on-one
Outcome: Identify most appropriate and promising learning tools for student’s skills, tasks, and settings
Approximately 3-4 hours

Step 2: Set priorities, collectively decide what we want to accomplish and in what order

See the list below for suggestions of possible focus areas.  Time and number of sessions will depend on what we decide to accomplish.

Step 3: Teach student how to both operate the tools and how to apply them to become better readers, writers, more effective learners

  • Operational training (learn how to use)
  • Applying the technology to various tasks, and choosing the right tool for the task
  • Integrating use of the tools with activities and environments in both school and home
Time depends on scope of what we decide to accomplish.  Typical hands-on instruction for a single specific technology will take from 2-4 hours over 1-2 sessions.  Or if appropriate, attend one of the Essential Tools Workshops below (group hands-on training for selected "must know" technology tools).

Step 4, as needed: Follow-up and technical assistance

  • Provided onsite or via computer screen sharing

 

Ideas for Summer Tech Goals

To help get you started, here are examples of outcomes you might consider for AT learning tools:

 

Reading tools to:

  • Reduce time spent reading
  • Increase reading fluency
  • Increase comprehension
  • Build vocabulary

Study tools to:

  • Aid analysis (identifying salient points)
  • Create more effective study guides
  • Improve recall and retention
  • Collect and organize information for papers, reports, projects
  • Improve focus

Writing tools to:

  • Get ideas out of the head and onto "paper"
  • Organize all those great ideas
  • Produce written text
  • Mitigate the effects of poor spelling and grammar
  • Facilitate revising and editing

Notetaking tools to:

  • Reduce time spent writing notes, increase time listening
  • Make notes more effective for study and review
  • Keep notes organized

Time & Task Management tools to:

  • Increase awareness of time, and ability to plan
  • Collect and organize "to-do's" and assignments
  • Reduce wasted time (e.g., Internet surfing)
  • Break larger projects into manageable chunks

 

Ready to Get Started?

Call or write, and let's discuss what you would like to accomplish.