Teachers: Use Today’s Tools of Technology
More and more students are using everyday technology such as iPods, cellular phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's), and other new technology. Don't pay for expensive technology that is "special" for people with disabilities. Ordinary electronic equipment works better and doesn't make the students seem different. Did you know that PDA's can set a reminder for your student who has trouble remembering? Or store lesson notes and assignments? Or that mobile music players such as iPods have built in compatibility with audiobooks, study guides, and GPS Maps?
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For more information about assistive technology, visit our Questions + Answers section.
Meet our Tech Expert, Dr. Tracy Gray
We're very happy to welcome Tracy Gray, who will be answering your questions about technology. She says, "I am delighted and honored to serve as the expert for technology for LD OnLine. This will be a group effort, supported by our outstanding team of experts at the Center for Implementing Technology in Education (CITEd) and the National Center for Technology Innovation (NCTI). We want to let teachers and parents know about the exciting ways that technology can be used to enhance student learning and achievement."
NCTI helps researchers, developers, and vendors improve their products. CITEd works with educators to integrate technologies into instruction. Dr. Tracy Gray directs both projects. She has published and lectured widely on using today's technology to make classrooms better. She wrote The YouthLearn Guide: a Creative Approach to Working with Youth and Technology.
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Be sure to check back after January 15 to read Dr. Gray's answers!
Opportunities for LD high school students
The Youth Leadership Forum is a leadership training event offered to high school students with physical, mental, and learning disabilities in many states. During the three- to five-day event, they stay at a dormitory or hotel with other young people from their state. They attend large and small group sessions, learn leadership skills, hear inspiring speakers, find out about assistive technology, develop a plan for their future, and often visit their state capital and meet with legislators. The program is almost always free of charge. Application deadlines are fast approaching.
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The Marion Huber Learning Through Listening® (LTL®) Awards are given to six high school seniors who are members of Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic.® Three top winners will receive $6,000.00 and three special winners will receive $2,000.00. The nomination deadline is March 1, 2007.
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The nomination deadline for the fourth annual Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities Youth Achievement Award is January 31, 2007. Nominate someone you know for this $1000 award. They are looking for high school students with LD who have excelled in any field, including art, music, science, math, sports, or community service. read more >>
A teacher makes a difference
Watch as Patricia Polacco tells the story of how a compassionate teacher told her that she had dyslexia. The teacher paid out of his own pocket for a reading specialist that helped her learn to read. Perhaps this extra help was what enabled her to become a beloved children's author. To play this clip, you'll need a copy of the free RealOne Player. Most computers already have it installed, or you can download it here.
Want to watch more of Patricia Polacco? View the full video interview on our sister site ReadingRockets.org >>
Featured articles
For parents
- These Tips Might Make Your Son a Reader
Learn how parents can promote their sons' love of reading and help them overcome the idea that reading is a "girl thing." For example, look for books with male characters. Take your son to bookstores and libraries, and don't give up if there is an early lack of interest. Find materials that capture his imagination and he'll be hooked.
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For teachers
- How Spelling Supports Reading
Once you understand the patterns of the English language, says Dr. Louisa Moats in this featured article, you'll find that the spelling system is "not as irregular as you might think." Dr. Moats includes lesson ideas for kindergarten through seventh grade.
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For people with learning disabilities and those who support them
- The Abilities of Those with Reading Disabilities
Thomas West's article makes an excellent start to the New Year. He tells the stories of highly successful people with learning disabilities — like Charles Schwab — and shows patterns of success. These role models can inspire us as we set this year's goals and work to reach them.
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For kids and kids at heart
Enjoy art work and stories by children in our Especially for Kids section. If you're a student between the ages of 5 and 18 and you have a learning disability or ADHD, you are welcome to send in your original art work or stories. Submit as many pieces as you like!
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Teachers, consider having your class submit their best work. Being on LD OnLine provides powerful positive feedback!
In the news
- The Enabler
- Brain Studies Reveal the Mechanisms of the Voluntary Control of Visual Attention
- She Gives Children Tools to Make Learning Easier
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