When mentoring our pre-service and in-service teachers we need to describe and model both research-based and clinically tested best practices, and demonstrate how these best practices can be applied in the real (i.e. physical) and virtual (i.e. online) classroom for both teaching and teacher training. The combination of face to face instruction in a physical setting and online learning is called blended learning. In this section of the blog we will describe how the internet can serve as a supplemental resource for instruction and the mentoring of pre-service and in-service Jewish educators. In this post we will discuss web tool and resources for teachers working with students with reading, writing and speaking challenges.
Note: In no case should this blog be construed as a major or primary resource on special education.
Assumption: The teacher or mentor teacher has a interactive white board (i.e. SMART Board, Promethean, etc.), a Tablet PC (also called a Slate or Blade), a computer presenter or computer with internet access attached to an LCD projector in the classroom. It would be ideal if students or mentees had access to their own laptop computers or Ipads. Given parental and school approval, and the development of specific guidelines, smartphones can be used to enhance instruction as well.
Note: Although the web tools and resources described below can be applied in the Judaic Studies blended learning classroom, it can be also be used for training pre-service and in-service Jewish educators for professional or staff development. It is our hope that Jewish educators around the globe will form an online community of practice, a CoP, a group of people who share an interest, a craft, and/or a profession, to enhance the delivery of instruction and training of Jewish educators. For example, here is a CoP you might want to join.
Note: The web tools and resources listed below can be used in both a physical and virtual Judaic Studies classroom.
Web resources and tools for reading and writing from
• Multisensory Phonics: Learn about and purchase this system of phonics and literacy tools for children with dyslexia, Aspergers, austism and other learning differences.
• CleverKeys: This free software program immediately connects to dictionaries, thesauruses and Reference.com through word processors and web browsers.
• RFB&D: Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic has tools, lesson plans and guides for reading-challenged students.
• CAST: Access classic literature in a flexible online format plus free tutoring tools and other add-ons to help those who face reading challenges.
• Co-Writer: This tool isn’t free, but its writing, spelling and grammar-help features help students as they go.
• Bookshare: This "books without barriers" project provides books and periodicals to readers with sight or reading disabilities. It includes over 50,000 digital books and textbooks.
• LibriVox: Find free audiobooks in mp3 or ogg file format.
• Articulate Spelling 1.22: A cute cartoon character helps kids spell and sound out words.
• Textic Talklets 1.90: Websites become more interactive with this unique approach to text-to-speech technology. Audio clips can even be saved to mp3s and to iPods.
• WordLogic: This tool helps dyslexic students use a keyboard, develop their writing style and more.
• PixWriter v3.0: Young learners will associate words with pictures to help them with sentence construction and reading comprehension.
• Text-Reader: Tools in this kit include a free Drill dictionary and text reader.
• Aurora: Aurora features a talking spellchecker, phonetic word completion tool, homonym help, and word prediction tool are great for dyslexic students.
• Ghotit: Ghotit’s writing assistant has a context spellchecker, word dictionary, and text-to-speech tool.
• AnswerTips: Double click a word to get an information bubble with that word’s definition with AnswerTips.
Also see these reading writing and speaking tools from http://www.ed.sc.edu/caw/toolboxvendors.html
- Alternative Web Browsers
- Talking Word Processors
- Text-to-Speech Tools
- Comprehensive Programs
- Speech Recognition
- Alternative Word Processors
- Word Prediction,
- Text-to-Speech Combinations
- Homework and Reading Tools
- Reading Skills
- Creative Writing
- Reading Comprehension & Expression
- Visual Literacy
- http://www.apple.com/education/special-education/ http://udlselfcheck.cast.org/resources.php#math
- http://udlselfcheck.cast.org/resources.php#curriculum
- http://edhelper.com/
- http://www.iser.com/special-needs-software.html
- http://swift.auburn.wednet.edu/alpac/mbeckett/index.php?section=links
- http://dsp.berkeley.edu/TeachStudentsWithDisab.html
On the next post we will share web tools and resources to help teachers working with students with mathematic challenges.
It's best idea for connecting with the students , teachers and other while studying, it's give many of improvement in students life.. for making it perfect..
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