Tag Archives: Differentiate Instruction

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #91: Musical Listener Feedback 4

Episode Overview-

This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by the book The Practical (and Fun) Guide to Assistive Technology in Public Schools. Learn more at http://iste.org/chewat.

Episode #91 features e-mails, tweets, Facebook comments and other correspondence from listeners.

This episode also features a bumper from Mona Pruett, from the Virginia Department of Education’s Training and Technical Assistance Center, telling everyone about the assistive technology blog at http://assistivetechnology.vcu.edu.

A.T.TIPS in this Episode:

A.T.TIP 268 – Summarizing feature of Mac OS X as shared by @GGGwGadgets

A.T.TIP 269 – Making your own switch from a CD

Also Mentioned in This Episode-

Patrick Black from the Edceptional podcast and from the blog http://teachingall.blogspot.com.

Write Microsoft to let them know you’d like the Voice Comment feature added back into newer versions of Word.

100 Web Tools for Learning with a Disability from @jennymacant

Universal Design for Learning & Assistive Technology Online Course from ISTE

“Name That Tune” Answers –

Note: All song clips are MIDI files and less than 30 seconds in length

1. California Sun (The Rivieras)

2. Sweet Home Chicago (from the Blues Brothers)

3. Here We Have Idaho (Idaho’s State Song)

4. Buffalo Soldier (Bob Marley)

5. Kentucky Woman (Neil Diamond)

6. Down Under (Men At Work)

7. Theme to Northern Exposure

8. We Are The World (USA for Africa)

9. Hello, Goodbye (The Beatles)

Contact Information-

About.me/chrisbugaj

Twitter.com/attipscast

attipscast@gmail.com

Register as a fan of the show to receive e-mail alerts for new episodes

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #90: Summary of Summarizers

Episode Overview-

This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp Systems, provider of award-winning literacy solutions including Read&Write GOLD and Fluency Tutor. To learn about these products and their new suite of web apps go to www.texthelp.com.

Read & Write Gold, TextHelp, and Fluency Tutor logos

Episode #90 features a discussion of tools that can be used to summarize text.

This episode also features a bumper from Sharon Jones, from the Virginia Department of Education’s Training and Technical Assistance Center, telling everyone about the assistive technology consideration and assessment resources over at http://ttaconline.org/atsdp

A.T.TIPS in this Episode:

A.T.TIP 260 – http://wikisummarizer.com

A.T.TIP 261 – The Simple English language of Wikipedia

screenshot the Simple English language option in WikipediaA.T.TIP 262 – http://tools4noobs.com/summarize

A.T.TIP 263 – Document Summary feature of Greatsummary.com

A.T.TIP 264 – smmry.com

A.T.TIP 265 – freesummarizer.com

A.T.TIP 266 – textcompactor.com

A.T.TIP 267 – Summly iOS App

Also Mentioned in This Episode-

Andrew Hess from Mamaroneck Schools in New York.

iThoughts Graphic Organizing iOS App

Xmind – Graphic Organizing Software

Contact Information-

About.me/chrisbugaj

Twitter.com/attipscast

attipscast@gmail.com

Register as a fan of the show to receive e-mail alerts for new episodes

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #88: Online, Gesture-based Learning, Part 2

Episode Overview-

This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp Systems, provider of award-winning literacy solutions including Read&Write GOLD and Fluency Tutor. To learn about these products and their new suite of web apps go to www.texthelp.com.

Read & Write Gold, TextHelp, and Fluency Tutor logos

Episode #88 features the second of two episodes describing the use of websites featuring activities which utilize webcams to engage students through interactive, gesture-based activities.

This episode also features a bumper from Kelly Ligon, from the Virginia Department of Education’s Training and Technical Assistance Center, telling everyone about the new online version of the Techknowledgy Conference which you can access over at http://ttaconline.org/atsdp

A.T.TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #252 – Bubble Burst

Student matches nose to outline of a nose onscreen

A picture of a student popping bubbles with her noseA.T.TIP #253 – Catch The Hoops

Picture of Chris wearing a hat to catch hoops on head

A.T.TIP #254 – Furry Mind

Picture of Chris point to furry creatures from the game Furry Mind

A.T.TIP #255 – WebCam Mania

Picture of boy playing the soccer game in Web Cam Mania

Additional Information –

As a reminder of what was mentioned in Part 1, this is an example of a message where the user needs to allow the website access to the webcam.

Screenshot of message asking for user to allow access to webcam

Contact Information-

About.me/chrisbugaj

Twitter.com/attipscast

attipscast@gmail.com

Register as a fan of the show to receive e-mail alerts for new episodes

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #87: Listening Station Strategies

Episode Overview-

This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Night Light Stories. Night Light Stories is a free audio podcast featuring original stories for children of all ages! Learn more at nightlightstories.net or subscribe now in iTunes!

Badge for Night Light Stories Dot NetEpisode #87 features a discussion of implementation strategies and resources for using free audio fiction in the classroom by special guest host Melissa Bugaj. She also blogs about family exploits and adventures at http://accordingtomags.blogspot.com.

Also, I’d like to thank Tom Woodward for contributing the bumper at the beginning of the episode. You can check out his website at http://bionicteaching.com.

A.T.TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #247 –  The Sesame Street Podcast (Video Podcast)

A.T.TIP #248The Storynory Podcast

A.T.TIP#249Barefoot Books Podcast

A.T.TIP#250Librivox.org

A.T.TIP#251Loudlit.org

Also Mentioned In This Episode

A.T.TIP#58Night Light Stories

A.T.TIP#229Podiobooks.com

Research –

Article:  Listen Up – Using audio books to help improve reading

Contact Information-

About.me/chrisbugaj

Twitter.com/attipscast

attipscast@gmail.com

Register as a fan of the show to receive e-mail alerts for new episodes

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #86: Strategy Smackdown @ VSTE 2011

Visual of the text "Strategy Smackdown VSTE 2011" over a red starburst

Episode Overview-

This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp Systems, provider of award-winning literacy solutions including Read&Write GOLD and Fluency Tutor. To learn about these products and their new suite of web apps go to www.texthelp.com.

Read & Write Gold, TextHelp, and Fluency Tutor logos

Episode #86 features a round robin resource sharing event conducted during the Virginia Society for Technology in Education 2011 Conference in Roanoke, Virginia known as the “Strategy Smackdown.” Participants in the Smackdown shared different tools useful to help educate students.

Also, I’d like to thank Adam Bellow for contributing the bumper at the beginning of the episode. You can check out his website at  http://edutecher.net.

Special thanks to Andy Rothenberger for taking notes of the event (which helped tremendously in putting the list below together) and for posting his notes to the VSTE 2011 Collaboratively Google Doc.

A.T.TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #233: http://superherosquad.marvel.com/cyoc by Chris Bugaj

Previous A.T.TIP #149: www.taggalaxy.de by Adam Bellow

A.T.TIP #234: Twiddla.com by Andy Rothenberger

A.T.TIP #235: Elmo’s Adventures in Spending, Saving, and Sharing Podcast by Chris Bugaj

A.T.TIP #236: Edmodo.com by Rebecca Evan

A.T.TIP #237: Schoology.com by Adam Bellow

A.T.TIP #238: Toontastic iOS App by Bambi Feighner

Previous A.T.TIP #127: Wordle.net by Liz Thomas

A.T.TIP #239: Tagxedo.com by Andy Rothenberger

A.T.TIP #240: Tagul.com by Chris Bugaj

Previous A.T.TIP #225: ABCya Word Cloud Generator by Chris Bugaj

A.T.TIP #241: GoSoapbox.com by Adam Bellow

A.T.TIP #242: Polleverywhere.com by Adam Bellow and Chris Bugaj

A.T.TIP #243: Eflnet.com by Liz Thomas

Previous A.T.TIP #190: Wallwisher.com by Liz Thomas

A.T.TIP #244: Corkboard.me by Andy Rothenberger

A.T.TIP #245: Popplet.com by Chris Bugaj

A.T.TIP #246: Crocodoc.com by Andy Rothenberger

Also Mentioned In This Episode-

Previous A.T.TIP #58: NightLightStories.net by Chris Bugaj

The LiveScribe Pen by Liz Thomas

Contact Information-

About.me/chrisbugaj

Twitter.com/attipscast

attipscast@gmail.com

Register as a fan of the show to receive e-mail alerts for new episodes

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #85: Online, Gesture-based Learning, Part 1

Episode Overview-

This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp Systems, provider of award-winning literacy solutions including Read&Write GOLD and Fluency Tutor. To learn about these products and their new suite of web apps go to www.texthelp.com.

Read & Write Gold, TextHelp, and Fluency Tutor logos

Episode #85 features the first of two episodes describing the use of websites featuring activities which utilize webcams to engage students through interactive, gesture-based activities.

A.T.TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #230 – Wild Kratts‘ Caracal Leap

Screenshot of Caracal Leap

Screenshot of Caracal Leap

A.T.TIP #231 – http://bit.ly/snowsweeper

Snow Sweeper Screenshot

Screenshot of Snow Sweeper

A.T.TIP #232 – www.playdocam.com

Screenshot of PlaydoJam two players

 

Screenshot of PlaydoJam, One player

Additional Information –

This is an example of a message where the user needs to allow the website access to the webcam.

Screenshot of message asking for user to allow access to webcam

Also Mentioned In This Episode-

Video featuring Dr. Media talking about exercise:

http://bit.ly/brainruleexercise

Contact Information-

About.me/chrisbugaj

Twitter.com/attipscast

attipscast@gmail.com

Register as a fan of the show to receive e-mail alerts for new episodes

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode 82: Paranormal Apptipity

An image of a hand drawn ghost hovering over text reading "ATTIPSCAST #82: Paranormal Apptipity"

Episode Overview-

This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp Systems, provider of award-winning literacy solutions including Read&Write GOLD and Fluency Tutor. To learn about these products and their new suite of web apps go to www.texthelp.com.

Read & Write Gold, TextHelp, and Fluency Tutor logos

Episode #82 is a recording of an event where Chris and his wife Melissa describe a variety of educational tools as they conduct a paranormal investigation.

A.T.TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #210 – http://selectsmart.com/topjobs.html

A.T.TIP #211 – The Career Toolkit at http://dreamit-doit.com

A.T.TIP #212 – http://careerpath.com

A.T.TIP #213 – About.me

A.T.TIP #214 – Voice Memo App (for smartphones)

A.T.TIP #215 – Audioboo.fm / Audioboo app (for smartphones)

A.T.TIP #216 – Justin.tv

A.T.TIP #217 – Livestream.com

A.T.TIP #218 – Silence

The Small Mermaid e-book is now available!

Purchase the book from Amazon for the Kindle and Kindle app.

Contact Information-

About.me/chrisbugaj

Twitter.com/attipscast

attipscast@gmail.com

Register as a fan of the show to receive e-mail alerts for new episodes

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #72: Digital Video Strategies

Episode Overview-

This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp Systems, provider of award-winning literacy solutions including Read&Write GOLD and Fluency Tutor. For more information, go to www.texthelp.com.

Read & Write Gold, TextHelp, and Fluency Tutor logos

Episode #72 features a discussion of the use of digital video with students, in educational evaluations, and in educational reports.

A.T.TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #191: Scripting for Video Production

A.T.TIP #192: Students Interviewing Others on Video

A.T.TIP #193: “Right Way, Wrong Way” Videos

Right Way

Right Way Visual

Wrong Way Visual

Wrong Way Visual

Images used from http://www.openclipart.org/detail/thumbs-up-smiley-by-skotan & http://www.openclipart.org/detail/thumbs-down-smiley-by-sunking2

Upcoming Presentations-

To view the entire presentation history check out the “Presentations” link at the top of the blog.

Contact Information-

Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Special Episode #5: Podcasting 101 – Mardi Gras Style

yellow ball with headphones over the word attipscast

Episode Overview-

Special Episode #5 features a quick introduction to podcasting with a little bit of Mardi Gras nonsense thrown in for fun. Melissa Bugaj, host of the Night Light Stories podcast, co-hosts the episode.

Upcoming Presentations-

ESBOCES Model Schools Technology Leadership Webinar Series

Practical ATMarch 7th, 2011 – 8:00pm – 9:00pm with Sally Norton-Darr

UDL & Assistive TechnologyApril 4th, 2011 – 8:00pm – 9:00pm with Sally Norton-Darr

Eight is EnoughApril 6th, 2011 – 8:00pm – 9:00pm

Alternative Professional DevelopmentApril 11th, 2011 – 8:00pm – 9:00pm

Participant’s Choice – Social Media/Podcasting OR Web 2.oApril 13th, 2011 – 8:00pm – 9:00pm

Contact Information-

Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

Episode #68: AT Smackdown @ ATIA 2011 Orlando

ATsmackdownlogo

Episode Overview-

This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp Systems, provider of award-winning literacy solutions including Read&Write GOLD and Fluency Tutor. For more information, go to www.texthelp.com.

Read & Write Gold, TextHelp, and Fluency Tutor logos

Episode #68 features a round robin resource sharing event conducted during the Orlando ATIA 2011 Conference known as the “A.T. Smackdown.” Educators like Dave Hohulin, Karen Janowski, Brian Wojcik, and a host of others shared different tools that they have found useful to help educate students. With this go round, I got to be there in person to record the live event!

Also, I’d like to thank Eliza Anderson, for contributing the bumper at the beginning of the episode.  You can check out the free newsletter/e-zine with information on how to subscrive and contribute over at http://atprogramnews.com

Special thanks to Dave Hohulin and Brian Dowd for sharing their notes of the event (which helped tremendously in putting the list below together).

A.T.TIPS In This Episode-

Previous A.T.TIP #121: www.livebinders.com by Karen Janowski

A.T.TIP #154: www.Posterous.com by Dave Hohulin

A.T.TIP #155: Google Search by Reading Level by Cheryl Oakes

A.T.TIP #156: Wikispaces’ Best Wikis for Education of 201o by Madeleine Pugliese

A.T.TIP #157: WSDs e-Toolbox by Madeleine Pugliese

A.T.TIP #158: www.wiggio.com by Brian Wojcik

A.T.TIP #159: Quick Response (QR) Code Generator feature of http://bit.ly by Chris Bugaj

A.T.TIP #160: http://qrcode.kaywa.com by Brian Wojcik

A.T.TIP #161: Chrome QR Code Extension by Brian Wojcik

A.T.TIP #162:  Theme Font and Size Changer FireFox Extension by Paul Hamilton

A.T.TIP #163: www.easybib.com by Jamie Martin

A.T.TIP #164: Highlighter & Extract Highlights feature of www.diigo.com by Karen Janowski

A.T.TIP #165: www.sweetsearch.com by Jamie Martin

A.T.TIP #166: www.vuvox.com by Chris Bugaj (The Heebie Jeebies Slideshow/Collage Example)

A.T.TIP #167: http://search.creativecommons.org by Jeannette VanHouten

Previous A.T.TIP #1: MS Word Voice Comments by Paul Hamilton

A.T.TIP #168: www.hippocampus.org by Dave Hohulin

A.T.TIP #169: www.fotobabble.com by Karen Janowski

A.T.TIP #170: www.shmoop.com by Karen Janowski

A.T.TIP #171: Readability by Cheryl Oakes

A.T.TIP #172: www.notforest.com by Dave Hohulin

A.T.TIP #173: www.palbrowser.com/physicaldisabilities.html by Jeannette VanHouten

A.T.TIP #174: www.producteev.com by Brian Wojcik

A.T.TIP #175: www.printwhatyoulike.com by Susan Gill

A.T.TIP #176: www.readitlaterlist.com by Susan Gill

A.T.TIP #177: www.awesomehighlighter.com by Susan Gill

Also Mentioned In This Episode-

iPhone Zoomtext app that provides OCR capabilities and text to speech by AI Squared

Write Microsoft to give feeback about versions of MS Word that don’t have a quality version of the voice comment feature as mentioned by Paul Hamilton

Upcoming Presentations-

ESBOCES Model Schools Technology Leadership Webinar Series

Practical AT – March 7th, 2011 – 8:00pm – 9:00pm with Sally Norton-Darr

UDL & Assistive TechnologyApril 4th, 2011 – 8:00pm – 9:00pm with Sally Norton-Darr

Eight is EnoughApril 6th, 2011 – 8:00pm – 9:00pm

Alternative Professional DevelopmentApril 11th, 2011 – 8:00pm – 9:00pm

Participant’s Choice – Social Media/Podcasting OR Web 2.oApril 13th, 2011 – 8:00pm – 9:00pm

Contact Information-

A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and Classroom 2.0

Facebook Fan Page

Twitter.com/attipscast

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #60: Three Random Recommendations

Episode Overview-

This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp Systems, provider of award-winning literacy solutions including Read&Write GOLD and Fluency Tutor. For more information, go to www.texthelp.com.

Read & Write Gold, TextHelp, and Fluency Tutor logos

Episode #60 features a description of three random recommendations from actual evaluations.  This is the Season Finale for Season 3 of the A.T.TIPSCAST!

 

Podcast Hosting

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #58: Text – to – Movie

Animated Gif of the A.T.TIPSCAST log in lights

Episode Overview-

This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp Systems, provider of award-winning literacy solutions including Read&Write GOLD and Fluency Tutor. For more information, go to www.texthelp.com.

Read & Write Gold, TextHelp, and Fluency Tutor logos

Episode #58 features a description of how teachers and students can turn text into short, engaging video segments.

 

Podcast Hosting

A.T.TIPSCAST Episohd #57: 2 Kwik Spallng Reesehorsez

Attipscast spelled with pictures of letters

Episode Overview-

This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp Systems, provider of award-winning literacy solutions including Read&Write GOLD and Fluency Tutor. For more information, go to www.texthelp.com.

Read & Write Gold, TextHelp, and Fluency Tutor logos

Episode #57 features a description of two resources to help students with spelling. The first tool helps students while studying spelling words and the second tool helps students fix misspellings.

 

A.T.TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #98: Spell with Flickr (http://metaatem.net/words/) – The image spelling “ATTIPSCAST” above was created using this website.

A.T.TIP #99: Correct a Sentence Window on http://gingersoftware.com. Try copying and pasting the following sentence into the window on the Ginger Software site:

“Mi smrt phrend iz reedng a booc wth an oarng cvr.”

 

Presentation Information –

Miss the presentation in Second Life of “Fun and Practical Strategies using (Assistive) Technology with Students”?  No sweat!  Here’s a link to the Google Doc with all the resources shared! Feel free to add more while you’re there!

http://tinyurl.com/slfunpractical

Contact Information-

A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and Classroom 2.0

Facebook Fan Page

Twitter.com/attipscast

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #52: Puzzles- More Than Meets The Eye

Episode Overview-

This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp Systems, provider of award-winning literacy solutions including Read&Write GOLD and Fluency Tutor. For more information, go to www.texthelp.com.

Read & Write Gold, TextHelp, and Fluency Tutor logos

Episode #52 features a discussion about the use of puzzles and a classic set of toys from the 80s as educational tools to practice fine motor skills, enhance visual-spatial abilities, utilize logical reasoning skills, build vocabulary, and more!

The episode features a jammin’ bumper from Mark Nichols, an assistive technology coordinator with Loudoun County Public Schools in Northern Virginia. Check his blog, The Tech Flash, and follow him on Twitter at @thetechflash2.

 

Podcast Hosting

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #51: Bitstrips for Pragmatic Language

Episode Overview-

Hey everyone,

Episode #51 features a discussion about the different uses of comics to address pragmatic language difficulties.

A.T.TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #83: Bitstrips.com – Comic Generator

Bitstrip comic where student is presented with choices to a girl who dropped her books

Pragmatic Language Practice Activity

Check out this tutorial on using Bitstrips.com from Palm Breeze Cafe

Resources regarding Pragmatic Language from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Contact Information-

A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and Classroom 2.0

Facebook Fan Page

Twitter.com/attipscast

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

Question Booklets for Volumes 5, 6, & 7!

attipscast-logo-300x300.jpg

Hey everyone,

No new audio with this post.  It is a blog only update to let you know that the Question Booklets for Volume 5, 6, and 7 are now available.  If you’re new to the A.T.TIPSCAST and you’re not sure what that is, you can find out more by checking out the special episode about professional development posted back in May, 2009.

You can find the Question Booklets for every volume by clicking on the “Free PD Kits” link  in the top right corner of the page.

Volume 7 (Episodes 45 – 49, Total Running Time 1:09:35)-

1. Question Booklet for Volume 7: Volume7Package  (PDF)

2. CD Label for Volume 7:  Vol7CDlabels (PDF)

Volume 6 (Episodes 42 – 44, Total Running Time 1:04:22)-

1. Question Booklet for Volume 6: Volume6Package (PDF)

2. CD Label for Volume 6: Vol6CDlabels (PDF)

Volume 5 (Episodes 36 – 41, Total Running Time 1:08:36)-

1. Question Booklet for Volume 5: Volume5Package (PDF)

2. CD Label for Volume 5: Vol5CDlabels (PDF)

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #50- Talking Heads: Videoconferencing

Episode Overview-

Hey everyone,

Episode #50 features a discussion about the educational uses of video conferencing.

The episode features a special segment from Claire, the daughter of one of my colleagues, and her friends who delivered the audio on a CD within a bowl full of Jell-O.

CD in orange Jell-O

Podcast Hosting

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #49: AutoCorrect in Word

Episode Overview-

Hey everyone,

Episode #49 features a description of how to use the Autocorrect function of Microsoft Word as a way to practice errorless learning.

The episode features a bumper from Jeannette Van Houten, an assistive technology curriculum strategist from New Jersey. I was fortunate enough to meet Jeannette at ATIA 2010 in Orlando.

A.T.TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #75: Autocorrect in Microsoft Word

Step 1. Click on the Office Button

Step 2. Choose “Word Options”

Step 3. Select “Proofing” and then “AutoCorrect Options”

Step 4. Put the text you want to have replaced in the “Replace” box and the text you want to appear instead in the “With” box.

Screenshot of AutoCorrect Window in Word 2007

AutoCorrect in Word 2007

Or just watch this cool www.woopid.com tutorial I found on YouTube.com:

AutoCorrect in Word 07 Tutorial

Contact Information-

A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and Classroom 2.0

Facebook Fan Page

Twitter.com/attipscast

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #48: Vozme

 

Episode Overview-

Hey everyone,

Episode #48 features an interview with the free to use website Vozme.com.  To my knowledge, this is the first time in history when a person actually got a sit-down interview with an actual website. Vozme.com and I discuss strategies for using the website to create .mp3 files from text.

The episode features a bumper from Christine Southard and Lisa Parisi who are two fifth grade inclusion teachers in Long Island, New York.  I was fortunate enough to meet Christine and Lisa at NECC 09 and attend their presentation about the tools they use to differentiate instruction for the students in their classroom.  It was at their presentation where I learned about Vozme.com.

Podcast Hosting

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #47: x2

Episode Overview-

Hey everyone,

Episode #47 features an interview with Proby Patel, a fourth year medical student at Ross University.  Proby and I discuss strategies for managing the massive amounts of content students experience.  Specifically, we discuss the uses of speed controls of digital media players to help students experience content faster.

Headshot of Proby Patel

Proby Patel

The episode features a bumper from Brian Wojcik who is the special education/assistive technology center coordinator at Illinois State University.  For some reason the embed code isn’t working for the video of Brian’s bumper but you can watch it directly from here: Brian Wojcik Bumper.

A.T.TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #73: Variable Playback Speeds for Digital Media Players

In Windows Media Player, version 11, open the file you want to watch.  Click on the Now Playing tab, then Enhancements, and then Play Speed Settings to control the playback speed.

Screenshot of Windows Media Player

Screenshot of Windows Media Player

 

Additional Resources Mentioned-

1. http://iste.org/setsig – The Special Education Technology Special Interest Group from the International Society for Technology in Education (also known as ISTE).  The SETSIG’s website has a wiki with links to ongoing discussions about using technology for students in special education as well as a handy assistive technology primer.

2. Windows Media Player 11 Keyboard Shortcuts – Note: Shortcuts may vary based on the version of Windows Media Player you are using.

3. Quicktime 7 Keyboard Shortcuts – Note: Shortcuts may vary based on the version of Quicktime you are using.

4. Real Player Keyboard Shortcuts – Note: Shortcuts may vary based on the version of Real Player you are using.

Upcoming Presentations-

Alternative Professional Development – Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference 2010 – Orlando, Florida – January 28 – 2:45pm – 3:45pm EST

UDL 2.0 presented with Beth Poss – Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference 2010 – Orlando, Florida – January 29 – 9:15pm-10:15pm EST

Contact Information-

Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com/attipscast.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #46: Wordtalk

 

Episode Overview-

Hey everyone,

Episode #46 features another excerpt from the presentation for the Individual Differences in Learning Association in Howard County, Maryland.  This excerpt describes WordTalk; a free text-to-speech plug-in for Microsoft Word.

The episode features a bumper from Karen Janowski who is an assistive technology consultant, an assistive technology specialist for a school district in Massachusetts, adjunct faculty member at Simmons College, and school board member in her town.  She is also one of the innovators behind the UDLTechToolKit wiki, which contains a plethora of resources useful for differentiating instruction.

A.T.TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #72: WordTalk

WordTalk is a free text-to-speech add-in for Microsoft Word. You can find all the details about which versions of Word it works with along with other frequently asked questions, installation instructions and more over at the WordTalk download page.

1. WordTalk SlideShare Tutorial –  This tutorial, created by Paul Hamilton, describes everything you need to know about WordTalk.

 

Additional Resources Mentioned-

1. www.iste.org/chewat – Select “Notify Me” to sign up to get an e-mail reminder when the book comes out.

2. Eight is Enough Presentation – This is the slideshow I used during the presentation for IDL.

3. 2009 Edublog Award Winners – Congratulations to all of the winners!  Let me recommend you head over there to check out all of the nominations and winners. The A.T.TIPSCAST placed seventh out of 26 in the category of “Best Educational Use of Audio“.

4. CliCk, Speak – A free, open source text-to-speech extension for the Firefox web browser.

5. Text-to-Speech in OpenOfficeOpen Office is a free suite of programs including a word processing program.  OO Text To Speech is a free download for this program.

6. Word Magnets – Type or paste text (words or letters) into a box that then makes each word (or letter) a separate moveable object.  Perfect for word scrambles or sentence generation on an interactive whiteboard.

Screenshot of Word Magnets

Drag words to make sentences

screen shot of word magnets

Drag letters to make words

Upcoming Presentations-

Alternative Professional Development – Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference 2010 – Orlando, Florida – January 28 – 2:45pm – 3:45pm EST

UDL 2.0 presented with Beth Poss – Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference 2010 – Orlando, Florida – January 29 – 9:15pm-10:15pm EST

Contact Information-

Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com/attipscast.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #44: Alternative Professional Development @ PUWT09

 

Episode Overview-

Hey everyone,

Episode #44 is up for your listening pleasure and boy is it a doozy! It clocks in at just under 42 minutes!  Yikes! Episode #44 is kind of a unique episode because it features a recording of a live event. Back on November 14th I was lucky enough to attend the Powering Up with Technology Conference in Prince George’s County Maryland.  At that conference I presented a session called Alternative Professional Development.  I use the term “presented” loosely because, although I was listed as the presenter, the session was more of an integrated brainstorming session.  I was more of the moderator for the discussion than a presenter.  During the session we tried to outline some of the common problems with staff development happening in public schools and then try to come up with some solutions.  During the course of the discussion a bunch of great ideas were mentioned about how to address some of the problems with the typical professional development model.  Furthermore, a number of concrete resources are mentioned that can be used to assist students.  You can access the entire presentation as generated by the audience here:  Alternative Professional Development Presentation from PUWT09.

The episode also features a bumper from Robin Lesht who is a speech-language pathologist from Mount Prospect, Illinois. I met Robin at ATIA 09 where we shared different experiences working in the field of speech-language pathology.

A.T.TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #67: Document Holder from Inverted CD case and Alligator Clip

 

Many a student has strained their neck transposing a handwritten assignment onto the computer because the paper was flat on the desk.  To alleviate the neck strain people started to use document holders so that they didn’t have to constantly shift their field of vision from the paper to the screen and back again.  Sure, you could go out and spend money on a fancy, commercial document holder or you could take an unused CD case that you probably have lying around, flip it over so the hinged cover is upright and then fasten the paper to it with an alligator clip.  Done and done, instant document holder.

  Document Holder from inverted CD case

A.T.TIP #68: www.educatus.com

This website provides over 1000 pre-made lessons/presentations on a wide variety of curricular topics.  The media-rich presentations are similar to a PowerPoint presentation and each one is available to be viewed online via your web browser.  Each presentation is useful as a pre-learning activity where students could be asked to independently review content before a class discussion, as an alternative source of content to complement or supplement another lesson, or as a follow-up/review activity at the end of a lesson.

A.T.TIP #69: www.voki.com

This website allows you to create an animated talking head.  Use text-to-speech or record a voice to have the voki speak the message.  Vokis could be used by a teacher to introduce a lesson, give verbal instructions for an assignment, record reminders to students, provide feedback and more!  Vokis could be used by a student as an alternative means of expression for presentations, practicing conversations, or demonstrating knowledge.  Check out these ideas on how to use Voki in your classroom from The Edublogger.

Check out a Voki I created.

A.T.TIP #70: www.blabberize.com

This website allows you to upload a picture, select a portion of that picture that will move (usually a mouth), and then record a message.  When the message is played back, the selected area will move in time with the message.  Blabberize can be used in similar ways as Vokis.  It could be used by a teacher to introduce a lesson, give verbal instructions for an assignment, record reminders to students, provide feedback and more!  It could be used by a student as an alternative means of expression for presentations, practicing conversations, or demonstrating knowledge.

Check out a video I made in Blabberize

Additional Resources Mentioned-

1. Loudoun County Public Schools’ Assistive Technology Video Archive

2. Evidence that high-speed Internet access is not ubiquitous.

3. More evidence that high-speed Internet access is not ubiquitous.

4. www.delicious.com – Social Bookmarking Site.  Note that the A.T.TIPSCAST uses delicious to share resources on the left side of the page.

5. www.Prezi.com – A new and interesting way to create a presentation.  Information is presented on one large canvas and you zoom into different areas of the canvas to view the information.

6. www.tinyurl.com – A useful way of making long URLs shorter.  Shortened URLs are easier for users to remember (like www.tinyurl.com/nlsstories) and easier for people to type in if entering a URL from a piece of paper.

7. Tonyvincent.info – A link library of useful educational resources created by the keynote speaker of the conference, Tony Vincent.  **Corrected from original post- Tony made a comment below sharing that the site he used to present at the conference was http://tonysite.info ***

8. Radio WillowWeb Podcast – Radio WillowWeb is a podcast for kids
and by kids from the students at Willowdale Elementary School in Omaha, Nebraska.
Each new show is called a Willowcast. Each Willowcast can be heard on WillowWeb
as an mp3 digital audio file.

9. ASHA Podcast – The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s podcast features interviews with different individuals making strides in the field of speech-language pathology and audiology

10. Quick Access Toolbar in Word 07 – Microsoft Word 07 features a quick access toolbar that can be customized, allowing for favorite tools to be shown and less used tools to be hidden.  This feature helps to reduce clutter on the screen while highlighting to students some key/important features they could be using in Word.

Upcoming Presentations-

Alternative Professional Development – Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference 2010 – Orlando, Florida – January 28 – 2:45pm – 3:45pm EST

UDL 2.0 presented with Beth Poss – Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference 2010 – Orlando, Florida – January 29 – 9:15am-10:15am EST

Contact Information-

If I don’t get to see you at NECC we can still connect virtually. Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode 43: Listener Feedback, For Real – Part 2

 

Episode Overview-

Hey everyone,

Episode #43 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #43 features some more feedback from listeners of the show. There was still too much feedback to fit it all into just this episode so you can expect to hear at least one more Listener Feedback episode in the future.

The episode also features a bumper from Lisa Givens who works as an educational specialist for Fairfax County Public Schools in Assistive Technology Services. I caught up with Lisa at NECC 09 and I’m just now getting to play her bumper. 

A.T.TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #64: Classroom Acoustic Coalition (via Facebook)

 

The focus of the Classroom Acoustic Coalition Facebook group is to bring about awareness about acoustics in the classroom.  In the episode Signal-to-Noise ratio is mentioned as something to consider when working with students. The following are some other helpful resources about S/N and classroom acoustics:

1. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Article on 5 Strategies to Promote Good Classroom Acoustics

2. Guidelines for Teachers to Help Minimize Auditory Perceptual Problems

A.T.TIP #65: Onetruemedia.com

This website allows you to quickly upload pictures and videos (.mpegs, .mpgs, .mp4, .mov, .avi, .wmv, .jpg’s and more) and then select from a number of free montage styles and music to create a nicely polished, professional looking, special effect ridden video.  Once finished, the website generates a URL for your video that can be shared.  The website is easy to use and would allow students to be able to create flashy presentations above and beyond just a simple slideshow.  Plus, there is nothing to install.  All of the controls and design occur right there on the website all for free. The only downside is that only some of the montages and music is free.  For access to the complete library you need to become a premium member and pay a fee.  Also, to export the video into another file format you need to be premium member.  The following are some of the videos I’ve made using this website:

1. Professional Development Montage

2. A.T.TIPScast Montage

A.T.TIP #66: Screentoaster.com

This website allows you to capture a video of whatever is happening on your screen.  You can export videos as .swf files (flash) and .mov files, which means you can save the videos right down to your computer.  You can choose to record the entire screen or record a rectangular area of the screen. Screentoaster.com is a great way to capture and share what a student has done on a computer and is also a great way to capture any lesson done on the computer.  Also, a student could capture work they’ve done on a home computer to share back with teacher.  It is also great for making short video tutorials providing directions for how to do something on the computer.  Students could watch these videos over and over again as a way to have instructions repeated as many times as necessary.

Additional Resources Mentioned-

1. Loudoun County Public Schools’ Assistive Technology Video Archive

Upcoming Presentations-

Alternative Professional Development – Powering Up With Technology Conference 09 – Upper Marlboro, Maryland – November 14th- (Time TBD)

Alternative Professional Development – Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference 2010 – Orlando, Florida – January 28 – 2:45pm – 3:45pm EST

UDL 2.0 presented with Beth Poss – Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference 2010 – Orlando, Florida – January 29 – 9:15pm-10:15pm EST

Contact Information-

If I don’t get to see you at NECC we can still connect virtually. Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode 42: Count Edula’s Game

Episode Overview:

Hey everyone,

Run! Run! Run for your lives! Episode #42 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #42 features a visit to Count Edula’s mansion where he asks about some tools he can use to help organize his  “hypothetical” zombie army.  Chris’s suggestions just so happen to be useful tools to help students as well.

A.T.TIPS in this Episode:

A.T.TIP #60: Google Earth

Google Earth lets you to zoom anywhere on Earth to view satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, from galaxies in outer space to the canyons of the ocean. Google Earth is a free software program you can download and install on your computer.  When you launch the program you see a celestial view of the earth.  On the left hand side you see a search window.  Type in any location, hit the magnifying glass icon, and watch as you zoom to that location.  Also on the left side of the screen you’ll find a section called “layers” click on any of the boxes there to add additional features to what you see in your search.  So, for instance, if you select the “3D Buildings” layer when a 3 dimensional image of a building is available you will see that building in three dimensions.  Try it by searching for any major city, like Chicago, and you’ll see a three-dimensional representation of tons of different buildings or try doing a search for one of the lighthouses along the Outer Banks.  In more remote locations like those you can really see the difference between the 2 dimensional representations and the 3 dimensional representations.   There is a street view layer that is awesome where you can see, where available, a 360 degree digital image as if you were standing at a given location.  Students who have trouble visualizing how tall something is, or what something might look like, or how a structure might appear in real-life, can experience these places in a very tangential way.  Using Google Earth before or after a field trip or community-based instructional trip can bring a totally new dimension to the learning experience.  What’s nice about Google Earth is that it’s totally free.  Students can download it at home to explore on their own. Again, this is just scratching the surface of what it can do as there are all different types of layers, including shipwrecks, weather conditions and forecasts, and global awareness.

A.T.TIP #61: Google Earth Video Tours

Google Earth 5 allows you to create a tour by creating a movie. One of the icons is a little video camera.  Just click on that video camera icon and then the little red record button that appears.  Teachers can use this with students to give a little video tour of where they are going or where they have been.  Students can also use this feature to demonstrate their knowledge.  A student records themselves traveling from place to place in Google Earth to demonstrate they know how to get to a location from a location, that they know where on the globe an event occurred or where a place is actually located.  You could even use it as an alternative way to tell a story.  Instead of writing that essay on what they did over Winter Break, students can virtually take the teacher and other students to that location by showing it on Google Earth.

A.T.TIP #62: Mystudiyo.com

Mystudiyo.com  is a website that allows you to create assessments using all sorts of different media.  There are different assessment types to choose from, but the one that I think is easiest and most relevant to students is the multiple choice type of assessment.  Once you choose your assessment type the website takes you through a series of questions to set-up your quiz.  It’s like a quiz wizard that walks you through creation, step-by-step.   You can choose from different looks of your quiz and you can add introductory media using text, an image, or video to give directions which is perfect for students who might have trouble reading instructions.  You can also have text, an image or video accompany each question, which means you could read each question aloud and save it as a video to have a much more accessible assessment.  At the end of the assessment a student can be presented with a scoreboard to see how well they did.  Once you’ve finished creating your quiz the website generates a unique URL for your quiz.  Take that URL and distribute it to students  for them to take the quiz on your computers or, if possible,  on their own home computers.  See how well you can do on the quiz created by Count Edula for his zombie horde.

A.T.TIP #63: Shorttext.com

Shorttext.com allows someone to either type or copy/paste text directly into it.  Then, once they are ready, they click on the “Create URL” button to make a URL for that text.  In the future, they just go back to that unique URL to access that text again.  It’s a handy way to save information.  For instance, students who tend to lose things, like thumbdrives or assignments, can post it to Shorttext.com.  Then, all they need is the URL to go get it.  Unlike a thumbdrive, the URLs can be shared with a teacher or in a safe location that doesn’t get transported to and from school.  There are some other tools on the net that might be better for organization of assignments and such, but shorttext.com has a very simple interface without lots of buttons or other functions.  This makes it less intimidating, which is why I like it and which is why it might be perfect for some students and teachers.  Check out a piece of intercepted correspondence from one of Count Edula’s zombie field generals.

Points of Interest:

Mentioned in the podcast is an article by the New York Times about Wikipedia’s new policy about editing entries about living people.

Also, if you haven’t seen this Common Craft How-to video, well, it might be worth your time to help you prepare for the impending apocalypse.

Upcoming Presentation Information:

 The Building Blocks of a Successful Assistive Technology Team presented with Sally Norton-Darr – ISTE Webinar – October 21st- 4pm – 5pm EST

Eight is Enough: Ways to Use What You Got – Clarksville, Maryland – November 9th – 7:30pm – 9:00pm EST

Alternative Professional Development – Powering Up With Technology Conference 09 – Upper Marlboro, Maryland – November 14th- (Time TBD)

Alternative Professional Development – Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference 2010 – Orlando, Florida – January 28 – 2:45pm – 3:45pm EST

UDL 2.0 presented with Beth Poss – Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference 2010 – Orlando, Florida – January 29 – 9:15pm-10:15pm EST

I hope to meet you at any or all of these presentations. But, if you can’t make it to those, and you’re interested in any of this (or other) content for workshops in your district please contact me at attipscast@gmail.com. We can work together to set something up either in person or virtually!

Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com as @attipscast.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

Halloween Party Invitation

Invitation to Halloween Party

Invitation to Halloween Party

Hello all,

The next episode should be coming out shortly but, in the meantime, something strange happened.  I received this strange invitation today when I got home from work.  Check it out:

CEInvite

A.T.TIPSCAST Special Episode: Big Announcement #2- The Book

Hey everyone,

Well this was the big secret project I’ve been working on that I had mentioned in previous episodes.  I introduce to you now “The Practical (and Fun) Guide to Assistive Technology in Public Schools: Building or Improving Your District’s AT Team” by Christopher Bugaj and Sally Norton-Darr.  The book is being published by the International Society for Technology in Education (better known by the acronym ISTE) and will be available for pre-order in February March of 2010.

The Content:

As the title suggests the book provides strategies of building an assistive technology program in public schools.  Answers to common questions such as “How do we consider AT for every student?”, “How does assistive technology get documented in an IEP?”, “What are some effective ways of working with Instructional Technology?”, “Who should be on an AT Team?”, “When and how do you write an AT evaluation report?”, “What is the most effect service delivery model?”, “How do you adequately follow-up with teachers and students?”, “How do you collect data and demonstrate progress?”, and “How do you build a comprehensive assistive technology program?” are all found in the book.

The Style:

The book is written in such a way that it is easy to use and fun to read. We wanted to create a book that wouldn’t feel like a chore to read.  Therefore, the book is laced with engaging analogies and humorous stories which emphasize and clarify the points being made.  In the future we hope to have some excerpts for you to sample, both in text and audio formats.  Throughout the book we provide procedures that have not only been relatively easy to implement but also have proven exceptionally effective for us.  In fact, that was kind of our mantra for the book, “If it’s working for us, why wouldn’t it work for you?”

More to Come:

I’ll be sharing more information in the coming weeks and month about purchase information, pricing, and how you can help spread the word about the book if you’re interested in helping out.

Upcoming Presentation Information:

 The Building Blocks of a Successful Assistive Technology Team presented with Sally Norton-Darr – ISTE Webinar – October 21st- 4pm – 5pm EST

Eight is Enough: Ways to Use What You Got – Clarksville, Maryland –                                                                                  November 9th – 7:30pm – 9:00pm EST

Alternative Professional Development Powering Up With Technology Conference 09 – Upper Marlboro, Maryland –  November 14th- (Time TBD)

Alternative Professional Development Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference 2010 – Orlando, Florida – January 28 – 2:45pm – 3:45pm EST

UDL 2.0 presented with Beth Poss – Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference 2010 – Orlando, Florida – January 29 – 9:15pm-10:15pm EST

I hope to meet you at any or all of these presentations.  But, if you can’t make it to those, and you’re interested in any of this (or other) content for workshops in your district please contact me at attipscast@gmail.com.  We can work together to set something up either in person or virtually!

Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com as @attipscast.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #39: Photo Album in PowerPoint

Episode Overview-

Hey everyone,
Episode #39 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #39 describes different ways to utilize the Photo Album feature of Microsoft PowerPoint to facilitate digital storytelling.  The episode features a discussion with the newly-improved, fan favorite, B-Bot!

A.T. TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #57: Photo Album Feature of PowerPoint
In PowerPoint 07 Photo Album can be found in the “Insert” tab.  It is built right into this version.
PAscreenshot1
Although there may be slight variations based on the version of PowerPoint you are using, the Photo Album feature of PowerPoint looks like this:
PhotoalbumScreenshot2
Step-by-step directions for Photo Album Feature of PowerPoint 07
Photo Album in other versions of PowerPoint can be downloaded from the following websites:
PowerPoint 2003
PowerPoint 2000 (requires a free download and install)

Upcoming Conference Presentations-

I’ll be presenting at the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC)- June 28th – July 1st in Washington, D.C. (Poster Session: Chew the P.H.A.T-Policies and How-to’s in Assistive Technology with Sally Norton-Darr).

Contact Information-

If I don’t get to see you at NECC we can still connect virtually. Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com.
Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:
Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com
Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #38: Graphic Organizer Interview – Part 2

Episode Overview-

Hey everyone,
Episode #38 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #38 features Part 2 of the interview with Chris Cummins, a high school English teacher and adjunct professor at the State University of New York at Fredonia who is currently teaching a class on Literacy and Technology. The second part of the interview focuses more on specific tools that can be used to create graphic organizers while also touching upon some ideas about implementing graphic organizers across the curriculum.

A.T. TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #54: VUE (Free)
“The Visual Understanding Environment (VUE) is an Open Source project based at Tufts University. The VUE project is focused on creating flexible tools for managing and integrating digital resources in support of teaching, learning and research. VUE provides a flexible visual environment for structuring, presenting, and sharing digital information.”
VUE Examples and Video Tutorials
A.T.TIP #55: FreeMind (Free)
“FreeMind is a premier free mind-mapping software written in Java.”
FreeMind Examples and Video Tutorials
A.T.TIP #56: Record Sound Feature of Inspiration (Not Free)
Students who can tell you a story (or explain an essay) orally but who have difficulty expressing those thoughts in a written format can use the “Record Sound” feature of Inspiration to complete writing assignments, like stories, essays, or essay questions on tests.  The strategy involves the students recording one thought per cell in a web or outline created in Inspiration.  Once they have recorded each sentence orally they can go back, listen to the sentence in the cell, and begin typing it in.  Every time they get stuck with spelling or forget what they were going to type they can re-listen to their own recording to type it in.  The following screenshots explain how to use the “Record Sound” feature of Inspiration.
Let’s say you have a graphic organizer that looks like this:

Super Four Square Template

After selecting a cell, the student can record his voice by going here:

Inspiration Screenshot 1

Once the student has selected “Record Sound” the following window will appear.  Use the red record button to begin recording.  Use the “Save” button to save the recording.

Inspiration 2

Once the sound has been saved the selected cell will display a “speaker” icon in the upper right hand corner.  Double-click on this speaker icon to hear the recorded message as many times as necessary while the student types the words.

Inspiration 3

Additionally, teachers could use this feature to leave hints or reminder to students when developing a graphic organizing template.

Upcoming Conference Presentations-

I’ll be presenting at the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC)- June 28th – July 1st in Washington, D.C. (Poster Session: Chew the P.H.A.T-Policies and How-to’s in Assistive Technology with Sally Norton-Darr).

Contact Information-

If I don’t get to see you at NECC we can still connect virtually. Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com.
Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:
Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com
Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #37: Graphic Organizer Interview – Part 1

Episode Overview-

Hey everyone,
Episode #37 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #37 features Part 1 of a two part interview with Chris Cummins, a high school English teacher and adjunct professor at the State University of New York at Fredonia who is currently teaching a class on Literacy and Technology.  During this first part of the interview Chris and I talk about a few different styles of graphic organizers as well as discuss how to implement graphic organizers in a high school setting.

A.T. TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #51: The Frayer Model of Graphic Organizer
Create a graphic organizing web online using the Frayer Model
A.T.TIP #52: Semantic Mapping (Super Word Web)
 Create a semantic map by downloading the template from Longwood University
Super Word Web excerpt from “Stretching Student’s Vocabulary” by Karen D’Angelo Bromley and Judy Lynch
A.T.TIP #53: Compare – Contrast Model of Graphic Organizer
Downloadable compare and contrast graphic organizers from Education Oasis
Compare and Contrast Matrix from Write Design Online

Upcoming Conference Presentations-

I’ll be presenting at the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC)- June 28th – July 1st in Washington, D.C. (Poster Session: Chew the P.H.A.T-Policies and How-to’s in Assistive Technology with Sally Norton-Darr).

Contact Information-

If I don’t get to see you at NECC we can still connect virtually. Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com.
Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:
Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com
Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #36: CAST Book Builder Discussion

Episode Overview-

Hey everyone,
Episode #36 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #36 features a discussion about Book Builder by Sally Norton-Darr, Judith Schoonover, and Mark Nichols.  They will be doing a presentation centering on the uses of Book Builder during the National Educational Computing Conference on June 29th.  They are asking that you leave a comment on this blog post talking about how you use Book Builder, improvements you would like to see to Book Builder, or anything related to your experiences with the tool.

A.T. TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #44 (Redux): Book Builder by CAST
 While you’re there, check out the book Sally and Judie created:

Sally and Judie Screenshot

Water book by Sally and Judie

Support The Cause-

My colleagues will be riding in the local Tour De Cure on June 14th, 2009, sponsored by the American Diabetes Foundation. If you can donate, even a dollar, it would be much appreciated. Select the “donate” button on either website to make a donation.

Upcoming Conference Presentations-

I’ll be presenting at the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC)- June 28th – July 1st in Washington, D.C. (Poster Session: Chew the P.H.A.T-Policies and How-to’s in Assistive Technology with Sally Norton-Darr).

Contact Information-

If I don’t get to see you at NECC we can still connect virtually. Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com.
Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:
Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com
Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #35: ART of this World

Episode Overview-

Hey everyone,
Episode #35 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #35 describes two websites that contain online painting programs.  The episode also features a bumper from Julie Bisbee, a speech-language pathologist from San Juan County, New Mexico.  Download the flyer for the Participatory Assistive Technology Conference being held on Monday, June 15th, 2009 at San Juan College.  Also, mentioned in this episode is the “Accessing the Artist Within” project from the Anne Carlsen Center in North Dakota.  Here is a link explaining the QIAT with a link to subscribe to the QIAT Listserv.

A.T TIPS In This Episode-

A.T.TIP #49: Sumo Paint

This is a screenshot of what Sumo Paint looks like

A.T.TIP #50: National Gallery of Art Kids Zone
Check out the student created works over in the A.T.TIPSCAST Flickr Photostream

Support The Cause-

My colleagues will be riding in the local Tour De Cure on June 14th, 2009, sponsored by the American Diabetes Foundation. If you can donate, even a dollar, it would be much appreciated. Select the “donate” button on either website to make a donation.

Upcoming Conference Presentations-

I’ll be presenting at the  National Educational Computing Conference (NECC)- June 28th – July 1st in Washington, D.C. (Poster Session: Chew the P.H.A.T-Policies and How-to’s in Assistive Technology with Sally Norton-Darr).

Contact Information-

If I don’t get to see you at NECC we can still connect virtually. Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com.
Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:
Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com
Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #34: Digital Visual Feedback Modulators

Hey everyone,

Episode #34 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #34 describes another strategy for assisting students who have trouble maintaining appropriate volume while speaking.  The episode also features a bumper from my mom, Jackie Bugaj.  I’d like to thank Thomas F., Doug G., Michael M., Christopher C., and Timothy C. for their contributions that can be heard at the end of the episode.

A.T.TIP #48: Digital Voice Feedback Modulators

Here are some videos that further explain how to use digital voice feedback modulators.

Visual Feedback For Volume Management:

Visual Feedback With Audacity:

My colleagues will be riding in the local Tour De Cure sponsored by the American Diabetes Foundation. If you can donate, even a dollar, it would be much appreciated. Select the “donate” button on either website to make a donation.

I’ll be presenting at these two upcoming conferences:

1. Teacher Researcher Conference – May 27th, 2009 in Fairfax, Virginia (Session on Strategy-A-Day Calendar on Teacher Desktops as an Agent of Change with technology resource teachers).

2. National Educational Computing Conference (NECC)- June 28th – July 1st in Washington, D.C. (Poster Session: Chew the P.H.A.T-Policies and How-to’s in Assistive Technology with Sally Norton-Darr).

If I don’t get to see you at either of those conferences we can still get together virtually over the Internet. Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #33: Voice Feedback Modulators

Hey everyone,

Episode #33 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #33 describes a strategy for assisting students who have trouble maintaining appropriate volume, rate, or pitch when speaking.  This episode is one of my contributions to Better Hearing and Speech Month by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.  The episode also features a bumper from Speech Language Pathologist and Assistive Technology Specialist,  Beth Poss.  Check out the website www.matnonline.com for more information about the Maryland Assistive Technology Network as well as incredible resources related to assistive technology.  I presented on the topic of Alternative Professional Development at the MATN conference which was held on May 7th, 2009.  The presentation was an collaborative effort between myself and the audience.  Here is a PDF of what we put together during the workshop: Alternative Professional Development Presentation from MATN on May 7th, 2009.

A.T.TIP #47: Voice Feedback Modulators

Here are some sample Voice Feedback Modulators

Voice Feedback Modulator #1

Voice Feedback Modulator Sample 1

Voice Feedback Modulator Sample 1

Voice Feedback Modulator #2

Voice Feedback Modulator Sample 2
Voice Feedback Modulator Sample 2

Classroom Voice Feedback Modulator

Classroom Noise Feedback Modulator

Classroom Noise Feedback Modulator

In a case you missed it, here is the link to the video I submitted for the Better Hearing and Speech Month Video Contest for 2009 titled “2 Minute Mouths“. I didn’t win, but I had tons of fun making it and I do think it could be useful to people of all ages.

My colleagues will be riding in the local Tour De Cure sponsored by the American Diabetes Foundation. If you can donate, even a dollar, it would be much appreciated. Select the “donate” button on either website to make a donation.

I’ll be presenting at these two upcoming conferences:

1. Teacher Researcher Conference – May 27th, 2009 in Fairfax, Virginia (Session on Strategy-A-Day Calendar on Teacher Desktops as an Agent of Change with technology resource teachers).

2. National Educational Computing Conference (NECC)- June 28th – July 1st in Washington, D.C. (Poster Session: Chew the P.H.A.T-Policies and How-to’s in Assistive Technology with Sally Norton-Darr).

If I don’t get to see you at either of those conferences we can still get together virtually over the Internet. Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST SPECIAL EPISODE: Big Announcement #1 – Professional Development

Hey everyone,

I’ve put together a professional development packet for you to download and use within your school or school district.  Here is how it works.

The Problem:

Educators don’t have time to stay after school for staff development, but most, drive to work.  Some educators may be reluctant to utilize new technologies, but most know how to operate a CD player.  Educators are being asked to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of every learner every day.

The Solution:

The A.T.TIPSCAST is a free podcast that provides strategies to help educators differentiate instruction.  As someone who organizes staff development workshops for your school or school district, download the episodes in each volume and burn them to a CD.  Download the question booklet for that volume, print it out, and put it with your newly burned CD.  Devise a method for distribution and then distribute to staff.  E-mail me to get a copy of the answer booklet with all the answers in it.  You’re done!

With minimal effort you’ve introduced three awareness level staff development workshops that educators can take without ever leaving their car!  That’s over 3 and a half hours worth of professional development content at your fingertips with more to come as additional volumes of the A.T.TIPSCAST are completed (Volume #4 isin production now)!

The Resources:

Download these files to make your own staff development workshop out of the A.T.TIPSCAST!

All Files For Volumes 1 – 3:

1. This file contains everything in one download: volumes123everythingincluded (PDF)

Volume 1 Separately (Episodes 1 – 9, Total Running Time  1:12:42)-

1. Question Booklet for Volume 1: volume1package (PDF)

2. CD Label for Volume 1: vol1cdlabels (PDF)

Volume 2 Separately (Episodes 10 – 18, Total Running Time 1:13:21)-

1. Question Booklet for Volume 2: volume2package (PDF)

2. CD Label for Volume 2: vol2cdlabels (PDF)

Volume 3 Separately (Episodes 19 – 26, Total Running Time 1:12:38)-

1. Question Booklet for Volume 3: volume3package (PDF)

2. CD Label for Volume 3: vol3cdlabels (PDF)

This is what it will look like when it is put together:

ATTIPSCAST CD and Booklet

ATTIPSCAST CD and Booklet

If you have any trouble with any of these files, contact me at attipscast@gmail.com and I’ll work with you to get it working!

Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com as @attipscast.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #32: Gift Ideas for Students with Severe Disabilities

Hey everyone,

Episode #32 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #32 is mostly an audio version of my guest blog post over at Patrick Black’s blog Teaching All Students.  The post outlines a personal family experience while providing a number of ideas for gifts that could be given to students with severe disabilities.  It is my hope that educators who find this useful will forward it onto families who will then share it with other family members.  Embedded within the episode are a number of A.T.Tips as outlined below.

A.T.TIP #44: CAST’s UDL Book Builder

A.T.TIP #45: Playlists / CD Mixes

A.T.TIP #46: Tadalist.com

Here is my entry into the Better Hearing and Speech Month Video Contest for 2009 titled “2 Minute Mouths

My colleagues will be riding in the local Tour De Cure sponsored by the American Diabetes Foundation.  If you can donate, even a dollar, it would be much appreciated.  Select the “donate” button on either website to make a donation.

I’ll be presenting at these two upcoming conferences:

1. Maryland Assistive Technology Network Conference (MATN)- May 7th in Maryland (Session on Alternative Professional Development in Assistive Technology).

2. National Educational Computing Conference (NECC)- June 28th – July 1st in Washington, D.C. (Poster Session: Chew the P.H.A.T-Policies and How-to’s in Assistive Technology with Sally Norton-Darr).

If I don’t get to see you at either of those conferences we can still get together virtually over the Internet. Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #31: Packing Peanuts

Hey everyone,

Episode #31 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #31 describes the diabolical event that happened to me on April 1st, 2009.  It also describes different ways to you use packing peanuts as assistive technology tools or to support existing assistive technology tools.

A.T.TIP #43: Packing Peanuts

Also, check out these resources associated with the different ways mentioned to use packing peanuts.

1. Deep Pressure and Weight Lifting– An article about the use of bean bag chairs as deep pressure

2. Packing Peanut Dome – Check out how this creative student used packing peanuts!  Wouldn’t this make an awesome chill-out area?

3. Lap Buddies – A school system that is creating and using lap buddies.

Oh, and here is that  picture of Yours Truly getting hit in the face with a pie…

Chris gets hit in the face with a pie

Chris gets hit in the face with a pie

I’ll be presenting at these two upcoming conferences:

1. Maryland Assistive Technology Network Conference (MATN)- May 7th in Maryland (Session on Alternative Professional Development in Assistive Technology).

2. National Educational Computing Conference (NECC)- June 28th – July 1st in Washington, D.C. (Poster Session: Chew the P.H.A.T-Policies and How-to’s in Assistive Technology with Sally Norton-Darr).

If I don’t get to see you at either of those conferences we can still get together virtually over the Internet. Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #30: NAREN 09- Top 3 (Part 2)

Hey everyone,
Episode #30 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #30 is the second of a two-part feature on the top three things I learned at the National At-Risk Education Network (NAREN) Conference of 2009. Be warned, this episode is unlike most of the other episodes in that the tips described are more along the lines of “educational philosophy” rather than “strategy” but I felt they were well-worth discussing.

A.T.TIP #41: Brain-Based Learning from the Upsidedownorganization.org

1. Brain-Based Learning– Definition from www.funderstanding.com

2. Brains.org – The website for people involved in the education and parenting of brains of all ages about practical classroom applications of current brain research by Dr. Kathie Nunley.

A.T.TIP #42: Putting students to work doing the work that schools need done

1. Student Volunteer Network – Originally started by three high school students this network provides a database of volunteer opportunities for students

2. International Student Volunteers, Inc. – Not exactly related to doing work in schools, but still an interesting organization.

I’ll be presenting at these two upcoming conferences:

1. Maryland Assistive Technology Network Conference (MATN)- May 7th in Maryland (Session on Alternative Professional Development in Assistive Technology).

2. National Educational Computing Conference (NECC)- June 28th – July 1st in Washington, D.C. (Poster Session: Chew the P.H.A.T-Policies and How-to’s in Assistive Technology with Sally Norton-Darr).

If I don’t get to see you at either of those conferences we can still get together virtually over the Internet. Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 ! You can also follow me on twitter.com.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com. Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #27: Transportation Interview-Part 2

Hey everyone,
Episode #27 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #27 features the second and final part of the interview pertaining to transportation. During this part of the interview we brainstorm ideas for using technology during transportation for educational purposes.

A.T.TIP #38: Technology for Transport

Oh, and don’t forget about the conference that are quickly approaching.  I’ll be at all of the following so I hope to see you there:

1. The National At-Risk Education Network (NAREN) Conference February 17-19, in Panama City, Florida.

2. The Virginia Society For Technology in Education (VSTE) Conference– February 22-24, in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

3. National Educational Computing Conference (NECC)- June 28th – July 1st, in Washington, D.C.

If I don’t get to see you at any of those conferences we can still get together virtually over the Internet. Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 !

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #26: Transportation Interview- Part 1

Hey everyone,
Episode #26 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #26 features the first of a two-part interview pertaining to transportation and education. During this part of the interview we discuss how transportation needs of students in special education are met in one of the largest cities in the world.

A.T.TIP #38: Technology for Transport

Also, the episode features a bumper from Sally Norton-Darr who I’ll be co-presenting a session called “Chew The P. H.A.T: Policies and How-to’s in Assistive Technology” with at three upcoming conferences. We hope to see you at any or all of the following:

1. The National At-Risk Education Network (NAREN) Conference February 17-19, in Panama City, Florida.

2. The Virginia Society For Technology in Education (VSTE) Conference– February 22-24, in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

3. National Educational Computing Conference (NECC)- June 28th – July 1st, in Washington, D.C.

If I don’t get to see you at any of those conferences we can still get together virtually over the Internet. Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 !

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #25: Who’s Who?

Hey everyone,
Episode #25 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #25 discusses the creation of a Who’s Who? book that can be created for or with students which can be read over and over again to reinforce relationships, plan for transitions to new environments, or more.  The episode suggests using the photos that arrive on holiday cards to help create the booklet.

A.T.TIP #37: Who’s Who Book

Also, I’ll be co-presenting a session called “Chew The P. H.A.T: Policies and How-to’s in Assistive Technology” at three upcoming conferences.  I hope to see you at any or all of the following:

1. The National At-Risk Education Network (NAREN) Conference February 17-19, in Panama City, Florida.

2. The Virginia Society For Technology in Education (VSTE) Conference– February 22-24, in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

3. National Educational Computing Conference (NECC)- June 28th – July 1st, in Washington, D.C.

If I don’t get to see you at any of those conferences we can still get together virtually over the Internet.  Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 !

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #24: Brainline.org Interview

 

Chris and Chelsea

Chris and Chelsea

Hey everyone,
Episode #24 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #24 features an interview with George Washington University graduate student Chelsea Feist who is also interning at Brainline.org.  Chelsea and I discuss how the resources on Brainline.org can help individuals, families and professionals learn more about Traumatic Brain Injury.

A.T.TIP #36: Brainline.org

Join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 !

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #22: Google Maps for CBI

Hey everyone,
Episode #22 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #22 describes different ways to use Google Maps to help students who participate in Community Based Instruction (CBI). Also, there is a special guest bumper from Dr. Penny Reed!

A.T.TIP #34: Google Maps for CBI

Here are some quick screenshot tutorials to help you navigate Google Maps:

Here are some helpful resources on Google Maps:

1. Use Google Maps Mashups in K-12 Education- Jeffrey Branzburg

2. Google Maps For Educators

3. How To Use “My Maps” Feature from CNET News- Short Video

Check out how these school districts are using Community Based Instruction:

1. Phoenix Day School For The Deaf

2. San Francisco Unified School District

3. Bartow County School System (Georgia)

Check out The Teachers’ Podcast and the 3rd Annual Teachers’ Podcast Awards!

You can look me up on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 and join the A.T.TIPPERS group on both!

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com Let me know what you think of the show! You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST reaches #10 on CyberEars.com!

Hello everyone,

No new audio content yet as I am still working my tail oA.T.TIPSCAST reaches #10 on Cyberears.com!ff on the top secret assistive technology project.  In all seriousness I’ve been putting in at least 10 hours a week into the new project so I hope it is something you enjoy.  Unfortunately, I haven’t had a spare minute to record new episodes of the A.T.TIPSCAST and I probably won’t be doing more until November or December.  Meanwhile, something big just happened.  The A.T.TIPSCAST just hit number 10 on Cyberears.com!

This means that it is the 10th most popular audio collection this month of shows hosted by cyberears.com.

The more time it gets on the front page of this website the more likely it is that someone will stumble upon the A.T.TIPCAST!  To me, that is totally awesome and I’m a bit blown away.  I hope this means that more people listen to the show and more people begin to use the strategies contained within!  Thanks for all of your support and stay tuned as more will be coming in a few months.  Thanks for your patience!

Remember you can contact me at attipscast@gmail.com and you can look me up on Facebook as well as Classroom 2.0!  I hope you’re enjoying the new school year.

Chris Bugaj

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #21: Audacity for Reading Fluency

Hey everyone,
Episode #21 is up for your listening pleasure! Episode #21 describes the strategy of using the free, open source software Audacity to assist students in learning to become more fluent readers. Episode #21 also marks the beginning of Season Two of the A.T.TIPSCAST!

A.T.TIP #33: Audacity For Reading Fluency

Here are some helpful resources on using Audacity for Reading Fluency.

1. Download Audacity

2. Mandy McAteer’s Weblog

3. Classroom 2.0 Discussion on Reading Fluency

4. Amy Boehman Blog

5. Audacity Tutorials (Short movies on how to use Audacity.)

Also, don’t forget to look me up on Facebook and/or Classroom 2.0 and join the A.T.TIPPERS group on Facebook and on Classroom 2.0!

MISTAKE IN THE PODCAST!  My “hosts” just informed me that I mistakenly said that you can plug a microphone into the 1/8″ HEADPHONE jack.  What I MEANT to say was that you can plug your microphone into the 1/8″ MICROPHONE jack.  Sorry about the mistake.  The weird alien atmosphere in the ship is making it hard to think.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com Let me know what you think of the show!  You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

 

Podcast Hosting
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Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #20: Motivational Plans

 

Hey everyone,
Episode #20 is up for your listening pleasure!  Episode #20 describes the strategy of using a motivational plan to help reinforce appropriate behavior.  Episode #20 also marks the end of Season One of the A.T.TIPSCAST.  I’ll be taking a few weeks off due to other obligations but I will return before you know it with A.T.TIPSCAST Season Two!

A.T.TIP #32: Motivational Plans

Here are some more helpful resources on behavior/motivational plans.

1. Terri Mauro’s Resources on About.com

2. Debbie DeSpirit’s Tips on Behavior Plans

Here is a link to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation fund raising site to help raise money to find a cure for juvenile diabetes.  Please donate even if it is just a dollar! Even the smallest amount can make the biggest difference.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com Let me know what you think of the show!
You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #19: Sabotage!

Hey everyone,
Episode #19 is up for your listening pleasure. May is “Better Hearing and Speech Month” and I haven’t mentioned it yet so far in the podcast, well, until this episode that is.  So, to make up for my lack of advertising I discuss a technique used to elicit communication called Sabotage!

A.T.TIP #31: Sabotage!

Here are some more helpful resources/ideas on how to elicit communication from students.

1. Communication Temptations

2. Better Practice Makes Perfect – LaTrobe University

3. Kennedy Krieger Article

Here is a link to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation fund raising site.  Please click on “Make a donation” and donate, even if it is just a dollar! Even the smallest amount can make the biggest difference.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation- Make a Donation!

One last thing, here is the link to the video of the family participating in the Cystic Fibrosis walk.  I hope you enjoy it!

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com Let me know what you think of the show!
You can access the podcast and register as a fan of the show from here:

Podcast Hosting
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Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #18: Amorphous Visual Schedules

Hey everyone,
Episode #18 is up for your listening pleasure. In Episode #18 AMORPHOUS visual schedules are discussed. Below are some examples of AMORPHOUS (or Non-linear) visual schedules.

A.T.TIP #30: Amorphous Visual Schedule:

An example that is more general- For a student that doesn’t need specific visuals, but still needs a visual schedule.  Note the “Unexpected” visuals.

An Example of an Amorphous Schedule

An example that is more specific- For a student that needs more specific visuals on the visual schedule.  Note the “Unexpected” visuals.

Example of Amorphous Visual Schedule

All of these schedules were created using Boardmaker software. If you’re like, “Hey, what the heck is Boardmaker software?” check out Mayer-Johnson’s website.

Here is a link to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation fund raising site. We’re doing the walk on May 18th, 2008 but you can continue to give even if you’re reading this after that date.  Please click on the “Make a donation” button to donate! Even the smallest amount can make the biggest difference.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation- Make a Donation!

One last thing, here is the link the video of the river running through my backyard.  I admit, up front, that it was way more exciting in real life than the video shows but the point was that it was unexpected, just like things that happen in a classroom everyday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p625PUpsaTA

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com Let me know what you think of the show!
You can access the podcast from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #17: Linear Visual Schedules

Hey everyone,
Episode #17 is up for your listening pleasure. In Episode #17 linear visual schedules are discussed. Below you will find examples of both horizontal and vertical linear schedules.  Enjoy!

A.T.TIP #29: Linear Visual Schedules

Horizontal:

Example of a template for a horizontal schedule

Horizontal Schedule Sample

Vertical:

Template of a vertical schedule Example of Vertical Schedule

All of these schedules were created using Boardmaker software.  If you’re like, “Hey, what the heck is Boardmaker software?” check out Mayer-Johnson’s website.

Here is a link to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation fund raising site. Please click on the “Make a donation” button to donate! Even the smallest amount can make the biggest difference.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation- Make a Donation!

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com Let me know what you think of the show!
You can access the podcast from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #16: Listener Feedback, Sort Of

Hey everyone,
Episode #16 is up for your listening pleasure.  In Episode #16 I answer questions from e-mails and voicemails submitted by “listeners” to the show.  Four new A.T. TIPS are discussed in the show.

A.T.TIP #25: FIRST-THEN-THEN Boards

Here are examples of first-then-then boards:

First-then-then Example 1

 

 

 

 

 

Example of a First-Then-Then Boards

A.T.TIP #26: WWW.FINDSOUNDS.COM

This website is a great place to find sounds

A.T.TIP #27: JUICYSTUDIO.COM for Website Readability Statistics

Here is the link to the Website Readability Statistic Tool.  Make sure you scroll down a bit to see it.  Simply place the URL of the website you want analyzed and hit “Calculate Readability”.

A.T.TIP #28: WWW.THEFREEDICTIONARY.COM

This online dictionary provides an auditory version of each word along with many cool games.

Here is a link to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation fund raising site. Please click on the “Make a donation” button to donate! Even the smallest amount can make the biggest difference.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation- Make a Donation!

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com Let me know what you think of the show!
You can access the podcast from here:

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Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #15: First-Then Boards

Hey everyone,
Episode #15 is up for your listening pleasure. Episode #15 describes how to create and implement a First-Then board with students who need help following directions or completing tasks.

Here are a few examples of first-then boards:

First-then board where \"first\" box is green and \"Then\" box is red.  They rest on a blue background

First-Then Board

Here is a link to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation fund raising site. Please click on the “Make a donation” button to donate! Even the smallest amount can make the biggest difference.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation- Make a Donation!

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com Let me know what you think of the show!
You can access the podcast from here:

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Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #14: Television

Hey everyone,
Episode #14 is up for your listening pleasure. Episode #14 features a description of television as an assistive technology tool.  It describes a few shows and why they are good at what they do.  Click on the names of the show to explore the website for that show. The shows discussed are as follows:

Tip# 20- Oobi

Tip# 21- Dora The Explorer

Tip# 22- Super Why!

Tip# 23- Cyberchase

Here is a link to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation fund raising site.  Please click on the “Make a donation” button to donate!  Even the smallest amount can make the biggest difference.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation- Make a Donation!

Here is the link to the statistics from California State University at Northridge: Television Statistics.

Leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com Let me know what you think of the show!
You can access the podcast from here:

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Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #13: Communication Bridges

Hey everyone,
Episode #13 is up for your listening pleasure.  Episode #13 features a description of Communication Bridges.  A communication bridge is a way for students to talk about events that happened at school when they get home and talk about events that happened at home at school.

Here is one such example.  Note that you can use visuals in replace of the lines or the text “PE, ART, Music” in the example below.

 

Today In School I…

 

Read this book: _______________

 

Worked on __________ in Math.

 

Learned about _________ in Social Studies.

 

Had this special: PE   ART   MUSIC

The thing I enjoyed the most today was:________________________

 

Last Night At Home I…

 

Read this book: _______________

 

Worked on __________ for homework.

 

Watched ____________ on TV.

 

Had ______________ for dinner.

 

The thing I enjoyed the most last night was:________________________

 

 

 

 

I hope you enjoyed the show and please feel free to leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com
You can access the podcast from here:

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Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST EPISODE #12: Work Jobs

Hey everyone,
Episode #12 is up for your listening pleasure. Episode #12 features a co-host, Mrs. B!  Together we discuss how vocational tasks can be implemented for any student.

You can find examples of work jobs on the following websites:

1. http://xnet.rrc.mb.ca/eceworkplace/images/workjobs-jan03group/workjobs.htm

2. http://www.hot-ideas.org/

 

 

 

I hope you enjoyed the show and please feel free to leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com
You can access the podcast from here:

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Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #11: Autosummarize in MS Word

Hey everyone,
Episode #11 is up for your listening pleasure. Episode #11 describes the autosummarize feature of MS Word.  I realize that the episode is just a quick rundown of how the feature works and I didn’t really get into what you’d use it for.  I’m trying to keep the tips quick.  So, I invite you to tell me how you might use this feature or tell me how you have already used the feature.  Your story might just inspire someone else in how they could use it.  Please send me an e-mail, record a message and send it to me or post a comment here.

You can find whole tutorials on autosummarize for your version of MS Word here:

Word 2002 : http://www.microsoft.com/education/autosummarize.mspx

Word 2003: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word/HP051896801033.aspx

Here is a helpful dialogue about the Autosummarize feature in MS 2007: http://help.lockergnome.com/office/Word-2007-Autosummarize-Feature-ftopict901799.html but here is that same basic principle and a brief tutorial:

http://www.lockergnome.com/windows/2007/09/10/create-a-summary-of-a-document-in-word-2007/

 

 

I hope you enjoyed the show and please feel free to leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com
You can access the podcast from here:

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Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPScast Episode #10: Talking Calculator

Hey everyone,

Sorry this post is up about 24 hours late, but here it is!
Episode #10 is up for your listening pleasure. Episode #10 describes the free software Talking Calculator.  You can access a link for the free download from www.premierathome.com/products/TalkingCalculator.php.

Here is a screenshot of what it looks like once it is installed:

talk-c.jpg

 

I hope you enjoyed the show and please feel free to leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com
You can access the podcast from here:

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Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPScast Episode #9: PowerTalk

Hey everyone,
Episode #9 is up for your listening pleasure. Episode #9 describes the free software add-on for PowerPoint called PowerTalk.  PowerTalk is an open source, free download that reads the text on a PowerPoint presentation outloud.  You can access a link for the free download from http://fullmeasure.co.uk/powertalk/.

Once you have it installed on your computer you simply navigate to your PowerPoint presentation file, right-click and then select “Narrate With PowerTalk”.

narratewithpowertalkshot.jpg

I hope you enjoyed the show and please feel free to leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com
You can access the podcast from here:

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Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPScast Episode #8: VSTE 2008 (Top 5)- Part 2

Hey everyone,
Episode #8 is up for your listening pleasure. Episode #8 is the second of a two part episode where I rank the Top 5 things I learned at the Virginia Society for Technology in Education (VSTE) Conference 2008. This episode includes:

Number 3- www.emilychang.com/go/ehub

This website is the personal website of a web designer named, Emily Change, out of San Francisco.  There is so much out there and so many new web applications updating every day, this site can keep you up to date on the latest Web 2.0 applications.

Number 2- www.soundsnap.com

This is a great resource to find free sounds.  I think one under utilized activity for students with difficulties following directions or auditory processing difficulties is listening to and discriminating between sounds.  Sounds can be used as story starters as opposed to the traditional text-based or picture based story starter.  Sound effects can be used to enhance digital storytelling activities, movie making activities, or student produced podcasts.   Adding these sounds might allow the students to feel like their production has a polished and fun quality.

Number 1- Mail Merge functions of Publisher to create Picture Dictionaries and Identification Cards

A teacher from Norfolk public schools named Jennifer Durkin presented on different ways she uses Publisher.  One strategy she showed what how you could take lists of items in Excel and Merge them with templates created in Publisher to easily make picture dictionaries and identification cards.  Picture dictionaries are a great way for students to review difficult spelling words, review vocabulary from any content area, or maintain their own “difficult for me to remember” list of words.  Identification cards are also a useful tool for students with communication difficulties.  The ID card might have saying on them like “My name is… and I am lost” or “Can you call my mom for me?  My phone number is …”.  I wrote Jennifer and she gave me permission to post her hand-outs here. vste-presentation-handout.pdf

I hope you enjoyed the show and please feel free to leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com
You can access the podcast from here:

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Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPScast Episode #7: VSTE 2008 (Top 5)- Part 1

Hey everyone,
Episode #7 is up for your listening pleasure. Episode #7 is the first of a two part episode where I rank the Top 5 things I learned at the Virginia Society for Technology in Education (VSTE) Conference 2008.  This episode includes:

Number 5- www.prometheanplanet.com.  You can download free ActivStudio lessons from this website.  If you don’t have ActivStudio, you can download the free FlipChart Viewer from here: FlipChart Viewer

Number 4- www.picnik.com.  A fun online, free photo editing tool.  It is very easy to upload pictures, edit the pictures, and apply different effects to the pictures.

I hope you enjoyed the show and please feel free to leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com
You can access the podcast from here:

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Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPScast Episode #6: ReadPlease

Hey everyone,
Episode #6 is up for your listening pleasure.  Episode #6 is the first episode with the new format.  Let me know what you think.  The tip for this episode is http://www.readplease.com/.  Readplease is free piece of software that you can download.  It is a text reader/talking word processor.  That is, you can copy/paste text right into it and it will read it out loud.  You can also type right into the program and it will read it aloud.

I hope you enjoyed the show and please feel free to leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com
You can access the podcast from here:

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Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T.TIPScast Episode #5: Use Whatchya Got (LRE and UDL for a Healthy DIAT)

Hey everyone,
Episode #5 is up for your listening pleasure. Episode #5 briefly explains the my take on the convergence of the educational concepts of Universal Design for Learning, Least Restrictive Environment, and Differentiating Instruction using Assistive Technology.  I also explain that future episodes will have less me talking about the principles of AT practice in public schools in favor of trying to fit in two tips per episode.  Please let me know what you think about the format change.  Good thing or bad thing for the show, what’s your take?

The tip for this week’s episode is on “Pacing Boards”.  Pacing Boards are simply circles used to facilitate language development.  You can watch a short movie on Pacing Boards here : Keeping Pace

Download a Microsoft Word document containing a Pacing Board: Three Circled Pacing Board  Three Circled Pacing Board Pic

Download a Microsoft Word document containing a Pacing Board: Six Circled Pacing Board 6 Circled Pacing Board

I hope you enjoyed the show and please feel free to leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com
You can access the podcast from here:

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Thanks everyone and happy listening!

A.T. TIPSCAST Episode #4: FETC 2008 (TOP 5)

Hey everyone,
Episode #4 is up for your listening pleasure. Episode #4 contains a short synopsis of my take on FETC 2008 as well as the top 5 things I learned at FETC 2008 (Florida Educational Technology Conference).  During the show I mentioned that I would post some movies and links.  I hope you enjoy them and find them useful in your teaching practice.

Opening Session Panoramic Video: Click here for the video.

Jeff Corwin on The Impact of Teachers on the World: Click here for the video.

***TOP 5 Resources I Learned at FETC 2008***

#5: Frequency of Web 2.0 Applications is Increasing In Education

#4: Classroom 2.0– Social Networking site for educators

#3: Using Your Noodle On The Moodle (Alan Taylor)- Presentation Style Can Be Free Form, Dynamic and Non-scripted/rehearsed

#2: The Amazing Math Toolbox For Teachers (Ian Prietz)- Handouts with links to math resources (some free)

#1: www.voicethread.com– Allows users to post a picture and allows other users to have access to leave voice comments or text comments on the margins surrounding that picture.

I hope you enjoyed the show and please feel free to leave a comment down below or drop me a line at attipscast@gmail.com
You can access the podcast from here:

Podcast Hosting
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com

Thanks everyone and happy listening!