A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #96: A Language-Based Curriculum
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Tag Archives: Speech Pathology
The 2011 Edublog Awards! Time to Vote!
The 2011 Edublog Award nominations are out! “The Compendium Blog of the A.T.TIPSCAST” has been nominated in the category of “The Best use of Audio/Video/Podcast”. The podcast came in fourth last year! Where will it place this year?!?! We’ll find out on December 14th.
The following are a list of ways you can help:
1. Vote once per day from work.
2. Vote once per day from home.
3. Vote once per day from your smartphone (if you have one).
4. Ask your friends, family and colleagues to vote once per day at home, work, and from a smartphone.
Click on this VOTE button to vote!
Not sure how? Watch this 1 minute video demonstrating the process.
While you’re there, vote for these deserving resources as well!
Best EdTech/Resource Sharing Blog- SpeechTechie
Best Twitter Hashtag- #slpeeps
Best Educational Use of a Wiki- UDLTechToolkit
Best Webinar Series- VSTELive!
One last thing…
Even if you don’t vote, take some time to explore all the fantastic nominees. The reason they are nominated is because these resources have earned the respect of their peers. These resources have made a lasting impact on people resulting in authentic invigoration, innovation, and inspiration. One or more of these resources might have the same impact on you!
A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #74: Contextualized Communication
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.
This episode features a description of a scenario where a student with mulitple articulation difficulties is communicating effectively 90% of the time but needs help when telling about novel situations. A strategy was put in place that is effectively helping that student communicate with others during these times. This episode is one of my contributions to Better Hearing and Speech Month by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
A.T.TIPS –
#199: Providing Contextual Communication with a Camera Phone
Upcoming Presentations-
PATINS PROJECT – “UDL 2.0″ in Second Life – May 2nd, 2011 – 4:00pm – 5:00pm with Beth Poss. Register for free: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MAY2
Second Life Location: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/PATINS%20Project%20Island/149/28/32
For a list of the entire presentation history check out the “Presentations” link at the top of 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:
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Thanks everyone and happy listening!
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.
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 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:
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Thanks everyone and happy listening!
A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #70: Melissa’s Math Madness
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.
Episode #70 features math resources as shared by special guest host Melissa Bugaj, host of the Night Light Stories podcast.
The episode also features a bumper from the participants in the Social Media for Speech-Language Pathologists session conducted at the American Speech Language Hearing Association conference of 2010.
A.T.TIPS In This Episode-
A.T.TIP #185: http://nlvm.usu.edu – National Library of Virtual Manipulatives
A.T.TIP #186: www.brainpop.com
A.T.TIP #187: www.ixl.com
A.T.TIP #188: www.internet4classrooms.com
A.T.TIP #189: www.themathpage.com
Upcoming Presentations-
ESBOCES Model Schools Technology Leadership Webinar Series
Practical AT – March 7th, 2011 – 8:00pm – 9:00pm with Sally Norton-Darr
UDL & Assistive Technology – April 4th, 2011 – 8:00pm – 9:00pm with Sally Norton-Darr
Eight is Enough – April 6th, 2011 – 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Alternative Professional Development – April 11th, 2011 – 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Participant’s Choice – Social Media/Podcasting OR Web 2.o – April 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:
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Thanks everyone and happy listening!
A.T.TIPSCAST Episode 67: Glogster at Temple University
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.
Episode #67 features a recording of a live event from a presentation Beth Poss and I did at Temple University back in November of 2010. Beth and I are doing a Pre-Conference Workshop – UDL 2.0 Hands on! on January 26th from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Sign up and join us for a day of interactive fun! The episode also features a bumper from Sean Sweeney. Check out his Edublog Award Winning blog www.speechtechie.com.
A.T.TIPS In This Episode-
A.T.TIP #153: www.glogster.com
Upcoming Presentations-
Maryland Assistive Technology Network Webinars
Web 2.0 Tools, January 13th, 2011– 3:00pm – 4:00pm EST
ESBOCES Model Schools Technology Leadership Webinar Series
Practical AT – March 7th, 2011 – 8:00pm – 9:00pm with Sally Norton-Darr
UDL & Assistive Technology – April 4th, 2011 – 8:00pm – 9:00pm with Sally Norton-Darr
Eight is Enough – April 6th, 2011 – 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Alternative Professional Development – April 11th, 2011 – 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Participant’s Choice – Social Media/Podcasting OR Web 2.o – April 13th, 2011 – 8:00pm – 9:00pm
The Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference 2011 – Orlando, Florida
Pre-Conference Workshop – UDL 2.0 Hands on! – January 26th – 8:00am – 4:00pm with Beth Poss
Re-energize Your Technology Implementation – January 27th – 9:20am – 10:20am with Mark Nichols
PD 2.0 – Interactive Web-based Technology for PD in AT – January 27th – 1:15pm – 3:15pm with Beth Poss
Other Resources Mentioned in This Episode-
UDL EXPLAINED VIDEO – http://bit.ly/udlexplained
2010 EDUBLOG AWARDS – Best Educational Podcast
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:
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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.
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!
A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #54: The Small Mermaid
Download a free PDF of the story- Episode #54: The Small Mermaid (PDF)
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.
Episode #54 features a fairytale written for Better Hearing and Speech Month about a little mermaid whose voice is stolen and how she goes about finding a new way to communicate. It is guest narrated by Miss Mel, @nightlight08, from the children’s podcast Night Light Stories.
This story is also available for the Kindle and Kindle app on the iPad for $0.99.
A.T.TIPS In This Episode-
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
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:
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Thanks everyone and happy listening!
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.
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.
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.
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:
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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 OpenOffice – Open 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.
Drag words to make sentences
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:
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Thanks everyone and happy listening!
Edublog Awards 2009: My Nominations
Hello there everyone,
This is a blog-only post. There isn’t any new audio, or official A.T.TIPSCAST episode, associated with this post but don’t click away yet! This post outlines my nominations for the 2009 Edublog Awards. In my experience most educational bloggers, podcasters, and Tweeters do so on their own time, after work hours because it is their passion. They aren’t asked to do it and they aren’t paid to do it, but we all benefit from the many hours they put into their craft.
The Edublog Awards provide a way to recognize these enormous efforts. Here are my nominations for the 2009 Edublog Awards:
Best individual blog – Teaching All Students by Patrick Black – (www.teachingall.blogspot.com) – Fresh ideas, multiple resources, and practical solutions for differentiating instruction for EVERY student.
Best individual tweeter – Melissa Techman (www.twitter.com/mtechman) – In my estimation, the most prolific person on Twitter. Melissa is the first to share valuable resources and insights moving us all forward with her conversations and input.
Best new blog – The Tech Flash by Mark Nichols (www.thetechflash.com) – Although the first post was in October of 09, The Tech Flash is already proving to be one of the most pertinent blogs about technology for all students (with a special focus on students with disabilities) not to mention resources for teachers, administrators, and parents alike.
Best teacher blog – Speech-Language Pathology Sharing by Eric Sailers (www.speechlanguagepathologysharing.blogspot.com) – There aren’t many speech-language pathologists who integrate technology in their practice and share those experiences with the world at large. Few skills are as important to a student as the ability to communicate, let alone communicate effectively. This well-planned and thorough blog provides support to every teacher who has a student with communication difficulties.
Best educational use of audio – Teacher 2.0 podcast by Rodd Lucier (www.thecleversheep.com) – I could be wrong about this, but I believe the willingness of teachers to listen to an audio file correlates directly to the length of that file. The longer the file, the less likely it is that a teacher will listen to it. The Teacher 2.0 podcast provides succinct yet thought-provoking topics on education technology that make listeners feel like they are part of an active conversation rather than a passive member of the audience.
Best educational wiki – The UDLTechToolKit by Karen Janowski & Joyce Kazman Valenza (http://udltechtoolkit.wikispaces.com/) – Simply the best collection of tools on the web for differentiating instruction. A teacher could get lost for hours in the possibilities for students. Any visitor instantly begins to see solutions for students they work with on a daily basis.
Best educational use of a social networking service – The Assistive Technology Ning by Brian Wojcik (http://assistivetech.ning.com/) – The Assistive Technology Ning provides individuals who are interested in the topic of assistive technology with a way of having virtual discussions including the ability to share multimedia (text, video, audio, images, etc.) while also providing a way to have a visual representation of its participants.
I hope you check out these fabulous resources and, if you agree with my choices, consider voting for these fantastic creations, projects, and initiatives to recognize the dedication of these individuals. Find out more information about how to participate over at The Edublog Awards.
Enjoy!
Chris
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.
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:
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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:
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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:
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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 #2
- Voice Feedback Modulator Sample 2
Classroom Voice 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:
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| 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
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:
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| 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 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
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 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:
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| 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:
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| 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:
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| Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com |
Thanks everyone and happy listening!
A.T.TIPSCAST Episode #24: Brainline.org Interview
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:
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| 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.
2. Better Practice Makes Perfect – LaTrobe University
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:
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| 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:
Vertical:
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:
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| Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com |
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
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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| Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com |
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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| Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com |
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:
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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| Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com |
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”.
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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| Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com |
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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| Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com |
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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| Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com |
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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| Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com |
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 
Download a Microsoft Word document containing a Pacing Board: Six 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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| Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com |
Thanks everyone and happy listening!
The Compendium Blog of The A.T.TIPSCAST 