"What is good for one may be good for the many." I live by this mentality while seamlessly integrating all student needs in the academics and culture of my classroom. For example, if one or more students would benefit from writing a note down on a google doc, need an extra work period to feel confident about completing an assignment, appreciates reference an anchor chart to help navigate/ break down a difficult concept, or answer questions more accurately and timely with access to linking cubes on a math quiz- I allow it for the whole class. This is shown more in the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-LbXV6jKsg. For the purpose of length, I will only expand on a few- the rest of these tips can be explored more throughout the references section provided below.
1. Use of Graphic Organizers
The use of teacher or student generated graphic organizers is proven to improve students working memory and reading comprehension. This resource supports students to include coherent and concise details or thoughts about a topic to focus on essential detail rather than their thoughts be over loaded with side details (i.e. by ADHD students). To develop skills such as inferences and comprehension, graphic organizers visually and verbally offer a direct outlet to relay, sort and organize information that comes from the attention of their working memory. Graphic organizers/ visual schedules are considered low tech assistive technology. As many students find writing intimidating, graphic organizers can ease the stress and pressure of students with and without Executive Functioning Disorder and Dysgraphia. Graphic organizers can also include cue cards and Prezi/ google slides.
2. Visual Timers
This is a sensory based tool for students to keep track of what the time is and how long they have to complete a task or until another task or different part of the day starts. This is a very useful, non verbal tool to help with transitioning throughout the school day for various learners. The timer can be virtual (displayed on the smart board), a physical clock displayed at the front of the class, not have any sound effects (to ease the stress of students with high anxiety) or have sound effects to keep students aware of the time while they are not looking at the clock.
3. Speech-to-Text Software
4. Closed Captioning
5. Audiobooks
6. Modified Seating
Modified seating includes, but is not limited to; standing desks, wobble stools, seat cushions, bouncy bands etc. "Sitting still" is not easy or comfortable for everyone, slight movements can help students who have ADHD or ADHD like tendencies or those that cannot keep their legs straight or reaching the floor. Modified seating can also assist with students staying engaged and focusing on a task for longer but stay motivated long enough to feel accomplished and want to participate.
7. Noise Eliminating Head Phones
8. Assigning Meaning to a Variety of Colours/ Highlighter Strips
9. Flexible Groupings
From Paula Kluth's "Flex Your Groupings" article on Reading Rockets,
"In most instances, educators will be using assessment data and classroom observations to create flexible groupings in the classroom. Other times, however, teachers may want to group or pair students randomly. This type of grouping works well for many different types of lessons including community-building activities, idea sharing, small-group discussions, or the exploration of materials."
In all, these tips are to help inspire the facilitation of low to high tech assistive technology in classrooms around the world. All students should feel empowered where they are meeting the learning goals to participate as independently as possible. Also, each student is more likely to engage in the task at hand and retain the information more when they have choice. It is the teacher and EAs job to know how to the students in their classroom can express their voices so they they are able to hear them. Although this is not a "one size fits all" easy-peasy approach, I firmly believe that these 10 tips should be accessible for all students to work effectively when needed.
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