Virtual and augmented reality are fairly “new” technologies in classrooms. Sometimes the barrier to getting started with these types of technologies can stop us from ever being able to give them a try. That’s why I was really excited when Google Expeditions, which has always been great for virtual reality, Read more…
Need to create listening activities for your FSL class? Use images, alt text and Read&Write for Google Chrome!
Spreadsheets are a powerful tool for math but, in my experience, are underused in the classroom. It got me to thinking because much of the math I do in my day-to-day life, I figure out with the help of a spreadsheet. I regularly use them to do budgets, track expenses, Read more…
I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about how best to design and present rich math tasks while keeping in mind students who use assistive technology. That said, with universal design in mind – I want to create something that works for those that need accessible activities but at Read more…
Here are some options for students (or anyone!) interested in creating an “app”: Code.org’s App Lab Scratch MIT App Inventer Create an app prototype with Google Slides Thunkable Swift Playgrounds Microsoft Make Code I put “app” in quotations because though these tools are robust enough to satisfy the creative desires Read more…
I’m often asked my opinion on what devices one should buy. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That said, my standard answer to “Chromebooks or iPads?” is BOTH. The trend for some time, at least in the elementary schools that I have experience with, was to buy oodles of iPads. I’ve seen Read more…
If you have an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, there are a lot of powerful built-in accessibility features that can help all of us – but especially those of us that may need some additional support with reading and writing. I recently presented on some of these features, so rather Read more…
This year I’ve taken on a new challenge in a new role as an Assistive Technology Resource Teacher. It’s been incredible to be able to focus on the combination of two of my passions in teaching – special education and technology. I love the job and feel like it’s what Read more…
I’ve been incorporating making into my classroom in the past few years. Some of my biggest challenges and one of the things I spent the most time on was sourcing different needed materials and supplies. Knowing what to get, what was the best buy, what works well with students – Read more…
During lunch today, I started painting. About five kids stayed inside instead of going out for recess cause they wanted to paint, too. Those 20 minutes were the most chill moments with these kids ever. I learned a ton about them as we talked and worked. When the other kids Read more…