Assistive Technology Guide

The Michigan Alliance for Families and Michigan Integrated Technology Supports (MITS) have published a Parent and Educator Guide for Assistive Technology.  The post title links to the document that's very concise.  Check it out and share with parents and colleagues.

MACUL in Munising!

MACUL comes to Munising again this year for the annual U.P. Educational Technology and Business Conference!  Friday, May 4th at Munising High School and registration of $45 covers both breakfast and lunch.  Keynote speaker will be Paul Galbenski, Michigan Teacher of the Year.  Some of the sessions include:

• 21 Things 4 Students
• Google Docs for All
• Research and the iPad
• The Magic of Livescribe Pens for Students and Teachers

Several vendors will be on hand too.  Hope to see you there!

Online Webinars from AbleNet

AbleNet is hosting webinars on a variety of Curriculum and Assistive Technology topics.  Upcoming topics include: 

• Accessible iPod for Music and Audio Books in the Classroom - April 10th
• Switch Access to the iPad for Communication - April 17th

Archived webinars by Kelly Fonner, Elizabeth Rush and others are available anytime.

Protocol for Accommodations in Reading

Are you confused about the different kinds of reading accommodations and how to choose the right one?  This protocol provides a repeatable, systematic assessment process that helps you through the process. The protocol guides you in collecting data on a variety of reading accommodations.  It provides reading samples, vocabulary questions, and comprehension quizzes for each grade level 3rd - 10th.  For more information, participate in a live webinar:
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
 — 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT 
Wednesday, April 18, 2012 — 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
 — 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM CDT

Complete Guide to Educational and Special Needs Apps

This guide lists apps by skill set, for example: aphasia, apraxia, auditory processing, behavior management, etc.  Over 300,000 apps have been reviewed to compile this guide!  The author, Dawn Villarreal, a parent that created One Place for Special Needs, also wrote a "How To" guide for choosing apps.  Check out How to pick great apps from a sea of mediocre ones.  This site also has lists of online resources, products, events, discussions and groups.  

Awesome Clicker Tutorials - Free Online!

If you haven't been to this site lately, It's time to revisit SET BC!  I just googled Clicker 5 resources for a teacher and re-discovered this awesome site.  Need to show teachers how to make a Talking Book?  There's a 5 minute video tutorial that shows the basics.  The demonstrations are easy to follow and clear.  Clicker is just one of the many products they have resources for.  You can also find demonstrations on Boardmaker, AAC strategies and devices, and they even have tutorials for using Scientific Notebook.  For those of us that still have some older products, this is the place to get support.

Upcoming Webinar on Multi-Tiered System of Supports

This session is very timely!  The presentation will share the work of The Multi-Tiered System of Supports Project at the University of South Florida.  This past summer they implemented the Technology & Learning Connections: AT & UDL Team (TLC Team). The team is responsible for the development of a Multi-Tiered Supports System Framework for technology that includes accessible instructional materials, assistive technology, instructional technology, UDL and virtual instruction/assessment.  For a complete listing of upcoming webinars and registration information, visit the ATIA website.

Audio Audio Audio!

THREE UPCOMING SESSIONS

1. Monday, 1/16 @ 3:15pm Register http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AudioJanuary162012REGISTRATION

2. Monday, 1/30 @ 3:15pm Register http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AudioJan302012REGISTRATION

3. Friday, 2/3 @ 3:15pm     Register http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AudioFeb32012REGISTRATION

Event Description: This session will cover everything from free tools for recording and manipulating audio in your classroom to converting digital text into mp3's, a little on podcasting, converting audio formats, creating audiobooks, and organizing all of your classroom Audio!

This session is hosted by PATINS Promoting Achievement through Technology and INstsruction for All Students

Upcoming Livescribe Webinars

Introductory 1 hour sessions for learning the basics:

• Configure the settings of a smartpen and check the status
• Identify the features and functions of a smartpen, headset, and dot paper
• Capture handwritten notes and record audio
• Play back audio using paper replay controls
• Use the Livescribe Desktop software to access, organize, and search notes
• Share educational applications of the Livescribe smartpen

Tue, Jan 17, 2012 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST

Tue, Feb 21, 2012 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST

Free Printable Activities

We found this Blog while searching for a fun way for a student with autism to learn about emotions.  The post title links to an Emotions Bingo game.  The creator lists some other fun ways to use this - cut it apart and make a Memory game, or Flash cards.  The Blogger is a very creative, crafty mom of a child with autism.
This is just one of many projects!  There's free printable jig saw puzzles, home school activities and classification games.  There's even free printable gift tags, recipe cards and wrapping paper!  Hey it's that time of year...
Happy Holidays!