Tools for Engagement
Welcome back! We are excited about the 2017-2018 school year and, in particular, working with you in supporting the design and implementation of universal education; learning-rich curriculum and instruction that enables all students to become proficient with grade level standards.

One of the core understandings in universal education is that we are designing how our students learn. If we want students to feel good about education then we need to design instruction that is highly engaging.  Technolog y to ols can help increase engagement by changing how a student feels about learning and about themselves. Consider these areas of engagement:
 
Academic Engagement - "I Can"
  • Grade Level Standards
  • Digital Literacy
  • Productivity
    teacher kneeling next to a student at her desk while both are looking at something on a pad the teacher is holding
Social Engagement - "I Belong"
  • Social Awareness
  • Relationship Skills
Psychological Engagement - "I Want To"
  • Self-Awareness
  • Self-Management
  • Decision Making
This year our newsletters will focus on technology tools that students can use to increase their feelings of "I Can, I Belong, I Want To". Join us in exploring how to increase engagement and help all students desire to learn.
Girl sitting at a computer station and wearing headphones. She appears to be typing something while looking at a piece of paper.
"I Can"
Academic Engagement 
  • Grade level standards
  • Digital citizenship
  • Global/cultural awareness
  • Prioritizing
  • Planning

 

Screen shot of program showing a website with information about the Roman Empire. A section of text is highlighted and it appears larger in the foreground. It says 117 CE was the most extensive political and social structure in western civilization
  • Ginger - http://www.gingersoftware.com/ - Spelling and grammar checking app for desktops and mobile devices. Includes sentence rephrasing, a built-in dictionary, text reader, and translation tool.
  • Math TV - http://www.mathtv.com/ - Collection of online videos showing detailed step-by-step directions for solving math problems from basic math through Calculus. Includes closed captions and Spanish.
  • M indMup https://www.mindmup.com/ - Mind map creator availa ble online or integrated with Google Drive. Customizable layout includes tools for adding images, attachments, and sharing.
Example graphic organizer that shows several interconnected boxes. Each box contains information about a specific biome and related information is connected including a picture of a caribou connected to the tundra biome

 

Tip: When designing print-based activities, consider what presentation features are adjustable by the student. For example, can   the student change the font, size, or color of text? Can text readily be converted to speech or braille?
A group of boys are sitting in a circle. Some are looking at books and another is looking at an ipad. They appear to be collaborating on some project.
"I Belong"
Social Engagement 
  • Perspective taking
  • Appreciating diversity
  • Interactive communication
  • Cooperation
  • Conflict resolution

  • Google Translate - http://bit.ly/2vc9jRS - Chrome extension for translating entire web pages or selected sections to over 100 different languages. 
  • S pacete am  - http://spaceteam.ca/ - Android and Apple app that teaches teamwork and communication. Players are assigned random buttons, switches, sliders, or dials and must simultaneously follow time-sensitive instructions with their teammates.
A collection of screen shots showing different control panels from the game. Each control panel consists of nonsensical terms_ dials_ switches_ and buttons
  • Kahoot - https://getkahoot.com/ - Game-like learning environment where questions are presented as text, images, or videos. Available online or as an app and provides real-time results with individual and group data. 
  • Socrative - https://www.socrative.com/ - Cloud-based student response system to quickly assess student understanding through quizzes or exit tickets. Students can participate as individuals or teams. 
  • Social Stories - http://bit.ly/2vvpJ78 - Android app that includes a collection of 8 situations designed to teach socially appropriate behavior.

A screen shot showing an animated teacher standing in front of a classroom. The caption for the picture is getting attention in class.

Tip: When using student response systems, consider the cognitive and physical speed required to participate.
5 students are standing shoulder to shoulder with their arms around each other. They appear to be happy
"I Want To"
Psychological Engagement 
  • Self-confidence
  • Impulse control
  • Stress management
  • Goal setting
  • Progress monitoring

 

  • Assignment Calculator - http://bit.ly/2vVPmS7 - Online student tool for creating checkpoints to completion of writing assignments. Includes writing terminology, research tools, and writing tips.
  • Remember the Milk - http://bit.ly/2vcqPtv - Online and cross-platform task and time management tool. Students create to-do lists with assignments, due dates, and other important information. Students can setup email, SMS, or instant message reminders.
a screen shot from an example organizer. It has some indistinguishable tasks and do dates written on it

 

  • Breathe2Relax - Stress management tool that includes resource information, breathing exercises, and other stress reducing activities. Available for Apple and Android.
  • Noisli  - https://www.noisli.com/ -  Distraction tool that provides background noises, color therapy, and a text editor. Available online, for Apple and Android, and as a Google Extension.
  • Self-Check Behavior Checklist Maker -http://bit.ly/2inOAZf - Students create their own printable checklists of desired readiness  behaviors covering  a wide range of school day activities. 
a screen shot of an example checklist related to what to do when the teacher is talking.

 

Tip: Provide a variety of tools including devices, aides, or chart s  that help students collect, view, and analyze their own behavior.

Announcements

The Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference ( ATIA) is looking for volunteers to serve as session monitors, sighted guides, and poster scanners. In exchange for volunteering at the conference, volunteers will receive a 50% discount on their ATIA 2018 registration. 

  • Each volunteer will be assigned a hallway or an area consisting of approximately 3-5 session rooms, for which the individual will be responsible for monitoring access to the session rooms in that hallway.
  • The volunteer will need to arrive at the designated area about 15-20 minutes before the sessions start and stay in their designated post until about 10 minutes after the sessions start to make sure only those who have registered for the education sessions are allowed access (volunteer will be shown badge samples once you check in onsite to know who is allowed into the sessions).
  • After the sessions have started and the 10 minutes have elapsed, volunteers are free to sit in on sessions they are interested in; as long as they again resume their post 15-20 minutes before the next sessions start.
  • Guides will assist in helping visually impaired attendees get around the conference.
  • Sighted Guides need to remain available to assist attendees during the duration of their shift at the Accessible Materials & Services desk located across from registration.
  • Poster scanners will be responsible for helping to scan attendee's badges in the poster presenter area in the Exhibit Hall for CEUs.
  • Scanners will remain in the Exhibit Hall for the duration of their shifts placed a distance apart from each other to be able to assist as many attendees in different areas of the posters setup.
  • Scanners are encouraged to ask attendees viewing posters if they will need to receive CEUs.
Additional events and conference information is available on the Technology & Learning Connections  events page
This resource was funded through the Bureau of Exceptional Education  and Student Services with IDEA Part B dollars. The information and  resources are provided as a free awareness service to the educational  community and do not reflect any specific endorsement by any parties  involved . Please note that access to some resources may be blocked by individual school districts.