Tools for Engagement
This year our newsletters are focusing on resources and technology tools that increase student engagement by changing how the student feels about learning and about themselves. This is the second edition in the series that focuses on these areas of engagement:
3 students conducting a science experiment. One boy is holding a block of wood that another is hitting with a tuning fork while a girl holds a large paper funnel to her ear.

Academic Engagement - "I Can"
  • Grade Level Standards
  • Productivity
  • Digital Citizenship
Social Engagement - "I Belong"
  • Social Awareness
  • Relationship Skills
Psychological Engagement - "I Want To"
  • Self-Awareness
  • Self-Management
  • Decision Making
In this edition we will focus on "I Can" with an emphasis on grade level standards, productivity, and digital citizenship. You can view the previous edition at http://conta.cc/2xf4XOd.
"I Can" - Grade Level Standards

A boy and girl each sitting at laptop computers and working together.
Providing content area technology tools can reduce barriers to active student engagement by providing the support and confidence needed to become proficient with grade level standards.


Tools for Math
  • Math Tools For Students - Math resource library that includes a collection of homework helpers, interactive tools, and image library of math tools for fractions, algebra, geometry, and 3D geometry.
  • MoffSoft FreeCalc - Online basic calculator with adjustable sizes and color schemes to make the buttons easy to see. Also includes a simulated paper tape display so work can be viewed and saved.
A screen grab of an online calculator showing a numeric pad and a ticker tape with addition showing.
  • iMathematics - Apple and Android app that provides formulas, theorems, definitions, and properties on over 70 topics. Includes note-taking and interactive calculators.
  • Panther Math Paper - Digital math paper for Apple mobile devices that provides keyboards and support tools for basic math, fractions, and algebra. Includes an export feature to save and email work.
A screen grab showing a gridded paper with math problems and a numeric keypad below.
  • EquatIO - Digital math tool for creating equations, formulas, Desmos graphs, and more on a computer or Chromebook. Math language can be added from the built-in library of expressions, dictated, typed, or handwritten on supported devices. 
Tools for Reading
  • Read&Write - Cross-platform reading and writing toolbar that includes text-to-speech, speech-to-text, picture and word dictionaries, word prediction, highlighting, text summarizer, and voice notes.
A screen grab of a tool bar showing icons representing different tools.
  • Snap & Read - Reading tool that includes text-to-speech, translation, dynamic text leveling, and note-taking tools.
  • ATbar - Cross-browser toolbar to customize how a web page appears to the viewer including the size, font, and color of text. Other features include color overlays, built-in dictionary, and a text-to-speech tool.
  • AIM Explorer - Computer-based simulation to help identify what presentation format features will meet a student's learning needs.
Screen grab showing the story The Lion and the Mouse with choices for how to highlight the passage.
"I Can" - Productivity

 

A girl writing on paper.

Technology tools that support the gathering, organization, and expression of information provide increased opportunities for attention to instructional content and the communication of thoughts, knowledge, and skills. 

 

  • MicNote - Integrated voice recorder and notepad for taking voice-synced notes. Features include auto timestamps, editable recordings, transcription, sharing, and synchronization between devices.
  • Mindomo - Mind map software with real-time collaboration and integration with Google Drive. Includes tools for mind mapping, concept mapping, task mind mapping, and outlining functions.
Screen grab showing clip art and unreadable text connect by lines on a mind map.
  • Voice Recognition - Works through Google Chrome as a speech recognition app to type emails and documents. Transcriptions are automatically saved to the local Chrome storage. 
  • Speech Recognition & Translator - Works through Google Chrome to provide instant voice recognition and translation. Features include auto-punctuation, auto-save, timestamps, in-text editing capability, transcription of audio files, and export options.
Screen grab showing the toolbar associated with the Speechlogger program and a blank writing space.
  • Grammarly Keyboard - Grammar keyboard compatible with Android mobile devices. Features include grammar checks, contextual spell checking, punctuation correction, vocabulary enhancements, and in-app operation.
"I Can" - Digital Citizenship

Several young students sitting at desktop computers.
Providing resources that promote  healthy behavior related to technology use including digital literacy, ethics, etiquette, privacy and security can help students become responsible digital citizens.


  • Trace My Shadow  - Calculator that estimates a user's digital footprint based on the types of devices used, Internet access, and online services. Provides tips on how to minimize a digital footprint and increase privacy and security.
Trace My Shadow screen grab example showing types of devices used_ number of local traces_ and that 82 results are available.
  • Common Sense Education - Lessons and games that provide information on Internet safety, digital footprints, privacy, security, communication, information literacy, cyberbullying, creative credits, and copyright.
  • Carnegie Cyber Academy - In a game-like environment, cadets conduct training missions to learn about the risks associated with the emails, websites, and improper social media communication.
Screen grab showing the start page for website mission_ level 1 website dangers.
  • Degizen - Players take on the role of student facing cyberbullying and are taught decision-making skills, Internet safety, and how to support others who have had negative online experiences.
  • The Case of the Cyber Criminal - Players answer questions and collect gadgets to stop a Cyber Criminal from stealing their online personal data while learning about Internet safety.
Screen grab showing the question what might it mean if your computer slows down_ displays repeated error messages_ serves up a lot of pop up ads_ and appears to send email messages you didn_t write_ Answer choices you_ve got spyware which is highlighted in green_ the rubber band powering your computer broke_ someone has been typing on your keyboard when you_re not looking_ and your warranty is up.
Announcements

The fifth annual UDL-IRN International Summit will take place April 26-27 in Orlando with pre-conference sessions occurring on April 25. Summit activities will include informal networking sessions, in depth pre-conference sessions, design labs, formal workshops, UDL Talks, and a brand-new interactive section. For more information or to register visit http://summit.udl-irn.org/.

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.