Text-to-Spech and UDL (PC) applications

So much focus has been on the iPad, so it is sometimes easy to forget that there are plenty of tools available for the traditional computers in our classroom. In many ways, it is these "traditional" technological tools that will likely be more commonplace in our schools, at least until i-devices become more commonly used and accepted (and funded) as educational tools.

Kurzweil was the main focus of our studies today. A robust - but very expensive - text-to-speech application, Kurzweil offers a rich variety of uses for those students who can benefit from text-to-speech software. I was impressed with the variety of options available, as Kurzweil goes far beyond basic text-to-speech to include such features as highlighting, variable word speed and voices, definitions with customizable dictionaries (including picture dictionaries), sticky notes and bubble notes to aid students during the reading process.

I was somewhat put off by the high price of Kurzweil, and I was left wondering whether the price tag means that only the students with the greatest needs benefit from the support Kurzweil offers. I could see a variety of valid uses for students in the classroom, but as Barb noted it is usually (always?) only the students with a diagnoses and approved support who are eligible to use Kurzweil.

In this age of i-devices and increasing access to AT through the UDL concepts, hopefully technology as high-quality as Kurzweil will become more widely available to a greater number of students.



UDL Tech Toolkit Website
(Click to follow link)

UDL concepts - Universal Design for Learning - is based on the idea that technology should be provided that is accessible and beneficial for all, and not just specific learners. Traditional AT focuses on the disability and how to "help" those who require it; UDL focuses on the content, and the format can be used by anyone. Thus, the i-devices are said to be based on UDL principles: they are mass market devices that appeal to everyone, and have built-in accessibility options for use. 

The above referenced website, UDL Tech Toolkit, is a database of free websites and online tools that are based on the UDL concept. Here are five resources I found that would be beneficial. (Click on each website name to follow link.)

Virtual Manipulatives

 This is an excellent site for students to use online math manipulatives such as base-10 blocks. This provides a novel way to interact with the blocks, providing for motivation and engagement. It would also be beneficial for students who have limited mobility but are able to manipulate a computer mouse through some type of assistive technology.


MyClox

A simple but very useful site that allows users to manipulate the arms of an analogue clock, with the option to display the associated digital time.


Scholastic Story Starters

Although story starters seem to be frowned-upon pedagogy in these days of workshop, there are still times when it is a useful activity to help students who may be struggling to write. This is an engaging, highly visual and auditory site that provides students with story starters through a fun interface. Great to help motivate reluctant writers.


Etherpad Lite

This is a text collaboration site that allows several users to share and interact with the same piece of writing. Whoever has the web link of a document can view and edit it, and it is saved automatically. In addition to making it easier for students to share their writing with each other and with the teacher, this could also be used as a communication tool between parents and teachers.


ReadWorks.org

This is a site directed at teachers, but one I found quite interesting. It provides a range of comprehension lessons for various grade levels, with digitized copies of the reading material available for UDL access. Valuable lesson site.