Sponsorised links
This month
Ghotit Dyslexia Literacy Assistance.
Ghotit offers unique writing and reading online services for people who suffer from dyslexia, dysgraphia or people who are not native-English speakers. Download the Internet Explorer plugin with text to speech capability.
NCIP Voice Recognition
A good overview of the use of voice recognition to support learners. Although somewhat dated, this site is helpful for background info for Special Educators considering Voice Recognition for a given student.
June 2008
Childtopia
18 online animated books for Listen and reading comprehension. When in listening mode, the text is highlighted. Browsers with magnification can enlarge the text. More activties for language, math, etc. Teachers should preview for younger students as the interface is a different (and flash based).
K-1 Early learning
These programs were designed to support many areas of the curriculum. They can be used with a range of assistive input devices including switches (emulating the spacebar or left mouse button); touch-screens and pointing devices. Our counting songs also accept input from keyboards including Intellikeys and Concept. All work brilliantly on an interactive whiteboard such as those produced by Smart or Promethean.
multiplication puzzle
Fin multiplication puzzle for individual,whole class whiteboard, or small groups. Customize the puzzle for different abilities
CAST: Learning Tools
UDL Editions by CAST are classic texts from world literature presented in a flexible online interface that provides just-in-time, individualized supports for struggling readers, and added-value features that engage novice and expert readers alike.
Learning features include leveled supports to build reading strategies and help readers understand the elements of the author's craft; a Texthelp Toolbar for accessibility and language features; context-specific multimedia glossaries and enrichment activities; and multimedia background resources.
Cast Strategy Tutor
A free online tool to support students and teachers doing reading and research on the Internet, ages 10 and up. Strategy Tutor helps students read, research, collect and understand information better and more efficiently. For teachers, Strategy Tutor provides a way to easily create web-based lessons embedded with research-based, highly effective learning strategy and vocabulary supports.
Cast UDL Book Builder
Free online tool enables educators to develop their own digital books to support reading instruction for children aged 3& up. Teachers create, edit, and save resource-rich texts. Terry, an animated character, guides educators as they write text, choose images, and develop scripts for the prompts, hints, and models that will help build young readers' skills. Copyright 2006-2008, CAST. Please send comments or suggestions to
UDL Editions by CAST
UDL Editions take advantage of the flexibility of digital media to reach and engage all learners. Leveled supports and the Texthelp Toolbar balance challenge and support for each learner, ages 10 and up. Select your book to get started!
Includes How Coyote Stole the Fire, About Coyotes, Call of the Wild, The Tell Tale Heart, The Gettysburg Address.
Sponsorised links
April 2008
Kids Math Games
Great page of math games focusing on math facts, counting,patterns, geometry,measuring,and more. Teachers look for the link "Click Here" see see activity descriptions.
March 2008
ReadHowYouWant.com - Easy Read Books and formats, Large Print Books and formats, Biographies
► We markup books quickly and cost effectively into XML from PDF, HTML, scanned images and other electronic formats
► We automatically generate a large number of different formats from this XML file: Standard print, Large print, Specialized print, Braille, DAISY, Audio books and e-Books
To give people with reading disabilities access to information in books in the formats of their choice at an affordable price as soon as the book is published
Read The Words
Upload Adobe PDF
Upload MS Word
Upload HTML File
Write Text Content
Cut and Past Text
Input Website Address
Input RSS Feeds URL
Step 2 - Select a Reader
Listen to our Reader’s samples
Choose 1 of 14 Different Readers
Our Readers Speak English, Spanish, and French
Each Reader has a Unique Voice and Some Have Accents
Control your Reader’s Speed
Play with your Reader’s Pitch
It takes our readers approx 1 minute to generate a 1 hr long recording
Step 3 - Sit Back and Listen
Listen to your reading online
Download your reading to your ipod or other mp3 player
Broadcast your reading as a podcast and share it
Post your reading in your Website or Blog
Save yourself Time
Turn the readers of your blog into listeners
Allow your readers to listen while they multi-task and download your blog
Simply Entertainment
Accessible Learning/entertainment software
Where to get those games, at low cost, or for FREE
What to look for in selecting those games, quickly and with fewer costly mistakes
How to apply those games to your learning objectives, without a lot of mystery
Who to go to for FREE help
December 2007
Interactive multimedia for social skills, understanding feelings, relaxation and coping strategies, etc.
Here are some interactive applications and games that focus on social skills, coping skills, feelings, stress management, relaxation, communication, attention, or study skills. Multimedia applications present students with experiences that address a variety of modes of learning, communication, and thinking. This can be helpful with students who have more difficulty with traditional word-based counseling techniques.
The links with an asterisk (*) have online demos or offer the content on-line. Click on the links to view on-line activities and information.
Welcome to Picture Planner
Picture Planner is an icon (picture) based scheduling system that assists individuals with disabilities in planning activities by the day, week, or month. Picture Planner uses synthesized speech to provide feedback and aid in accessibility.
Interactive Multimedia Technology: Updated MegaPost-Resources For All: Interactive Multimedia and Universal Design for Learning
new technologies have made their way into an increasing number of classrooms, and many educators are aware of efforts such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Response to Intervention or Instruction (RTI), as well as innovative technologies that provide engaged, interactive learning experiences for students.
In this post, I've consolidated information and updated links and resources from some previous posts from my TechPsych and Interactive Multimedia Technology blogs. Although many of the resources cited in this post relate to K-12 education, some of the information is useful for instructional designers, school administrators, researchers, college/university educators, parents, and technologists who are interested in developing interactive multimedia applications for children and teens.
November 2007
On the Trail of John Smith
Follow John Smith as he helps establish the Jamestown colony, explores the Chesapeake Bay, and meets local Native Americans in this new interactive adventure. Great for differentiation: audio narration with animated story and embedded learning games occur withing within the story.
October 2007
ReadingMatrix.com
Search Directory geared specifically to reading,
Analyzing Text (12) new
Audio and Text (18)
Proofreading (4)
Reading Comprehension Advanced (10)
Reading Comprehension Beginner (14)
Reading Comprehension Intermediate (19)
Short Stories (11)
Vocabulary (51)
SymbolWorld - The planets
Informative website about the planets with audio and symbol support.
September 2007
THE K-8 Aeronautics Internet Textbook
Good source for students with a passion for aeronautics. Various reading levels available.
eWord Game
Companion to textbook Houghton Mifflin Spelling and Vocabulary but still useful for grades 1-6. Hover over the word or definition to hear it read aloud.
