How EdTech Tools Are Changing Special Education n

A look at the tech tools transforming education

The number of students receiving special education has been on a steady incline for years. According to Pew Research, about 15% of students enrolled in public schools in the U.S. during the 2021-22 school year had a disability. EdTech tools are helping schools meet the growing demand for learning that supports a student’s unique needs. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the different types of edtech that might be used in special education.

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology refers broadly to technology designed to support activities of daily life. Most of us use some form of assistive technology in our daily lives, such as a pair of reading glasses that allows us to read fine print. A higher-tech example is a screen reader that can translate written text to braille. Both Microsoft and Google have features that are compatible with braille display devices.

Text-to-speech software is a form of assistive technology that translates text into audio, allowing students who have physical conditions or a learning disability that prevents them from reading to access text. Microsoft’s Immersive Reader incorporates tools like read aloud, text decoding and an image dictionary.

For students with ADHD or other executive functioning challenges, who may struggle to organize their thoughts, an app like Mind Node can help them organize and outline their ideas before sitting down to write.

Sip and puff devices enable users to command a device by using air pressure. By using the mouth to sip or puff air, students can control their wheelchair or computer.

Assistive technology can even be something unexpected, like a virtual sensory room. A virtual sensory room enables students who get easily overstimulated or emotionally disregulated to access calming tools, such as listening to a meditation, participating in a guided breathing exercise, listening to soothing music or watching a live animal camera.

Augmented and Alternative Communication

Augmented and alternative communication (AAC) refers to a variety of ways in which people who have limited or no verbal speech may communicate with others. Examples of AAC range from American Sign Language (ASL) to voice recognition software that enables learners to communicate with their teachers and peers. In a classroom setting, a student might use a device to communicate with teachers via text or visual images.

Beyond Education and Into the Workplace

Several of our partners have made significant strides in creating more inclusive technology and embracing inclusivity among their workforce. Microsoft has created the Inclusive Tech Lab, a facility devoted to inclusion in daily life, including in the areas of education and gaming. People with disabilities can visit the lab to interact with assistive and adaptive technology. Google has launched the Start With One program, which highlights individual makers and innovators who harness Google technology to solve a problem or make life easier in some way. Dell launched a Neurodiversity Hiring Program in addition to True Ability, an employee resource group that supports employees with disabilities.

Want to know more about how educational technology can help students with disabilities thrive in school and prepare for the future? Let’s talk!

EdTech Tradeshow Survival Kit: Tips for Creating a Valuable Experience

EdTech Tradeshow Survival Kit: Tips for Creating a Valuable Experience

Because the world of educational technology is ever evolving, keeping up with the latest is integral to modern education. Attending professional development events, such as tradeshows and conferences, is one way to stay informed about the latest and greatest gadgets and programs in the field. 

If you’re headed to an event this year with your school or teaching team, we have a few pointers to ensure that you’re getting the best and most worthwhile experience. 

1. Have a goal in mind.
   Just like with classroom teaching, it’s wise to begin with a clear objective. So, ask yourself: what are you hoping to glean from this event? Perhaps it’s tech integration ideas, perusing newer and better devices, or even working on forging some networking opportunities. Decide what you want to get out of the event, and put your focus on accomplishing that goal. 
   
   
   

2. Get familiar with the schedule. 
   While some PD events may have a fixed schedule, others will allow for more flexibility in accordance with your goals. Take a look at the event schedule beforehand so that you’re familiar with what’s happening, when, and where. For a tradeshow experience, do some preparation beforehand and research which companies may have what you’re seeking.
   
   
   

3. Come with questions.
   At both conferences and expos, experts will be at the ready to help assist you. If you’ve done some advance research, you’ll be in the right place to get your questions answered.
   
   
   

4. Check out the event map.
   Your time is valuable, and you don’t want to spend it trying to find your bearings. Just a few minutes of planning time could save many more later on; so, make sure to take a look at the event’s map on their website before attending.
   
   
   

5. Bring the right gear. 
   Chances are, you’ll be hauling some stuff. Between your own personal device, brochures and other learning materials, you’ll need a quick way to transport it all. Use a comfortable backpack or a rolling bag to optimize comfort for the long day. Plan to wear a comfortable, business casual outfit and sensible shoes: for a tradeshow especially, you can expect a good amount of walking. 

Tradeshows, conferences, expos, and other events are crucial to professional development. In these spaces, teachers and administrators can learn best practices for technological integration, participate in interesting sessions, and have hands on experiences. By using our guide, you’re likely to end your day with helpful takeaways and great memories.

Tools and Tips for Coming Back to In-Person Learning

Back-to-school this fall will be monumental for many K-12 schools because it’s the first opportunity for in-person learning. And while administrators, teachers and students are likely ready to hang up their virtual classrooms, some of the technology can enhance in-person learning. Using digital tools to enhance classroom learning was happening way before the pandemic. Now, because we had to pivot to an online environment, we’re all a little savvier about which tools we’d like to keep. Here are some that you should definitely take back to school with you.

• Google Slides: Google Slides allows teachers to create, edit and share presentations and multiple students can work on a presentation at the same time, making it ideal for collaboration. Google Slides can also be used as an outline during lectures and offers templates for student engagement. Google Slides is always saving so you never have to worry about losing your work. Google for Education offers teachers tips and tricks on how to get the most out of this tool. For example, teachers can watch a quick video on how to insert audio into Google Slides or how to link presentations.
  

• Customized Desktop Icons: Mac and PC users can create customized icons for desktop folders. Changing icons is a fun way to personalize computers and laptops. Windows offers built-in options but PC users can also download icons from multiple websites. According to HowToGeek.com, PC users need to access the Desktop Icon Settings to change their icons. In Windows 10, you can access this window through Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop Icon Settings. In Windows 8 and 10, it’s Control Panel > Personalize > Change Desktop Icons. For Mac users, 9to5Mac.com says to open Finder and navigate to Applications. Click the app you’d like to change the icon for and hit Command + I. Copy your new image (Command + C), click the small thumbnail of the app icon and past the new image (Command + V). 
  

• Seesaw: Seesaw creates a powerful learning loop between students, teachers and families. Students use built-in multimodal tools to capture what they know in Seesaw’s digital lesson portfolio. Teachers see all stages of student thinking and progress and families can see what’s happening with their sons and daughters. Teachers can get started by manually entering students or integrating classes from Google Classroom. If younger students don't have email accounts, there's also an option for them to sign in using a QR or text code. Seesaw has tons of training and professional development for teachers, students and families. And it’s free to sign up.
  

• Flipgrid: Even before the pandemic, educators were flipping for Flipgrid. Flipgrid is a video discussion platform used by tens of millions of PreK to PhD educators, students and families in 150 countries. It works on Chromebooks, iPads, iPhones, PCs and Android devices. This software has tons of uses. Students can talk to each other and teachers, so everyone is engaged and on the same page. Administrators can use it to engage their professional learning network. Flipgrid can build community among staff and create conversation beyond small talk. Just returned from a conference and have something to share? Take a few minutes and use a grid.

No matter if it’s in-person, hybrid or virtual, digital tools will always have a place in learning. Tell us which digital tools you can’t teach without!

Why Tablets Are Great for K-12 Learning

Many households see laptops as tools for work and tablets for fun. But using tablets for learning just makes sense.

Benefits to Tablets

Ideal for K-3: Tablets are great for young learners. Similar to phones or other mobile devices, tablets are tech that kids are likely already familiar with. They have easy-to-use interfaces that make navigating them a snap, even for the littlest learners.

Easy on the Budget: Tablets can also be cost-effective. Most elementary school students aren’t quite adept at using keyboards yet so buying this modification isn’t necessary until at least middle school. 

Ultra-Portable: Tablets can easily be transported around the classroom or building. Tablets are generally much lighter, many weighing about one pound, so they’re easy to carry. A tablet can go from the desk, to the floor, to the library without a special carrying case.

Great App Integration. Tablets are ideal for utilizing apps as many don’t work off an operating system like a laptop. For example, Google Workspace for Education offers free collaboration tools like Classroom, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms and more, which all can be downloaded as apps.

Other Perks: There are other pros to using a tablet for learning as well. Tablets don’t take up a lot of room and have a long battery life. A tablet’s screen also makes it easy to write notes on or draw. But as with any tool, there’s always a couple of cons.

Downsides to Tablets

Using a Touchscreen Keyboard: Touchscreen keyboards have their issues. They don’t offer a keyboard feel, which can not only take some getting used to but can lead to inaccuracies. Typing on one all day isn’t as productive as a standard laptop keyboard. Researchers found the average typing speed on a touchscreen keyboard is only 25 words per minute compared to 63 on a traditional keyboard.

Not as Durable as Laptops: One of the biggest benefits to using tablets, their portability, can make them more susceptible to breakage. Kids can easily carry laptops from desk to library to lunchroom leading to more opportunities for damage. Tablets are also much thinner than most laptops so drops and bangs can easily cause damage. Investing in a shockproof case is a good solution as well as training on how to care for tablets.

A 2 in 1 Chromebook is a great solution that offers the accessibility of learning apps, like Google for Education apps, but the durability that a laptop provides. 

Popular 2 in 1s for Education

Lenovo 300e Gen 3

The Lenovo 300e Chromebook Gen3 is an 11.6-inch, flexible, 2-in-1 education laptop. Students can simply tap, scroll and swipe with a finger or use the optional garaged stylus, just like they would on a tablet. But, because it’s a 2-in-1, there’s also a full-sized keyboard. And because it is made for education, it features a tough-as-nails Corning® Gorilla® Glass panel, which allows it to stand up to scratches. It is pretty light as well, only weighing about 3 pounds. It also has multiple ports and boasts an all-day battery life. WiFi 6 connects fast and easy and with an optional 4G/LTE, it’s great for in-class and virtual learning.

Dell 3100 2-in-1

The Dell 3100 2-in-1 Chromebook is designed for interactive learning. Not only does it offer multiple ways to learn, but it is also designed to last all day and resist whatever K-12 students can dish out. It’s tested to survive 5,000 free fall micro-drops and 30-inch drops onto steel, while rubberized edges minimize impacts from drops and bumps. The spill and tamper-resistant keyboard withstands up to 12 ounces of liquid. The touch screen is also made of Corning® Gorilla® Glass which delivers eight to 10 times higher scratch resistance. The 3100 also weighs about three pounds. 

Making decisions about what EdTech will work best for you school is easier with a trusted partner. Arey Jones has been working with K-12 educators for the past three decades. We know EdTech and we’re here to help. Contact us today.

How COVID-19 is Reshaping Education

K-12 schools have never understood the importance of educational technology more than they did when the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down across the country in 2020. Now being “technically” ready to allow kids and teachers to learn from home isn’t just a wish, it’s a necessity. K-12 schools should look to invest in a range of tech upgrades that will make a big difference in learning come fall.

1. Invest in better microphones and cameras. Pandemic-forced shutdowns forced everyone to quickly realize the importance of having good audio-visual equipment. Invest in microphones and cameras that allow instructors to move and teach, no matter if the class is online or in-person. EdTech Magazine says there are a variety of cameras with tracking functions, like AVer’s TR310 and TR530. Microphones vary with need but those that combine speaker and microphone capabilities, like AudioCodes 457, are ideal for hybrid learning as students at home can hear responses from those in class.
   

2. Choose videoconferencing tools that work for everyone. No matter if your school decides to use Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Zoom or another type of software, the most important factor to consider is how it will meet the needs of your educators and students. Not only is this essential for at-home or hybrid learning but recorded lessons can help those students with individualized learning plans or allow absent students to catch up on missed work. The software must be flexible so all parties can use it easily.
   

3. Take advantage of new cart-based technologies. Even before the pandemic, cart-based technologies helped educators easily move devices from classroom to classroom and makeshift lecture halls, like libraries and gyms. Now, they also make it easy to sanitize devices between uses. Companies like Anywhere Cart Classroom Solutions offer cabinets that both charge and sanitize. Investing in a dual-purpose cart could save you money in the long run.
   

4. Consider cloud migration. Cloud migration is the process of moving data and applications to a cloud computing environment. The migration saves valuable hard drive space but also lets educators collaborate from wherever. The argument for cloud migration could include savings by fusing cloud-based applications, like Google Apps for Education, with compatible programs.
   

5. Boost your school’s security. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, schools will have access to funding that will help keep students and staff safe. Funds can be used to modify spaces and technology, like investing in touchless doors, screening equipment, video surveillance and more. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has truly changed how K-12 learning looks now and likely in the future. Luckily EdTech is keeping up and devising better solutions for the future. Arey Jones partners with multiple EdTech providers and we can help you develop solutions that will work for your school.

The Best Tips & Tricks for Fall Semester

Fall semester is in full swing and if your teachers are already feeling overwhelmed, implementing some of our favorite edtech tools and techniques from our partners could be the answer.

Boost Productivity 

When there’s not enough time in the day, get more done with tech hacks designed to simplify your life. 

• Microsoft Outlook offers productivity and time management tools in its Calendar features. Use it to set appointments, reminders and even organize your schedule by day, week or year. Block out times when you’re unavailable – lunches, personal development time and vacations – to keep your staff updated about your schedule.  

• If your school uses Google and Gmail, Google Tasks is the equivalent to Outlook. Google Tasks allow you to create multiple task lists, organized by grade, department, team, however you choose. You can reorder tasks, add subtasks and notes and even switch between multiple accounts (like your work and personal accounts) if you need to take some work home with you. But probably the biggest time saver is being able to create tasks from a Google search. Google “t your task” and press enter. Google will add whatever you type after “t” as your task, like “buy new Chromebooks.” 

Improve Communication 

Eliminate the need to run down the hall every time you need to connect with a staff member.  

• Microsoft Teams can keep everyone on the same page. Microsoft Teams, which comes with Office 365, allows your staff to instantly message each other and even set online meetings. The chat threads can be grouped so the administrative staff and the English department can all have their own thread. You can even set alerts so you know when someone has added a new comment or reached out to you directly.  

• Take Teams one step further by using Flipgrid and OneNote. Flipgrid is a video discussion platform that allows students to share their ideas, wonderings, projects and questions in new and creative ways. This social learning app is supported by OneNote, Microsoft’s digital notebook. Teachers add the topics, students respond with short videos, and everyone engages. The grids are communities built by educators and each has its own special code, which teachers can share with students. Educators can prompt students to engage with discussion topics or questions and also allow students to respond to their peers. 

Save Time 

It takes massive amounts of coordination, not to mention time, to plan field trips and even professional development outings. Save the hassle by using the classroom and staff room as home base. 

• Skype in the Classroom’s guest speakers bring learning to life for your school’s students. There are hundreds of volunteer guest speakers from around the world that are available to speak to your classrooms about an endless amount of topics from ancient Greece and desert exploration to the science of mosquitoes. These guest speakers are experts in every subject area you can imagine as they are authors, scientists, engineers, zookeepers, etc. Experts can also be virtually “brought in” for professional development. 

• Immersive technology, like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) use software to help students see through time and space. Scholastic has an entire curriculum dedicated to integrating VR into STEM lesson plans that allow students to travel far beyond our solar system or down to a cellular level.  

At Arey Jones, we partner with the best in the edtech business to provide the latest and greatest in software and educational services for K-12 educators and administrators. Contact us to see what solutions we can provide for you.

9 Tools for 2019

You’re back from winter break, refreshed and ready to get back to work. Why not implement some of the best tools for 2019 to help? There are a plethora of apps and extensions that can help you, your teachers and students make the most of the new year.

1. Flipgrid. We’re going to keep talking about Flipgrid because we think it’s only going to expand in use, especially since Microsoft Teams integrated Flipgrid into its Microsoft Teams for Education. Flipgrid is a video discussion platform for educators and students. It allows students to share their ideas, wonderings, projects and questions in new and creative ways. Administrators can use Flipgrid to engage their professional learning network and build community among staff by creating conversations.

2. OneNote. Come for OneNote’s Staff Notebooks and stay for its other tools. Aside from Staff Notebooks’ collaboration space, shared content library and personal workspace for every staff member, OneNote also allows users to add any content and use digital inking. It also supports Flipgrid.

3. Google Keep. Google Keep is the online note-taker that goes with you. Webpages, images or quotes are saved with a single click when using this Chrome Extension and they are synced across all the platforms you use. Easy.

4. Microsoft Teams for Education. This popular software is free for educators and has recently been updated. We expect even more improvements to roll out in 2019.

5. Google Authenticator. In a time where BYOD is becoming commonplace in schools, making sure your device is secure is a top priority. Google Authenticator helps with that. It generates a code that gives a second-step verification when you sign in.

6. Google Docs Offline Sync. Believe it or not, there are times when you don’t have Internet access, or you just don’t want to use your data. Because Google Docs is available offline, now you don’t have to. Create, view and edit files on Docs, Sheets and Slides all offline.

7. Even the most seasoned writers can use the extra pair of “eyes” that Grammarly provides. The base app, which checks spelling, is free or upgrade to the Premium version which not only checks spelling but grammar and punctuation. You’ll be asking yourself, “How long have I been writing everything in passive voice?”

8. CheckMark. This Chrome extension, created by EdTechTeam, gives teachers the ability to provide students feedback quickly and easily. Highlight text in a Google Doc and an overlay pops up with quick shortcuts to frequently-asked comments like “Check Punctuation” and “Spelling.” It works on Slides too.

9. LastPass. It seems like every website, app, social media platform and even software requires a password; that’s a lot to remember. LastPass makes it easy and secure to kept track of them, plus it’s free.

Have a tool that you can’t live without? Let us know in the comments.

Try These Webinars For Professional Development

Webinars have become a popular method for professional development and for good reason; they offer direct contact with an instructor, give you the ability to interact with an audience and save traveling time and expenses. It’s no surprise there are plenty of webinars out there to choose from.

Here is a great list, from some of the best groups, organizations and companies out there, to get you started:

• EdTechTeam, the global network of former teachers turned educational technologists, not only has live webinars educators can pre-emptively sign up for, but archived webinars from this year and past are available as well. Educators can learn “Empathy in the Classroom,” “Chromebooks as Tools for Creativity,” and “Pathway to Google Certification.”

• ASCD, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development which represents more than 114,000 educators, lists free webinars on its website that address timely and relevant topics like student engagement, classroom technology and instructional strategies. Topics include: “Building Students’ Problem-Solving Skills Through Complex Challenges,” “STEM by Choice: Embedding Career Challenges in Classrooms and Communities” and “Shifting Our Thinking About Educational Technology: How to Place Tasks Before Apps.”

• Education Week offers both free and premium webinars. If you act fast, all webinars are accessible for a limited time after the original live-streaming date. Live viewers also receive a post-event confirmation email to prove participation. Topics include: “Reducing Chronic Absenteeism With School Climate and SEL,” “Maximizing Conference ROI” and “The Role of Ed Tech and Professional Development in Driving Personalized Learning.”

• Google for Education offers several webinars to watch live and on demand on Education On Air. Just sign into your Google account and hit play. Courses include: “Integrating G Suite with Instructional Tools,” “Back to School with Google Classroom” and “Google Data Studio: Build Custom Dashboards with Ease.”

• Microsoft Learning Consultant Program is hosting a Webinar Series throughout 2018. Session topics include: “Build it, make it, know it! Design thinking with Minecraft:EE and more,” “World changers unite! Level the playing field with Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Translator” and “Won’t you be my neighbor? Skype, Teams and O365 building global communities.” Additionally, past webinars are available to view by following the links attached to those topics.

Webinars are awesome and cater to all interests and budgets, i.e., free. Attend a webinar that left you inspired? Share it below!

Stay On Top Of Software Trends

Educational technology changes so fast that it is essential to stay “in the know.” One of the ways to do this is to subscribe to an educational video series. Video series are popular with viewers for a variety of reasons – most of the content can be consumed in short bursts, they are usually free and can be viewed on your own time. You can find these series on YouTube or linked into a providers webpage. There are a lot of great video series out there, but here’s a couple we recommend that will keep you up-to-date on everything ed tech.

What’s New In EDU

This video series from Microsoft Education talks all things technology and education. It is the best place to hear announcements, like the annual Bett show, plus learn about the latest Microsoft products and how to use them. Want to learn more about new Microsoft 365 free lifetime device licenses? What about new affordable Windows 10 devices for the classroom starting at $189? What’s New In EDU has all that information and more. Each episode runs about seven minutes but What’s New In EDU also offers a rundown of the show in the notes, in case busy educators don’t have time to watch. Use #MicrosoftEDU to find it on Twitter.

EDU In 90

EDU in 90 is a video series from Google for Education. It runs new episodes three times a month and each covers important topics for educators and administrators, like product updates, new programs and resources for the classroom. Want some quick tips about Google Team Drives and how to use it for your educators? Do you want to know more about Google Expeditions? You can find these topics and any more at EDU in 90. And, contrary to its name, each video is about two to three minutes long. Subscribe to EDU in 90 from the Google for Education YouTube Channel, and follow along the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #EDUin90.

EdTechTeam’s LIVE Webinars

EdTechTeam is a global network of educational technologists. Its core team works with more than 250 contractors worldwide to provide the best in professional developments, online learning, books, Apple Professional Learning and more. The website features LIVE webinars, plus archived webinars. Topics covered include “Chromebooks for Tools for Creativity,” “Innovative Strategies for Teaching Science” and “Ok Google, How Safe is My Data.” These webinars run a little longer than the others, at about an hour.

Is there a video series you can’t live without? Tell us about it!

3 Steps on Becoming an Education Expert

Looking to step up your game as an education administrator? There are several opportunities available online to further your educational acumen. From watching webinars to joining networking groups, you’ll never be at a loss for new opportunities to learn. To help you get started on your journey, we’ve scaled down the process. Here are three steps to becoming an education expert.

1. Watching and Listening. There are tons of podcasts online you can subscribe to to further your educational knowledge. Here are just a couple that we love: The Press Release by EdTechTeam – This podcast dives into the minds of innovative and creative educators and shares the best ideas in education with a focus on technology, innovation and empowering students. Google Teacher Tribe - This weekly podcast is designed to give K-12 educators practical ideas for using G Suite and other Google tools. Chromebook Classroom Podcast - This podcast explores how Chromebooks are impacting the K-12 classroom. It is hosted by Google Certified Trainer John Sowash, who invites guests to chat about their Chromebook Classroom experience on this monthly show. Cult of Pedagogy - Hosted by Jennifer Gonzalez, this podcast covers teaching strategies, classroom management, education reform and education technology.

You can also join the Microsoft Educator Community where you share feedback with peers and become a Certified Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE).

1. Find a Mentor. Twitter is a great source to find a mentor. Use Twitter’s search to seek out influencers and people you want to follow. Once you find someone to follow, you can build on that virtual relationship by promoting tweets, asking for advice and commenting on their blogs, and then simply ask if they would be willing to act as a mentor to you, either virtually or face-to-face.

2. Use your own Resources. Tap into your own teachers, MIEEs and GoogleEIs and use them as resources for professional development. One way to do this is to hold an unconference and ask them to speak. An unconference is a grassroots conference where the content is provided by the attendees, not outside experts. Don’t think of them as unofficial events, rather bring unconferences in-house as the official professional development. You can also create Personal Learning Communities, or PLCs, which are a group of teachers with a shared interest or mutual commitment. You choose the focus, like hybrid teaching models, and allow teachers to sign up for the PLCs they align with most.

Start with these three steps and you’ll be on your way to becoming an education expert in no time.