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00:00:00 --> 00:00:05 Welcome to Your Morning Boost, your daily leadership advice to help you lead your school community.
00:00:05 --> 00:00:09 Brought to you by AWB Education and sponsored by Grundmeyer Leader Services,
00:00:10 --> 00:00:14 where together we are transforming education, one leader at a time.
00:00:14 --> 00:00:16 Now here's your host, Adam Bush.
00:00:17 --> 00:00:20 Good morning, educators. Welcome to Your Morning Boost. Happy Tuesday.
00:00:20 --> 00:00:24 Today, we are discussing a crucial aspect of modern education,
00:00:24 --> 00:00:29 and that is ensuring educational technology is accessible to all students.
00:00:29 --> 00:00:34 Now, we know that in today's increasingly digital world, technology plays a vital role in learning.
00:00:35 --> 00:00:39 From interactive online platforms and educational software to the use of digital
00:00:39 --> 00:00:44 tools for research and communication, technology is seamlessly integrated into
00:00:44 --> 00:00:46 many aspects of the modern classroom.
00:00:46 --> 00:00:51 However, it's crucial to remember that not all students have equal access to
00:00:51 --> 00:00:54 or can effectively use these tools.
00:00:54 --> 00:00:58 Now, students with disabilities may face significant barriers to accessing and
00:00:58 --> 00:01:00 utilizing educational technology.
00:01:01 --> 00:01:04 These barriers can include physical limitations.
00:01:04 --> 00:01:10 Students with physical disabilities may have difficulty using keyboards or mice or other input devices.
00:01:11 --> 00:01:15 Students with visual or auditory impairments may not be able to access information
00:01:15 --> 00:01:17 presented on a screen or through audio recordings.
00:01:18 --> 00:01:22 This can also include some cognitive disabilities. Students with these disabilities
00:01:22 --> 00:01:28 may have difficulty understanding complex instructions or navigating complex software interfaces.
00:01:29 --> 00:01:33 And then you also have language hurdles. Students who lack fundamental English
00:01:33 --> 00:01:39 skills may not understand the need for technology or may also not understand
00:01:39 --> 00:01:41 the instructions for using such technology.
00:01:41 --> 00:01:46 So to ensure that students can fully participate in and benefit from technology
00:01:46 --> 00:01:50 enhanced learning, we have to prioritize accessibility. This is crucial and
00:01:50 --> 00:01:53 it involves a multifaceted approach.
00:01:53 --> 00:01:57 First, provide a wide range of assistive technologies. This is paramount.
00:01:57 --> 00:02:03 For example, screen readers like JAWS, and there's a free version of NVDA that
00:02:03 --> 00:02:09 allows students with visual impairments to access digital content by reading text aloud.
00:02:09 --> 00:02:13 A lot of text-to-speech software, such as those integrated into operating systems,
00:02:13 --> 00:02:17 or they're available as standalone products. There's Natural Reader.
00:02:17 --> 00:02:22 It can benefit students with dyslexia or reading difficulties by converting
00:02:22 --> 00:02:25 text into spoken words so they can access through technology.
00:02:26 --> 00:02:29 Now, the opposite of that, speech-to-text software.
00:02:29 --> 00:02:33 These are things such as Dragon Naturally Speaking, Google Docs even has a voice
00:02:33 --> 00:02:38 typing feature which allows students with physical disabilities or those who
00:02:38 --> 00:02:42 struggle with writing to dictate their thoughts directly into digital documents.
00:02:42 --> 00:02:45 Just think of these alternative input devices.
00:02:45 --> 00:02:50 We can even do touchscreens. There's eye-tracking devices, voice recognition software.
00:02:50 --> 00:02:54 All of these offer a more accessible way for students with these diverse needs
00:02:54 --> 00:03:00 to interact with technology and then also access our education.
00:03:00 --> 00:03:03 Embracing the universal design for learning principles is essential.
00:03:03 --> 00:03:08 So if you're not familiar with UDL, UDL focuses on creating flexible learning
00:03:08 --> 00:03:12 environments that cater to the diverse needs and abilities of all learners.
00:03:12 --> 00:03:16 It involves providing multiple means of presentation, offer text,
00:03:17 --> 00:03:19 audio, video versions of learning materials.
00:03:19 --> 00:03:24 For example, use tools like Prezi, create an interactive presentation with embedded
00:03:24 --> 00:03:27 audio descriptions. this can cater to different learning styles,
00:03:27 --> 00:03:32 and the multiple means of action and expression also allow students to demonstrate
00:03:32 --> 00:03:33 their learning in various ways.
00:03:33 --> 00:03:38 They can do this through presentations or projects or even creating digital portfolios.
00:03:38 --> 00:03:42 At the very end, these multiple means of engagement can be achieved by incorporating
00:03:42 --> 00:03:47 elements like gamification or personalized learning paths and collaborative
00:03:47 --> 00:03:50 projects that keep all students motivated and
00:03:50 --> 00:03:54 and engaged. Next area we want to think about is to address that digital divide,
00:03:54 --> 00:03:57 and this is crucial for equitable access to technology.
00:03:57 --> 00:04:02 This involves ensuring that all students have access to reliable internet connectivity.
00:04:02 --> 00:04:06 Devices such as computers and tablets, these devices are great,
00:04:06 --> 00:04:07 but are they affordable?
00:04:07 --> 00:04:11 Having that affordable access to technology and for their families,
00:04:11 --> 00:04:14 there are lots of initiatives like the Federal Communication Commission's,
00:04:14 --> 00:04:17 the good old FCC Lifeline program, and the E-Rate program.
00:04:17 --> 00:04:22 These aim to bridge the gap by providing affordable internet service and technology
00:04:22 --> 00:04:23 to low-income households.
00:04:23 --> 00:04:27 It's a great opportunity to partner with your community resources to make sure
00:04:27 --> 00:04:31 that we can provide what our families need to be able to access this technology.
00:04:31 --> 00:04:35 Lastly, invest in professional development for your teachers. This is essential.
00:04:35 --> 00:04:40 Teachers need ongoing training on how to effectively use assistive technologies.
00:04:40 --> 00:04:42 It is not as simple as just giving it to the student.
00:04:42 --> 00:04:47 We need to create an inclusive learning experience, address the unique needs
00:04:47 --> 00:04:50 of students with disabilities in the digital age with our teachers.
00:04:50 --> 00:04:54 They're the ones that are going to be at the front lines with students right out of the gates.
00:04:54 --> 00:04:58 They need to know how to use them, help them learn how to use this assistive technology.
00:04:58 --> 00:05:03 A lot of resources out there, the CAST website, which is www.cast.org.
00:05:03 --> 00:05:08 They offer valuable information and professional development opportunities related
00:05:08 --> 00:05:11 to UDL and just inclusive education in general.
00:05:11 --> 00:05:15 Remember, ensuring technology accessibility, it's not only a legal requirement
00:05:15 --> 00:05:19 under the American with Disabilities Act, but it is also a matter of equity and inclusion.
00:05:20 --> 00:05:23 Creating an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive,
00:05:23 --> 00:05:27 by doing so, we can empower all learners to reach their full potential in the 21st century.
00:05:27 --> 00:05:31 That's it for today's Your Morning Boost. I hope these tips inspire you to create
00:05:31 --> 00:05:35 a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all of your students.
00:05:35 --> 00:05:38 Thanks for listening, and we will talk with you again tomorrow.
00:05:38 --> 00:05:42 You have been listening to Your Morning Boost by AWB Education in partnership
00:05:42 --> 00:05:44 with Grundmeyer Leader Services.
00:05:44 --> 00:05:49 You can find out more about our services by clicking on the links in the description.
00:05:49 --> 00:05:54 Remember, you are doing this vital job that only a few can do.
00:05:54 --> 00:05:58 So until next time, thank you for your service to your community.