VSTE

Virginia Society for Technology in Education

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • About
    • About VSTE
    • Leadership
    • Awards
    • Get Involved
  • Conference
    • Upcoming Conference
    • Conference Archives
    • VSTE Events Video
  • Events
    • Brainstorm 2020: Limitless Learning
    • 2019 Conference
    • Live Events
    • Online Events
  • Diversity & Equity
  • Virtual Virginia
  • Blog
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us

VSTE 18: Assistive Technology – My Early Christmas Gift

January 9, 2019

With telescopic precision, Matt Newton used his VSTE 2018 session as a platform to spotlight one of many Assistive Technology Resources: Read and Write.  As a matter of fact, it was the only presentation which specifically focused on accommodations and modifications for the special education population.

Matt prefaced that he is not a representative for Google Read & Write.  He is a T/TAC coordinator who has witnessed the powerful benefits of the Read & Write extension.  In a matter of 60 minutes,  Matt expressed how the awesomeness of this tool could have lasting effects for students who struggle with reading comprehension.  This app is designed to help struggling readers grasp the content.  This is not to say that Read & Write is the “That’s It. That’s All Folks” app for struggling students.

As educators, we know we have to find what works best for our students.  I remember one student who was given an iPad as an accommodation.  The thing is…he didn’t like the iPad!  Regardless of its function or the number of apps which were downloaded on his iPad, he just refused to use it.

As Matt alluded to in his session, the best Assistive Technology in the world is the one that the student is comfortable with and enjoys using it.

Success is gained when teaching and learning become enjoyable and not dreadful.  So, if you have not done so already, check out Read & Write.  Your students just might thank you for it.  And if they don’t, it’s all good. There’s a galaxy of Assistive Technology just waiting to be discovered.


Matt Newton is a Technology Coordinator in the Training and Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC) at Virginia Tech. His VSTE presentation is here and more resources are linked from his conference presentation page.

This post was written by Nicci Doud, a Special Education Teacher for Prince William County.

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Email

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Join Us

VSTE membership is always free, so why not become a part of our community?

Click here to join us.

Already a member? You can support VSTE by making a donation to Friends of VSTE.

Click here to donate.

Advertisement

VSTE on Twitter

  • Nominations for Board of Directors Open January 25, 2021 https://t.co/OKku0sT611

    19 hours ago
  • Hear from VSTE's Executive Director @witchyrichy https://t.co/8rKAWZiAci

    22 hours ago
  • Join VSTE and @theVAESP this Sunday at 8:00pm to chat about Innovative Uses of Technology in a Virtual/Hybrid Model… https://t.co/fZz83xN0zp

    22 hours ago

VSTE Partners

Big Deal Media

VSTE Big Book Deal, January 15, 2021

VSTE partners with Big Deal Media to bring you carefully curated resources designed for K-12 … Continue Reading

VSTE Big Book Deal, January 1st, 2021

  VSTE partners with Big Deal Media to bring you carefully curated resources designed for … Continue Reading

See More from Big Deal

VE PLN News

Celebrate Fall with VE PLN

The Virtual Environments Professional Learning Network is hosting several fall activities for fun … Continue Reading

Minecraft Monday: Fireworks!

Monday, July 6, 2020, 8 PM NEW VSTE Minecraft Server This week we will learn how to build … Continue Reading

More From the VE PLN

Learning Keeps Going Coalition


VSTE Affiliations

 

Non Discrimination Statement

VSTE is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment in all of our endeavors for all members, participants, volunteers, partners, staff, contractors, and Board members. VSTE recognizes that its success requires certain commitments to principles of non-discrimination from all of our business partners and event participants.

Copyright © 2021 Virginia Society for Technology in Education · Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.