Technology
Maybe some new electronics found their way into your house or classroom over the holidays. Or perhaps your New Year's resolution has something to do with technology. Either way, this month's newsletter includes several articles that focus on technology in education. Need more reading material? Discover the top education stories of 2012, several outstanding dropout prevention resources, why we love young adult literature, and much more! Happy New Year!
Using Technology to Support Struggling Students: Questions, Argumentation and Use of Evidence
Classrooms that facilitate collaboration and scientific discourse among students have the added benefit of helping students develop their critical thinking skills and encouraging scientific reasoning. This InfoBrief from the National Center for Technology Innovation offers information about using technology to support struggling students develop several important critical thinking skills.
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A Chance to Read: Access Granted
Dr. Christopher M. Lee has a Ph.D, a great job, and learning disabilities. While Dr. Lee faced challenges in school due to LD, the author and LD advocate is now director of the Alternative Media Access Center (AMAC) and AccessText Network with the University System of Georgia. Watch Dr. Lee talk about his experience working with voice recognition software and other assistive technology tools.
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Using Assistive Technology to Support Writing
Word processing and multimedia software support writing by including a variety of font sizes, line spacing options, a spelling and grammar check, and much more. Other technological advancements, such as text review, speech recognition software, and tools for individuals with physical and sensory difficulties, address the specific needs of different learners. Find out more in this informative article.
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Help Wanted: New Nonfiction Booklist needed
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is seeking nominations for a new nonfiction booklist for elementary, middle, and high-school aged children. The new NEH nonfiction list will reflect the new Common Core State Standards, which place a greater emphasis on nonfiction material, and will serve as a resource for teachers and parents of children who want to read about the tragic Irish potato famine of the 1840s and '50s or the infamous Salem witch trials in addition to—or instead of—Harry Potter or The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.
For more information, go to the National Endowment for the Humanities website.
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50 Questions About LD
The National Center for Learning Disabilities asked some of the top LD experts in the U.S. to answer parents' most frequently asked questions. Topics in this new e-book include: How to deal with the LD label, RTI and working with your child's school, the emotional impact of learning disabilities at school and home, and related issues such as AD/HD and giftedness.
Read e-book >
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Labeling Photos, Sequencing Passages, and More
Looking for some new ways to teach with photos or videos? Do your students need help with sequencing? If so, Larry Ferlazzo offers several tips in using New York Times articles with your students or children. His article, intended for teachers of English Language Learners, suggests activities appropriate for a wide range of students.
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Featured Partner: Center for Implementing Technology in Education (CITEd)
CITEd supports leadership at state and local education agencies to integrate instructional technology for all students to achieve high educational standards. CITEd provides this support through identification of best practices, innovative online technical assistance tools, professional development, and communities of practice.
Search CITEd's TechMatrix to find educational and assistive technology products for students with disabilities.
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Expert Advice: How can I use the SMART Board in my math classroom more interactively to meet the needs of all my students?
Question: How can I use the SMART Board in my math classroom more interactively to meet the needs of all my students?
Answer: You might consider using interactive applications for math that will enable students to participate more during lessons. Virtual manipulatives and applets are a good choice. Check out some of these resources for ideas…
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Glossary Term: Digital literacy
Digital literacy is the ability to learn the computer skills required for the workplace and higher education. Many researchers believe it will become increasingly necessary to be digitally literate in today's competitive, technology-based, and Internet-dependent job market.
Featured Resource: Common Core Standards App
View the Common Core State Standards on the go with a FREE app! It's a convenient and useful reference for students, parents, and teachers seeking to better understand the standards, and categorizes subjects in a comprehensive, searchable manner. The app includes both math and language arts standards for K through 12. The math standards are available in traditional or integrated pathways, in line with the Common Core, and the language arts standards correspond to the appropriate College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS).
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Learning Store Resource: 40 Ways to Support Struggling Readers in Content Classrooms, Grades 6-12
In today's era of accountability, teachers are expected to help all elementary students understand complex concepts and demonstrate proficiency on high-stakes tests. To promote success for struggling readers in all content areas, expert educator Elaine K. McEwan offers 40 user-friendly and easy-to-implement strategies in an essential text that includes three tables of contents (traditional, topical, and problem-solving) formatted for quick and simple reference.
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Conferences — Mark your calendars!
Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) Annual Conference
February 13-16, 2013
San Antonio, TX
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Research and News
Pioneering Literacy in the Digital Wild West: Empowering Parents and Educators
The use of educational apps in the classroom is becoming increasingly more common. However, little information about the efficacy of such apps is available to parents and educators. Seeking to harness the power of technology to boost children's reading proficiency, the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, the New America Foundation, and the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop collaborated on a recent report. Read on to learn more about some of the newest, most effective programs technology has to offer.
Download report >
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School Absences Translate to Lower Test Scores, Study Says
A new report, the first of a planned series of analyses of NAEP's background-survey data, looks at how 4th and 8th graders use existing school time, including their attendance, instructional time, and homework. The analysis contributes to mounting evidence that absenteeism puts students at greater risk of poor academic achievement and eventually dropping out of high school.
Read article from Education Week >
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