Technology

Computer-Assisted Instruction and Writing

By: Access Center (2008)

This brief provides an overview of computer-assisted instruction and looks at how writing software can help students with developing ideas, organizing, outlining, brainstorming, and minimizing the physical effort spent on writing so that students can pay attention to organization and content.

The New Literacies

By: Zach Miners and Angela Pascopella (2007)

It might seem that evaluating information online (just one form of "new literacy") and reading a book (more of a foundational literacy) are pretty much the same thing. But there are differences that, when brought into the classroom and incorporated into curricula, are enriching the educational experiences of many K-12 students. Many administrators are beginning to recognize the need to revise their districts' media skills instruction.

Interactivity Seen as Key

By: Mary Ann Zehr (2007)

Technology that encourages interactive learning can be an effective tool for teaching English language learners, even if the technology is not specifically designed particularly for ELLs.

Teaching Tips: Authoring with Video

By: Barbara K. Strassman and Trisha O'Connell (2007)

Help students engage in reading and writing by asking them to write captioning for audio-less video clips. This article contains step-by-step instructions for using the technique as well as links to digital media and suggested teaching ideas.

21st Century Literacies

By: National Council of Teachers of English (2007)

Because success with technology depends largely upon critical thinking and reflection, teachers with relatively little technological skill can provide useful instruction. But schools must support these teachers by providing professional development and up-to-date technology for use in classrooms.

An Educator's Guide to Making Textbooks Accessible and Usable for Students with Learning Disabilities

By: Center for Applied Special Technology and LD OnLine (2007)

Learn how to obtain instructional materials in electronic text for your students who are dyslexic. E-text makes textbooks and other materials usable by supported reading software. Get names and links of publishers and accessible media producers to find the E-text you need. And learn how to qualify your students and obtain materials produced by the National Instructional Material Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) system.

Accessible Textbooks: A Guide for Parents of Children with Learning Disabilities

By: Center for Applied Special Technology and LD OnLine (2007)

If your child cannot read their textbooks, they need digital copies of their books. Schools now can use National Instructional Material Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) to get e-text. Learn the details that will help you advocate for your child so they can use NIMAS. And learn where to find the publishers and producers that provide e-text.

Tech Teaches

By: Grace Rubenstein (2006)

While the shorthand used by teens in instant messages and chat rooms might seem to undermine adolescent literacy, technology can play an important role in helping struggling readers and writers improve their skills.

Options: Turn Them On for Learning

By: National Center for Technology Innovation and Center for Implementing Technology in Education (2006)

This article provides brief research summaries on the benefits of providing students access to optional features in consumer electronics followed by practical suggestions on how to integrate these features into instruction and studying.

Reading Software: Finding the Right Program

By: National Center for Technology Innovation (2006)

With the range and variety of commercial software products on the shelves today, how can an educator or parent choose a program that will most benefit a particular student? Where are product reviews that can inform the decision?

Using Assistive Technology to Support Writing

By: Center for Implementing Technology in Education (2006)

In this article, CITEd examines how technology can support students' writing skills, including such tools as text-to-speech engines, word prediction software, speech recognition software, and larger keyboards.

Assessment Testing: In Their Hands

By: Jacob Milner (2006)

Handheld formative assessment technology provides teachers with a virtually real-time picture on which students need help, where they need it, and how the teachers can help best.