Integration Ideas for Using Technology in Special Education

1. Go to the Start button on the computer. Under the All Programs menu, find Accessories, and locate Accessibility. This folder contains Magnifier, Narrator, and other accomodations useful for special education students.

2. Go to the Start button on the computer. Under the All Programs menu, find Accessories, and then the Entertainment folder that is included with the computer: Sound recorder can record 60-second files that can be inserted into any document.

3. Go to the Start button on the computer. Under the All Programs menu, find Accessories. The Calculator located there can be used for fast access with Math assignments.

4. Microsoft XP has voice recognition and text to speech capabilities.

5. For students with visual difficulties the teacher can increase the font size in documents, on worksheets, and in presentations.

6. Computer access adaptions can be implemented for students that experience difficulties in typical access and selection methods (i.e. adapted keyboards, mouse, touch screen, etc).

7. For grammatical and spelling errors the computer displays red and green squiggle lines to assist in proof reading. Those features can be turned off so as to not discourage students when writing their rough drafts. (Look under Tools in the menu bar, and go to Options.)

8. Word Prediction software to suggest words to use and to provide spoken (text-to-speech) feedback can be purchased: http://www.wordq.com/

9. Videos to enhance classroom discussion can be found at: http://streamlinesc.org