Transcript AT Training for Parents Part 2 PowerPoint Presentation

Assistive Technology
Support Initiative
AT Training Part 2
This presentation is meant as a cost effective
“train-the-trainer” model to train parents and others
to support students who use AT.
Software Training
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Your local college or university may be
willing to train you during certain times of
year. Contact Learning Technology Centres
or Student Services.
AT software companies all offer free
online training and support.
Cambrian College Training
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Cambrian College in Sudbury offers an
online PD program for those interested in
supporting students with Learning
Disabilities. At a minimum take the
Understanding Learning Disabilities course.
LEARNING DISABILITY SPECIALIST:
LSLD/ATLD (LDED)
https://secure.cambrianc.on.ca/coned/show
cert.cfm?strCert=LDED.HTM
Ministry Licensed AT
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School boards use a variety of assistive
technology software. The two popular
software programs are Kurzweil 3000 and
Dragon NaturallySpeaking.
There are many other AT software
programs in all price ranges. Please see
the resources section of the website for
more information.
Low Cost Training Options
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Software Training can be implemented in
two parts:
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Self paced
one-on-one or group workshop
Self Paced
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Self Paced involves downloading free trials
of the software programs and working
through online manuals and tutorials.
Group Training
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One-on-one or group training, can take
place at the school, and should include
detailed advice and instructions on how
parent volunteers can help support
students that use assistive and learning
technology.
Please see the ATSI Volunteer Training
Toolkit.
Download Software Demos
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Kurzweil 3000 text to speech software
Please visit
http://www.kurzweiledu.com/kurz3000.aspx
Download the 30 day trial, open Kurzweil 3000,
go to the Help menu on the top right, and go to
How To Videos.
Watch each video and practice on the demo
copy.
SET BC Online Training
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Work through the online Kurzweil 3000
training guide at:
http://www.setbc.org/setbc/curriculum/
kurzweil_3000_self_directed.html
Landmark College Resources
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Landmark College is a school for students
with dyslexia. Their website offers a
wealth of AT information, tutorials and
videos.
Visit
https://intranet.landmark.edu/tls/Online
Training.cfm and review the online
training resources.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking
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DNS voice to text software does not offer
free trials.
Visit
https://intranet.landmark.edu/tls/OnlineTrai
ning.cfm and watch the DNS videos.
Download the “Rainbow Passage” and the
“Fastest Way to Accuracy” PDFs for use
with your student.
DNS Tips
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Plug in headset before opening DNS or the
microphone will not work.
Remind the student of this step as part of
the routine.
Training a Student to Use DNS
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If your student is using voice to text
software because they have a reading
disability, explain to the student that
you will whisper all text to the student
and the student will then repeat it into
their microphone.
The goal is to speak as naturally as
possible.
DNS Student Training
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Explain that the student will not have to
read out-loud—they only repeat what you
say.
Tell them this is standard training
procedure.
This is very important to relieve stress for
the student and to ensure they will speak
naturally during the training.
Scratch That versus Correct That
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Explain the difference between “Scratch
That” and “Correct That” and practice
using both until the student is
comfortable.
Scratch That is used when the student
has said the wrong words.
Correct That is used when DNS has
misunderstood what the student said.
Correcting DNS
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Correcting words as you go is the fastest
way to accuracy.
The student will need your help to correct
spelling.
Reinforce that the extra time taken to
train DNS now will pay off later in
accuracy and speed.
Quickest Way to Accuracy
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Read the “Rainbow Passage” with the
student as the quickest way to achieve
accuracy. Courtesy of Landmark College
https://intranet.landmark.edu/tls/OnlineTra
ining.cfm
Weekly Accuracy Centre Visits
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Visit the DNS accuracy centre once a
week with the student and choose a
different training passage.
Make this part of your weekly routine.
Once you have finished all the training
passages, find new material for
additional training.
DNS Saving Voice Files
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SAVE the voice files only if you have
taken time to correct the misrecognitions
otherwise the software will learn the
mistakes.
Remind the student to save voice files or
they will constantly have to retrain DNS.
LiveScribe Echo Smart Pen
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Great for note taking
Smartpen records audio and links it to
what you write
Watch the video on:
www.smartpencentral.com
NaturalReader
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Free text to speech software
Easy to use software can convert any
written text such as MS Word, Webpage,
PDF files, and Emails into spoken words.
NaturalReader can also convert any
written text into audio files such as MP3 or
WAV for your CD player or iPod.
Read Write Gold
Read&Write GOLD - Award-winning literacy software with
support tools for reading, writing, research, and studying
to help students of all ages succeed independently.
30 day trial http://www.texthelp.com/page.asp
Premier
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Premier portable products; it increases the
opportunities for student success; it creates an
environment of inclusion, freedom,
independence and empowerment; it allows for
a smooth transition between home, school and
work;
http://www.readingmadeeasy.ca/products/
Volunteers assisting in schools have access to
Premier products
Word Q Speak Q
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Assistive writing technology that fully
integrates word prediction, text to voice
and voice recognition. A reading and
writing program designed for struggling
writers.
Free trial and videos
http://www.goqsoftware.com/
Mind Mapping Software
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Inspiration mind mapping software—
wonderful visual tool for note taking,
writing, organization and more!
Free trial
http://www.inspiration.com/Freetrial
Smart Ideas (K-12) free trial
http://smarttech.com/smartideas
Parent Volunteer Training
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Be sure to work through the ASTI Parent
Training Toolkit Part 1 PowerPoint for
specific information on supporting
students who use AT to access the
curriculum.
Download the presentations and customize
your own training program.