10 Technology Tools

for the Classroom

ESE 253 M3A1 Presentation

by Julie A. Omar Makram 4/20/2015

Audiobooks and Electronic Storybooks

Audiobooks: students can listen to books being professionally read aloud via tablets,
smartphones, computer, tape/CD players. Electronic storybooks: interactive versions of books that can be digital or in
print with buttons. Audiobooks and some electronic storybooks model correct pronunciation and emphasis and literary
interpretation, introduce new vocabulary, students can access definitions and highlight passages in digital audiobooks
and some electronic storybooks. Some can switch between two or more languages. They often include interviews or
commentary by the author, further enriching the educational learning experience (Johnson, 2013).
Special Educational Benefits: Helpful for second-language learners, learning disabled students and students who cant
read or at least not at their age-appropriate level (Johnson, 2013). Helps students with character recognition problems,
such as dyslexia and other reading and learning disabilities, to read for meaning and comprehension, provides other
sensory avenues for material input which is helpful for all students including those with attention and behavioral
problems, and audiobooks are especially important for those with visual impairments. Some students can access books
that are above their individual reading level in order to keep up with their peers in the general curriculum.
Resources/Availability: http://www.loyalbooks.com/genre/Children, www.Audible.com,
www.meegenius.com/store/books/free/, www.storylineonline.net/

Smartphones, Tablets and PDAs

Students can utilize apps for organization such as calendars, reminders, checklists,
schedules, apps with stylus for handwriting aids, augmentative/alternative communication apps, behavior selfmonitoring apps, interval timer for self-regulation reminders, record/playback lectures, digital flashcards, audiobooks
and electronic storybooks, access the internet for research and email, access cloud, use game-based-learning apps,
ability to take digital photos and videos, collaboration, etc.
Special Educational Benefits: These highly engaging, highly customizable learning platforms are very beneficial for
students with many types of disabilities and abilities. The capacity to record and playback lectures at varying speeds is
very helpful for students with learning disabilities, attention difficulties, etc. Timers and reminders are perfect for
behavioral self-monitoring, the ability to listen to audiobooks and text-to-speech and talk-to-text are also very useful.
Immediate feedback and variety of sensory input are very important with students with special learning needs. The
seemingly limitless availability of apps for students of every learning type and for every learning need is priceless. Apple
even has their own special education app collection for use on their iPads and iPhones (Three Things, 2014).
Resources/Availability: www.google.com/edu/products/devices/tablets.html, http://www.k12techdecisions.com/photos/tablets_made_specifically_for_k_12/0/, www.apple.com

Interactive Smart Whiteboards

Touch-sensitive whiteboards that, when paired with devices such as a computer with whiteboard activity software to be
projected onto them, become highly interactive, as well as can be written on with dry erase markers (Roblyer &
Doering, 2013). They can deliver new information with great flexibility to all students at once via dynamic, interactive
whiteboards. Many benefits including lecture notes can be stored digitally and shared or accessed later, can easily and
quickly work videos, images, internet, web-based software, etc. into lesson delivery. Smart whiteboards are highly
engaging, interactive and collaborative when used effectively. Some models can be used by multiple students at once.
Special Educational Benefits: Much of the same benefits as for average-abled students: interactive, highly engaging,
multi-sensory input of material helps grab and maintain attention, especially helpful with children with ADHD and other
attention disorders. The flexibility of multiple ways to present information to students benefits many types of learners.
Students with motor skill difficulties can use objects other than a pen to write on the board, such as a tennis ball.
Resources/Availability: www.smarttach.com, www.prometheanworld.com,
http://www.einstruction.com/products/interactive-whiteboards

Computers
Students can use computers for word-processing (handwriting, spelling,
grammar, editing), essay/report building (organize thoughts, format),
graphic-organizer software (study and writing aid), internet and cloud access (hypermedia, research, multi-media, webbased programs, communication, real-time/real-world issues, videos), simulation software, assessments, drill-andpractice, tutorials, spreadsheets, presentations, charting/graphing, image/video editing.
Special Educational Benefits: In addition to the above uses, word-prediction software, optical recognition software, textto-speech/talk-to-text software, text-enlargement software help many differently-abled students in their academics.
Students with fine or gross motor skill difficulties may access computers via special peripheries such as special keyboards,
joysticks and switches (Roblyer & Doering, 2013). Interactive websites with multimedia and hyperlinks provide attentionshifting outlet for students with attention difficulties. English-language learners would greatly benefit from practicing and
learning via web-based language tutorials and games.
Resources/Availability: www.apple.com/education/mac/how-to-buy/, http://www.toshiba.com/us/education,
http://www.directron.com/accusac.html

Office Productivity Tools

Word Processing Software - Students can quickly create and edit documents (essays,
reports, flyers, newsletters, brochures, etc.) containing text, graphics and tables. Helps students with their writing mechanics using
spell check, grammar check, and layout design help. Helps improve the quality of students writing and attitude towards writing. When
file-sharing, facilitates collaborative work.
Spreadsheets - Mostly for numerical work, quickly calculates for the student. Great for budgeting, checkbooks, illustration of
mathematical concepts, informational charts, exploring what if scenarios, storing, organizing and analyzing data, etc. Helps motivate
students to work with numbers and math concepts.
Presentation Software Can contain text, graphics, tables, music, videos, web links, etc. Helps students organize, understand and
communicate complex concepts clearly, create projects, book reports, science reports, practice items, project collaboration, etc. Very
effective for visual and interactive learning. Very helpful as a lecture tool, when designed appropriately and effectively.
Special Educational Benefits: Helps students who have motor skill problems, learning disabilities, attention disorders, etc. Helps
provide multi-dimensional mental stimulation, assistance with the mechanics of writing, math and organization, and bypass the need
for physical handwriting. Talk-to-text, screen readers, screen magnifiers, immediate feedback, ability to be customized, alternative
keyboards, writing pads, joysticks, etc. are all examples of helpful modifications that benefit students with special needs.
Resources/Availability: www.microsoft.com, www.docs.google.com, www.openoffice.com

Drill and Practice Software

Meant to let students practice knowledge after having received instruction. Students get immediate feedback on their
tested knowledge, and in extensive feedback drill software they are given a detailed explanation of why they were
wrong or right, furthering their understanding of the material being practiced. Some D&P software can give a detailed
report of the students strengths and weaknesses and make suggestions for their further instruction/study needs.
Branching drills adjust while student is practicing; adjusting to their individual skill/knowledge level throughout the task.
Special Educational Benefits: For some disabled students the input via keyboard can be much less physically daunting
than struggling with handwriting, and the impersonal input and feedback can take some of the social issues out of
academics. The ability to highly customize and adjust the material being drilled and practiced is extremely helpful to a
student with special learning needs.
Resources/Availability: www.chemistry-drills.com, http://tutorial.teachtci.com, www.gameclassroom.com,
www.trianacode.org,

Game-Based Learning Resources

A highly engaging and motivational platform for learning new and practicing known
material. Promotes planning, problem-solving, long term memory, vocab skills and mental quickness in a fun way. There
is a plethora of apps and web-based learning games available, therefore the teacher must be prudent in their selection.
Some things to consider when choosing game-based learning apps/programs: The games target age level (ageappropriate material). Special needs: would students with disabilities be left out? Gender and racial diversity: in its
choice of characters, language, or situations, does the game offend or slight any particular group of students? The role of
the teacher: passive observer or active participant? (Coffey, n.d.)
Special Educational Benefits: Many game-based learning programs can be highly customized to reflect curriculum and
skill level of the individual student, making this a wonderful avenue for teaching students with special learning needs.
Research data suggests that students with ADHD may experience academic, organizational and social skills improvement
when using game-based learning programs.
Resources/Availability: www.sites.google.com/site/gameonlearning/,
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AsuaqFwUI1WfdFRaSUxhWjhEZlBtSk1TMEozZWFKZHc&hl=en_US#gid=0
, http://wowinschool.pbworks.com/w/page/5268731/FrontPage, www.labyrinth.thinkport.org

Planning and Organizing Tools

Helps teachers and students organize their thoughts and ideas for
writing, discussion, and how to communicate those ideas to others. Helps teachers and students to plan, organize and
execute activities and/or lessons. Some examples include outlining software and concept mapping software (organize
ideas in an outline or concept map prior to writing), time management tools (calendars and schedules) and lesson
planning software (Roblyer & Doering, 2013).
Special Educational Benefits: Planning and scheduling software is very helpful for students who need organizational help
such as those with attention difficulties and emotional disorders. Concept mapping and outlining helps bring order to
disordered thoughts and attentions, helping to make meaningful connections. Great for multisensory stimulation,
especially for visual learners.
Resources/Availability: www.schoolforge.net, www.engrade.com, www.ptcfast.com,
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/teacherpal/id389584618?mt=8, www.inspiration.com, www.thecalendarplanner.com

Test Generator Software

Teachers can create custom tests using software that greatly aids and simplifies the process via input prompts,
predesigned templates, randomizing the questions to prevent students wandering eye syndrome, base questions by
criteria, answer key creation, utilize test item banks or import question banks from word processors. Most are paper test
generators but some produce on-screen versions.
Special Educational Benefits: The ease at which a teacher can customize and edit a test created on a generator very
much suits a situation in which one or more unique learners will be tested. Versions can be easily created from different
test item banks, or fewer questions, or different input methods (such as a true/false based test to replace the shortanswer version given to the rest of the class).
Resources/Availability: www.mytest.vocabtest.com, www.easytestmaker.com, www.testshop.com

Online Survey Tools

Teachers and students can create their own their own online interactive surveys and questionnaires in a variety of
formats, such as multiple choice, true/false, short answer, essay questions, etc. (Roblyer & Doering, 2013). Teachers can
use an anonymous online survey to first get a feel for their students grasp of material prior to actual testing in order to
see any places that may need to be retaught. Responses can be immediately seen in bar or graph form, and can
download the response data in spreadsheet-ready formats (Roblyer & Doering, 2013). Also allows for student and/or
parent feedback to assist the teacher in self-assessment and classroom improvement. Or can be simply used to teach
students about polling, survey design, data analysis, math concepts, or about graphing.
Special Educational Benefits: By getting individual responses to individual experiences a teacher can get an idea of the
struggles a particular student may be having in class or at home that may not be apparent in traditional ways such as in
their academic work or by superficial observation. When one of two students do not match their peers in some of these
responses further investigation may be warranted.
Resources/Availability: www.surveymonkey.com, www.zoomerang.com, www.kwiksurveys.com

References
Coffey, H. (n.d.). Digital game-based learning. Retrieved April 19, 2015, from
http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/4970
Johnson, D. (2013, April 24). Benefits of Audiobooks for All Readers. Retrieved April 19, 2015, from
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/benefits-audiobooks-all-readers
Roblyer, M.D., Doering, A., (2013). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching. USA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Three Things You Must Consider When Starting to use Tablets with SEN students. (2014). Retrieved April 19, 2015,
from http://tabletsforschools.org.uk/three-things-you-must-consider-when-starting-to-use-tablets-with-senstudents/