Phase 2--Scaffolding SEN issues

This phase of the course will involve participants in mastering basic principles of learning for students with special educational needs, including the following modules:

Module 4-6

Reading Web Pages:
Module 4: Combining simple assistive technology tools,
Module 5: Introducing the new genre of "the web page" and
Module 6: Using Word as an adaptive tech tool.
18 hours

The next three modules will introduce the use of assistive technology tools, understanding web pages as a "text" type, and teaching students how to adapt text by using Word as an editor of web pages.

Module 4 will focus on downloading and using the Babylon site and dictionary, especially with the features that help students with special educational needs negotiate difficult text.

Module 5 will examine web pages in the context of building information, strategies and skills among our students for this new text-type or genre.

And Module 6 will allow teachers an opportunity to explore the many tools and features of Word and Office applications that make it one of the most important tools for SEN students.

Your assignment for these modules is as follows:
At the end of modules 4-6 you will be required to produce a project that will include several activities, and that can be executed over the course of many lessons. You should select a web site that is suitable, motivating and relevant for SEN students--the subject is up to each of you and can include sports, hobbies, music, stories, travel...anything!

The activities should include all of the following components:

• at least one activity on how to teach students to use a particular aspect of the Babylon dictionary as a downloaded assistive tech program.
• at least one activity that introduces students to how to "read" a web page with emphasis on strategies that we use to aid SEN students in reading comprehension, generally
• at least one activity that instructs students on at least three features of Word that students might not ordinarily be familiar with, for the purpose of instructing students on how to adapt material from the internet in a manner that promotes their learning
• a pre or post self-assessment learner (for your students) tool of one or more activities in this project.

Since you will accumulate the skills necessary to produce this project over a period of three modules, part of your assignment will be to submit reflections on our forum on each module, according to the specific requirements listed for that module.

So let's begin!

Module 4: The Dictionary! The simplest of assistive technology tools--downloading and using Babylon for SEN students.

And feel free to contact me about any aspect of this assignment. Contact Ellen

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