Workshop Descriptions

Each workshop offering will provide specific training on the integration and effective uses of a range of assistive technology devices. Professional development activities will be offered in a variety of formats included hands-on, small group, and online discussions. All trainings will be offered in the context of standards-based activities.

Professional development offered through the Assistive Technology Project is possible on a space available basis to all educators. Participation is not contingent upon funding from the Massachusetts Department of Education's Technology Enhancement Competitive Grant (#170). Educators interested in any of our workshops are encouraged to contact us and discuss availability. The fee for each workshop is $150; this includes curriculum materials, lunch and parking. Consultation and on-site professional development are also possible.

To inquire about professional development opportunities or any other service we may be able to provide, please call Sue Cusack, Project Director at 617 287-4333 or Sharon O'Toole, Project Coordinator at 617 287-4336.

Workshops listed by Date
Workshops listed by Strand

Workshops listed by Date

AT Dates for 2002 – 2003

Monday, October 7

Assistive Technology Fair
The Assistive Technology series will kick off with overviews of the 14 project workshops, a description of the Toolkit contents, and a discussion on customizing this professional development to complement your district's Technology Enhancement Competitive Grant (# 170). Grant teams will be asked to make workshop selections offered throughout the 02-03 school year.
(Mandatory for Grant teams.)

Monday, October 21

Team Roles and AT Evaluation Models (Assessment Strand)
Tools: WATI ASNAT 3rd Edition, QIAT Resource Guide
Learn the critical components of effective team building and explore a variety of assistive technology assessment strategies. Identify your district’s strengths and areas for improvement in considering Quality Indicators for the effective implementation of assistive technology supports and services.
(Mandatory for Grant teams.)

Thursday, November 7

Access to Print (Literacy Strand)
Tools: eReader (CAST), Scan and Read Lite (Premiere Programming), Start-to-Finish Book (Don Johnston)
Learn the characteristics of digital text, and how to enable text-to-speech on both the MAC & PC. Use scanners with optical character recognition (OCR) software to make textbooks accessible for struggling readers. Explore software to facilitate access to classic literature, and discover the vast ‘free’ library of electronic books on the Internet.

Monday, November 18

Introduction to Universal Design; Structuring the Environment (Curriculum Integration Strand)
Tools: Mimio, Keyboard Stand, Low tech Kits
Design accessible learning environments as a preliminary step to building a curriculum that can accommodate all learners. Consider environmental factors, seating and positioning for enhanced student function, and how to identify barriers to learning. Discuss the technology tools referenced in standard and nonstandard accommodations for local and state assessments, such as MCAS.
(Mandatory for Grant teams.)

Monday, December 2

Supports for Visual Learners (Literacy Strand)
Tools: Writing with Symbols - PC (Mayer Johnson) OR Pix Writer - Mac (Slater), Kidspiration/Inspiration Demo CD
Build on the strength of visual learning styles with the use of symbol-based word processing software and graphic organizers. Learn new ways to use the BoardMaker picture symbols and free Internet graphics to create picture-based lessons and classroom activities.

Thursday, December 19

Introduction to IntelliTalk II (Literacy Strand)
Tools: IntelliTalk II (IntelliTools)
Explore the features of an authoring tool that combines the use of graphics, text, and speech to enhance writing and communication skills. Create on-screen word banks and electronic worksheets to adapt the language arts curriculum for a diversity of learners. There will be a demonstration of how this tool can be accessed using an expanded keyboard (IntelliKeys) or a switch.

Tuesday, January 7

Introduction to Multimedia and Authoring Tools (Literacy Strand)
Tools: IntelliPics Studio (IntelliTools), PowerPoint (Microsoft)
Learn how to use a multimedia authoring tool, such as IntelliPics Studio and PowerPoint, to help students with writing difficulties create dynamic research reports. Integrate multimedia into project-based learning and standards-based activities.

Tuesday, January 14

Math Literacy (Literacy Strand)
Tools: IntelliMathics and MathPad Plus (IntelliTools)
Learn strategies and software to help students with computational, logic, and problem solving skills. Practice using ready-made activities as is as well as how to modify the software slightly for adapted access to the math curriculum.

Monday, January 27

Intermediate/Advanced IntelliTalk II (Curriculum Integration Strand)
Tools: IntelliTalk II
Use advanced features of IntelliTalk II to modify existing activities, create new activities and explore and adapt pre-made IntelliTalk II activities on the IntelliTools web site.
(Prerequisite:Intro session or some experience with IntelliTalk II.)

Wednesday, February 12

Communication Software, Devices, and Strategies: Level I (Communication Strand)
Tools: BoardMaker, Communication Display Book (Mayer Johnson), Communication Builder* (Enabling Devices)
This introductory workshop will focus on how to select vocabulary in order to make successful communication boards using the electronic library of picture communication symbols (PCS). Learn display guidelines and prompting techniques by working with hundreds of ready-made boards created by experts in the field. Most importantly, gain strategies for increasing interactive communication for students with speech delays in the context of standard-based classroom activities.

Tuesday, February 25

Advanced Multimedia and Authoring Tools (Assessment Strand)
Tools: USB Disk Pen, Digital Camera, IntelliPics Studio (IntelliTools), PowerPoint (Microsoft)
Use multimedia tools such as digital and video cameras with authoring software to develop alternative assessment tools. Become familiar with how to assemble an electronic student portfolio. Optional: bring student work samples.

Wednesday, March 12

Communication Software, Devices, and Strategies: Level 2 (Communication Strand)
Tools: Flip ‘n Talk, Quick and Easy AAC Strategies for the Academic Classroom (Mayer Johnson), Step-by-Step (AbleNet)
After identifying a candidate for augmentative/alternative communication (AAC), how does the team decide which communication system to use? Beyond choosing a device or strategy, increasing interactive communication into the student’s day is the biggest challenge. Learn how to accomplish spontaneous exchanges between students who are non-verbal and their peers using a simple one-button device.

Monday, March 24

Curriculum Development and Integration Strategies (Curriculum Integration Strand)
Tools: Teaching Every Student (CAST), KidTrack Mouse (RJ Cooper)
Develop and integrate digital curricula for all learners through the use of commonly available technology tools. Create flexible assessment instruments with the use of digital text. Explore barriers to accessible educational materials through case studies.

Tuesday, April 15

Writing Across the Curriculum (Literacy Strand)
Tools: Write OutLoud, Co:Writer, Draft-Builder (Don Johnston), AlphaSmart, Get Utility, Talking Photo, Easel
There is a spectrum of tools from low to high tech available to help students with written output. Gain skill in using a talking word processor (Write Out Loud) and word prediction software (Co:Writer) for writing across the curriculum in a standards-based classroom.

Monday, April 28

Curriculum Access for Students with Low Vision
Tools: Big Shot (Freedom Scientific), Zoom Caps (Don Johnston)
Integrate low and high tech instructional strategies for students with vision impairments. Learn how to use magnification and high contrast features built into your computer and screen readers that can be downloaded off the Internet. Become familiar with state and other resources for this population.

Workshops listed by Strand

AT Strands for 2002 – 2003

Literacy Strand
Curriculum Strand
Communication Strand
Assessment Strand

Assistive Technology Fair

The Assistive Technology series will kick off with overviews of the 14 project workshops, a description of the Toolkit contents, and a discussion on customizing this professional development to complement your district's Technology Enhancement Competitive Grant (# 170). Grant teams will be asked to make workshop selections offered throughout the 02-03 school year.
(Mandatory for Grant teams.)

---

Literacy Strand

Access to Print
Tools: eReader (CAST), Scan and Read Lite (Premiere Programming), Start-to-Finish Book (Don Johnston)
Learn the characteristics of digital text, and how to enable text-to-speech on both the MAC & PC. Use scanners with optical character recognition (OCR) software to make textbooks accessible for struggling readers. Explore software to facilitate access to classic literature, and discover the vast ‘free’ library of electronic books on the Internet.

Supports for Visual Learners
Tools: Writing with Symbols - PC (Mayer Johnson) OR Pix Writer - Mac (Slater), Kidspiration/Inspiration Demo CD
Build on the strength of visual learning styles with the use of symbol-based word processing software and graphic organizers. Learn new ways to use the BoardMaker picture symbols and free Internet graphics to create picture-based lessons and classroom activities.

Introduction to IntelliTalk II
Tools: IntelliTalk II (IntelliTools)
Explore the features of an authoring tool that combines the use of graphics, text, and speech to enhance writing and communication skills. Create on-screen word banks and electronic worksheets to adapt the language arts curriculum for a diversity of learners. There will be a demonstration of how this tool can be accessed using an expanded keyboard (IntelliKeys) or a switch.

Introduction to Multimedia and Authoring Tools
Tools: IntelliPics Studio (IntelliTools), Powerpoint (Microsoft)
Learn how to use a multimedia authoring tool, such as IntelliPics Studio and PowerPoint, to help students with writing difficulties create dynamic research reports. Integrate multimedia into project-based learning and standards-based activities.

Math Literacy
Tools: IntelliMathics and MathPad Plus(IntelliTools),
Learn strategies and software to help students with computational, logic, and problem solving skills. Practice using ready-made activities as is as well as how to modify the software slightly for adapted access to the math curriculum.

Writing Across the Curriculum
Tools: Write OutLoud, Co:Writer, Draft-Builder (Don Johnston), AlphaSmart, Get Utility, Talking Photo, Easel
There is a spectrum of tools from low to high tech available to help students with written output. Gain skill in using a talking word processor (Write Out Loud) and word prediction software (Co:Writer) for writing across the curriculum in a standards-based classroom.

Curriculum Access for Students with Low Vision
Tools: Big Shot (Freedom Scientific), Zoom Caps (Don Johnston)
Integrate low and high tech instructional strategies for students with vision impairments. Learn how to use magnification and high contrast features built into your computer and screen readers that can be downloaded off the Internet. Become familiar with state and other resources for this population.

Curriculum Strand

Introduction to Universal Design: Structuring the Environment
Tools: Mimio, Keyboard Stand, Low Tech Kits
Design accessible learning environments as a preliminary step to building a curriculum that can accommodate all learners. Consider environmental factors, seating and positioning for enhanced student function, and how to identify barriers to learning. Discuss the technology tools referenced in standard and nonstandard accommodations for local and state assessments, such as MCAS.
(Mandatory for Grant teams.)

Curriculum Development and Integration Strategies
Tools: Teaching Every Student (CAST), KidTrack Mouse (RJ Cooper)
Develop and integrate digital curricula for all learners through the use of commonly available technology tools. Create flexible assessment instruments with the use of digital text. Explore barriers to accessible educational materials through case studies.

Intermediate/Advanced IntellitalkII
Tools: IntelliTalk II
Use advanced features of IntelliTalk II to modify existing activities, create new activities and explore and adapt pre-made IntelliTalk II activities on the IntelliTools web site.
(Prerequisite: Intro session or some experience with IntelliTalk II.)

Communication Strand

Communication Software, Devices, and Strategies: Level I
Tools: BoardMaker, Communication Display Book (Mayer Johnson), Communication Builder (Enabling Devices)
This introductory workshop will focus on how to select vocabulary in order to make successful communication boards using the electronic library of picture communication symbols (PCS). Learn display guidelines and prompting techniques by working with hundreds of ready-made boards created by experts in the field. Most importantly, gain strategies for increasing interactive communication for students with speech delays in the context of standard-based classroom activities.

Communication Software, Devices, and Strategies: Level 2
Tools: Flip ‘n Talk, Quick and Easy AAC Strategies for the Academic Classroom (Mayer Johnson), Step-by-Step (AbleNet)
After identifying a candidate for augmentative/alternative communication (AAC), how does the team decide which communication system to use? Beyond choosing a device or strategy, increasing interactive communication into the student’s day is the biggest challenge. Learn how to accomplish spontaneous exchanges between students who are non-verbal and their peers using a simple one-button device.

Assessment Strand

Team Roles and AT Evaluation Models
Tools: WATI ASNAT 3rd Edition, QIAT Resource Guide
Learn the critical components of effective team building and explore a variety of assistive technology assessment strategies. Identify your district’s strengths and areas for improvement in considering Quality Indicators for the effective implementation of assistive technology supports and services.
(Mandatory for Grant teams.)

Advanced Multimedia and Authoring Tools
Tools: USB Disk Pen, Digital Camera, IntelliPics Studio (Intellitools)
Use multimedia tools such as digital and video cameras with authoring software to develop alternative assessment tools. Become familiar with how to assemble an electronic student portfolio. Optional: bring student work samples.

 

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