[senco-forum] I.C.T. for S.E.N.

Last month there was a thread about I.C.T. for S.E.N.
At the time, I could not find, but now have found,
the case studies given by Victoria Crivelli
of BDA New Technologies Committee
and S.E.N. I.C.T. adviser in Worcestershire LA.
in her BETT seminar at Olympia in January 2007.

The podcast of her seminar is on BETT web. 52mb!
www.bettshow.com

Peter - Y9 Tertiary High school.
Lacking motivation, low self esteem, anger and behaviour issues.

Low Tech Solutions:
• Using Highlighter and Auto summary in MS Word to focus on key points of text.
• Splitting screens when on www.
• Copying text into Inspiration so it can be spoken.

Hi Tech Solution:
• Using Inspiration to aid all planning of written tasks.
• Using Penfriend as a predictive tool to help get ideas down quickly and to 
assist reading difficult texts.

Jack - Middle  school.
Behaviour issues, short term memory difficulties, producing minimal written 
text, RA 8, cannot cope with long texts and technical vocabulary.

Low Tech Solution:
• Using features of MS Word to relieve visual stress including highlight tool 
and auto summary.
• Use of Memo microphone to aid memory.
• Using Wordshark 3S to familiarise technical vocabulary.

Hi Tech Solution:
• Started using Claro read + for visual comfort and
    access to long texts ( including scanning texts).
• Using Wordbar onscreen wordbank to aid writing.

Sophie – Y4 Primary
Very able. R. A.  appropriate but not at ability level. Uses a colour overlay. 
Gets frustrated not being able to
record ideas quickly and spell accurately. Good keyboard skills.

Low Tech Solution:
• Use of colour format and screen tools on IWB.
• Use of Clicker Writer in Clicker 4 for reading difficult text and some 
recording (when available).

Hi Tech Solution:
• Using Virtual Reading Ruler for all tasks on PC.
• Using Alphasmart NEO with Co Writer predictive tool to aid  everyday writing 
activities and  Clicker 5 with Penfriend.
• Uses Literacy Wordbank hand held spellchecker.
• Uses Wordshark 3 and Track programs to practise reading and spelling.

Matthew – Y2 Primary
R. A. very low and not at ability level. Knows some high frequency words and cvc 
blends. Gets frustrated easily. Evidence of avoidance tactics in Literacy tasks.
Likes working on computers on his own and with friends.

Low Tech Solution:
• Uses Language Master to practise Literacy skills  and tasks, and to access 
curriculum.
• Use of Clicker 5 for some Literacy tasks.

Hi Tech Solution:
• Increased use of Clicker 5 resources for reading and recording  and 
Kidspiration for some recording tasks.
• Use of interactive texts to support  reading ‘age appropriate’ texts ( Neptune 
and Clicker).
• Use of interactive Literacy games ( e.g. Fab Phonics, CVC word builder).

Using IWB features to support pupils.
* Change colour background to avoid white screen glare.
* Use reveal screen, spotlight and magnifiers to aid reading.
* Use to help motor skills and coordination using pen annotations for letter and 
tracing patterns at KS 1/2.
* Use for text annotation & sequencing.
* Use for concept / mind mapping.
* Use for labelling.
* Use for reviewing using recording
     tools and playback.
* Use the Screen capture.
( e.g. from video clips / digital photos )
for visual literacy activities.

To summarise:
• Make the best use of  and/or build on existing technology.
• The option of speech support is vital to ensure access to information and 
curriculum entitlement.
• ICT can encourage independent learning.
• ICT can be personalised to meet individual needs.
• ICT can support the writing and recording of information, and  help 
demonstrate true ability and knowledge.
• ICT can offer opportunities to practise Literacy skills.
• Many ICT tools and programs useful to support Dyslexics can be helpful to all 
pupils.

Jean
-----------------------------------------
Jean Hutchins, SE Surrey DA.
RSA Dip SpLD, AMBDA, retired.
E-mail: JeanHutchins2000 at yahoo.co.uk
British Dyslexia Association Web: www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
(Also into spelling reform www.spellingsociety.org)
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