Enroll in DPS
Having trouble motivating students with learning disabilities to write? Try using the AlphaSmart!
The AlphaSmart is a portable, lightweight notetaker that looks like a keyboard. It weighs only two pounds and is very portable. Compatible with both a PC and a Mac, the AlphaSmart is compatible with most printers.
The AlphaSmart motivates students to type, edit and save text. It has a full-sized keyboard and a text display. It runs on batteries and has an automatic shutdown feature to maintain battery life. When shutting down, the AlphaSmart will automatically save work, so nothing is lost accidentally! It has many other features of a computer including spell check, a calculator and a save feature with files to help students remain organized.
AlphaSmart is very user friendly and simple to use. Students may download their work to a word processing program if they wish, either through a cable or a laser beam connection.
All students love the idea of working on a computer, but there are never enough in one classroom to accommodate everyone. The AlphaSmart makes it possible for students to use a portable word processor, making those written assignments a lot more fun!
AlphaSmart is available at ATTIC, free for 90 days, to try with special needs students. More information regarding the AlphaSmart and accessories can be found on alphasmart.com.
Calling all teachers and speech pathologists! Are you tired of creating cut and paste materials for classroom or therapy use?
ATTIC has lots of software programs that will do the job for you. Boardmaker and Picture It can be used to create materials and will print them in color! Writing with Symbols 2000 will create rebus stories as quickly as the author types in words.
For those of us who are not artistically inclined, these software programs are wonderful. They may be borrowed for up to 90 days. An inservice will be provided upon request for any borrower who wishes.
Another helpful resource for finding pictures is the Internet: try www.allfree-clipart.com or www.awesomeclipartforkids.com for more art options. If you are internet-impaired, ATTIC will show you how! Just call for an appointment.
Do you have an assistive technology Tip you would like to share? Send an email to Cathy Crotteau and your idea will be posted here.
