Google Read & Write - Resource for Accessibility

Classroom teachers are always searching for ways to meet the needs of all of their students.  Unfortunately, with the variety of learning styles and abilities of students in regular classrooms, this is not easy to accomplish.  Implementing Universal Design is important to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

Universal Design refers to the idea of designing spaces, products, services, and more in a way that makes them as functional as possible for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.  This differs from an accessibility approach in two noteworthy ways. First, it looks to improve usability for all, not just those who identify as disabled. Second, it focuses on finding one solution that will function equally for everyone, rather than fragmented approaches that divide users. (Spina, 2017, p. 28)

(Free use image of students on laptops)

Google Chrome’s online extension, Read & Write, is a powerful digital resource to provide literacy support to all students.  The Read & Write extension is available to be downloaded online for each of these  formats Chrome, Mac, Windows, and tablets. Read & Write is an easy to use toolbar that provides students with a wealth of resources, such as,

• Listening to any document, PDF, or website using text-to-speech, which is highlighted to make it easy to follow along.
• Text and picture dictionaries to explain unknown words.
• Dictation to speech-to-text to help with writing and proofreading.
• Simplifying text on a web page, like removing ads to and other items that may be distracting. 
• Provides tools to support students with dyslexia or other learning difficulties. 
• Screen masking tools to limit distractions. 
• Translation tools for English Language Learners.

(Images from Google Read & Write)

(Images from Google Read & Write)

Read & Write provides an optimal learning experience for all learners and coincides with the Universal Design for Learning.  As Spina states (2017), “The flexibility built into this approach simultaneously provides a better learning experience for all students and offers a way for students with disabilities to participate without special accommodations” (p. 29).   

These videos are great resources to introduce all the resources and tools Read & Write has to offer all of your students. The last video can be shared as an introduction to teach students how to use Read & Write and how teachers can use it with their students.

(Introduction to Read & Write)

(Read & Write -  a resource for all students)

(Introduction for students to Read & Write)

Resources:

Hagan, M. (2017). Texthelp – read & write lets everyone read, write and express themselves

more confidently. Closing the Gap. Retrieved from

https://www.closingthegap.com/texthelp-readwrite-lets-everyone-read-write-and-express-

themselves-more-confidently/

Read & Write for Google Chrome https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/readwrite-for-

google-chro/inoeonmfapjbbkmdafoankkfajkcphgd?hl=en-US

Spina, C. (2017). How universal design will make your library more inclusive. School Library Journal. https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=how-universal-design-will-make-your-library-more-inclusive

It's the Wave of the Future! - Librarians and Technology Integration

(A fellow teacher and myself at a tech conference)

As a classroom teacher for over fifteen years, I have always tried to make learning fun and exciting for students, whenever possible.  But, let’s face it, often times teaching curriculum standards is not fun and games for teachers or students. When I first started working various forms of technology into my lessons, my students became more engaged in lessons and activities.  A. Overbay, M. Mollette, and E. Vasu (2011) state that, “Digital learners are hungry to use technology in school.” School librarians can help integrate new technology by collaborating with teachers. Over the years, I have attended workshops and conferences to learn about new technology ideas, apps, and programs I could use with my students and share with fellow teachers.  

(Free use image of 3 children with a laptop)

Many teachers, including myself, are often nervous about trying new technologies for the first time, especially when we have not been properly trained or  supported. Since our librarian was the onsite go-to person when we had questions about technology, I began to work closely with her. M. Johnston (2012) remarks that, “The highly technological environment of 21st century schools has significantly redefined the role of the teacher librarian.” Now that I am the librarian at my school, I have stepped into a similar role.  

Teacher librarians are in a unique position, due to knowledge of pedagogical principles and curriculum, paired with technology and information expertise, to serve as leaders and valuable assets through making meaningful contributions toward the integration of technology. The concern is that if technology and digital resources are not integrated into classroom learning experiences, it will result in students that are unprepared to meet the demands of a world where technology has become ubiquitous. Teacher librarians, through working with teachers and students, have a vital role to play in making certain that students develop the 21st century skills that will enable them to use technology as a tool for learning and for participating in a digital culture. (Johnston, 2012, p.1)

I believe it is my duty as a teacher librarian to support the staff and students at my school by integrating technology in my lessons with students, collaborating with teachers, and advocating for new technologies needed with my administrator and district.

That having been said, I often look for new technology to “effectively meet students’ needs and keep them actively engaged during instruction” (Smith, 2010).  One way to find out about new technology is to follow social media and/or go to library and technology conferences. I discovered a new way to integrate technology into teacher’s lessons and student activities using Buncee, which I discovered while reading an Education Week blog: 5 Ways Librarians Can Connect Students to the World Through Technology .  Buncee describes their program as follows: “A creation and communication tool for students, educators and administrators to create interactive content, allowing those of all ages to visualize concepts and communicate creatively.” Teachers and students can create presentations that are interactive and animated, allow them to record their own voices, and take pictures or add images all embedded within Buncee.  Check out the demonstrations of how Buncee can by used by librarians, teachers, and students.

Johnston (2012) reminds us that school librarians have the “unique position to serve as leaders and valuable assets through making meaningful contributions toward the integration of technology and learning.”  We teach students how to use technical tools, such as Buncee in the library, they will have additional 21st century skills to prepare them for their future.

What is the best way to advocate for teachers?  How can librarians help provide students with the 21st century skills they need for their future?

Resources:

Johnston, M. P. (2012). Connecting teacher librarians for technology integration leadership.  School Libraries Worldwide, 18(1), 18-33.

Daniella Smith, (2010),"Making the case for the leadership role of school librarians in technology integration", Library Hi Tech, Vol. 28 Iss 4 pp. 617 - 631

Unknown. (2017, April 3). 5 Ways librarians can connect students to the world through technology. Retrieved from https://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/global_learning/2017/04/5_ways_librarians_can_connect_students_to_the_world_through_technology.html