Special Education teachers of Low Incidence classrooms explore possibilities of the ActivTable

ActivTable Networking Session Continues…

Approximately 40 Low Incidence teachers across the TDSB attended our second ActivTable Networking Session held at Terraview Learning Centre and Burnhamthorpe Adult Learning Centre.

During this session teachers had an opportunity to further explore the ActivTable. They had time trying out modified ActivInspire activities to use on the Windows side of the ActivTable. They also shared activities they have been using with their students that they found relevant and engaging.

Later, they were provided time to create/adapt activities for use on the ActivTable in their classrooms. These activities were shared with the group and each member was provided with a copy of all the activities created from both sites.

Teachers trying out ActivTable Activities created on ActivInspire.

Teachers sharing their favourite ActivTable Activities they use in their classrooms.

Teachers creating ActivInspire Activities for use on the ActivTable.

Teachers sharing the activities they created for the ActivTable.

Tools to try for 2015: ActivInspire sound recorder

Tool: Sound recorder

Why: Useful tool to provide multimodal support for students. Student can both read and hear instructions. Teachers can record prompts. Students share knowledge and ideas when providing oral responses during shared lessons or independent work time.

Favourite use: in a co-teaching visual literacy lesson, students recorded the point of view of each subject in the image. The sound icon can be hidden (by using the translucency slider) so an image can be turned into interactive storyboards.

Some other video examples:

Video: Adding sound to flipcharts to support students with Developmental Disabilities https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKsAu48oWkg 

Video: Using personalized reward sounds to support students with Autism and other Developmental challenges
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf4ZXR2A9xI&list=PLgJQCBtlfe8Lc7QTVGpV7x78YXs9COnL-&index=17

Interactive Whiteboard Learning Communities "Getting Started" soon

Getting Started!

The Itinerant Resource Teachers are currently preparing for their first learning community (LC) sessions for interactive whiteboards!  Special Education teachers are divided into LC groups based on similar classroom needs.

The focus of the first session is on Getting Started with the Promethean board. Those attending the sessions will be learning how to use ActivInspire software to create sign-in and attendance pages that reflect the interests and diversity of their students.

A sample sign-in page for intermediate/secondary students.

During this learning community, the teachers will also be learning how to use ActivInspire to support mathematics through the use of digital manipulatives, the shape tool and grid.

A sample open-ended math problem for junior students.

As well, teachers who support students in a low incidence program will learn how to use ActivInspire software to create activities of daily living to support the needs of their students.  

A sample page to support activities of daily living for low incidence and/or primary students.

Ultimately, our goal is to incorporate interactive whiteboards as an effective teaching and learning tool in the classroom and to increase student engagement and achievement through a model of Differentiated Learning.