BigBlueButton – Teacher Video Conference

A question came up this week about what is a preferred tool for video conferencing. I came across BigBlueButton which has features teachers would like. There is sharing a screen and recording your session. Both brilliant for playback useful for pupils with neurodiversity needs. Also, there are breakout rooms where if you are teaching a large group it is useful to split them into small groups for at least part of the session.

This I was able to do as on a free trial. I can login with google or microsoft office365 or email. Also you can share your screen. You can have multiple web cams in a gallery view. You can also poll your students.

As teachers are having to teach remotely having a tool like this seems a real way forward especially as all the activity on the session is recorded including the chat as well.

Episode 22- Remote Learning

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-aepfh-d98705
Which tools do we use in this lockdown period? What are the problems encountered?

Uberconference

Looking for alternatives to Zoom? Having trouble with connecting and having stable connections? I cannot state that uberconference doesn’t have those problems but I do like the simple interface and engaging wait music it uses. Which might in itself get pupils in the right mode for a conference. Teachers are asking how to teach online so I and others will be thinking how we can achieve that now that it looks like we will be doing this for more time.

There is a free service for up to 10 people and for those on phones they will call you when a schedule is made. Sounds good. Watch out for teaching tips in another post!

Glassouse

We aim to help disable people who have limited movement ability or amputees, and cannot use a traditional mouse or keyboard or touch screens to touch technology.

Our assistive device, GlassOuse worn like glasses and detect head movement to move cursor. It can control computers, mobile phones, tablets and smart TV using Windows, MacOS, Linux, Chrome OS and Android operating systems through Bluetooth connection. G-Switch Series boosts nine switch options and do the click.

You can know more information about us from: https://glassouse.com/

TechAbility

Found these really useful resources

https://bit.ly/2UJX3WR

The Studying with Dyslexia Blog

I find this blog very useful and informative. I have written about it before but thought this section on Claro Read would be worth a shoutout on this assistive technology site:-

https://studyingwithdyslexiablog.co.uk/blog/anxiety-reading-dyslexia-text-to-speech-claro-software-review

Also, this general link looks good as well:-

https://studyingwithdyslexiablog.co.uk/blog-category-technology-for-studying

Tips for teaching visual impaired pupils

A few years ago I helped produce a series of helpsheets for the macular society . I am glad to see they are still on their website . If you are in education and particularly secondary education please take a look at this series which covers a range of subjects with helpful practial advice on the use of Assistive Technology for the visually impaired ( by Macular Degeneration)

https://www.macularsociety.org/resource-group/teaching-resources

100 Podcast downloads

Actually, 103 ! That’s brilliant! Couple that with a 100 views at http://smyles.podbean.com. I am happy that these short offerings are making some impact.

Now, take a look at my facebook page and ask to be my friend and then you can take part in ,my texchsavvy go live sessions. Very intended for the absolute beginner so not the same emphasis as the podcasts.

Watch out for future developments and if you want to see what the most popular podcast downloads are click here:-

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12q-D_zBZXltw9eVkdd3dt_U5jYBQ0GF8i-Lou-7Kk5I/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 21 – Cloud Storage

What is the Cloud? How does it work? What advantages are there for me in using the Cloud

www.podbean.com/ei/pb-ku2yj-d8beaa

Virtual Dyslexia Conference

Been sent details to publicise on this conference

https://leafletfrog.cmail20.com/t/ViewEmail/t/1AFAE2790C524D7B2540EF23F30FEDED