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With the BDA Thursday 23rd April at7:00pm about the latest developments in technology that can help dyslexic learners of all ages . Why not book your ticket now at :-

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dyslexia-and-technology-alternative-methods-of-recording-tickets-101057975124?ref=eios

BATA has listed suppliers who are offering AT resources during Covid -17

https://bataonline.org.uk/articles/overcoming-coronavirus-sector-puts-its-resources-your-disposal

EducationalistsSIG continue their series of “Accessible Education “webinars on the following topics over the next months. Covid-19 can’t stop them . Only £6,00 each it’s a great opportunity to learn about these important topics in the education sector. We cordially invite you and your colleagues to attend. Please publicise them widely. Links below will take you to our booking system on Eventbrite and your entry will be sent to you on completion via Texthelp Systems who are hosting these events on behalf of BATA. All sessions will be recorded and participants will get copies.

Study Skills and Presentation Tools – 28th May at 12:00pm  ( PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF TIME) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/83661845833

Outcomes from the DFE Edtech Strategy – 9th July at 3:45pm
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/83678365243

What is UDL? – 8th October  at 3:45pm

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/83681761401 

As teachers are looking for ways to teach remotely then you may want to consider the following tools and methods. I have used Prezi in a branching tree way to give choice to pupils of the activity and direction of the lesson. If you like to use your browser as a source of content then consider using Nearpod – interactivity over the internet by tapping in the room code. There is load of prepared content for primary and secondary phases. You can also create quizzes, polls, interactive questions, media, etc. Padlet is like a pinboard that every pupil can contribute to and share thoughts together, great for discussing ideas. IXL provide Maths, Science, English structured to Yr groups and covers a range of activities and skills. Its time limited on the free option but it is easy to re-engage again. All the above I have used for free. Trials are available as well.

Video conferencing with Zoom for the paid version incorporates whiteboard, breakout rooms and mobile screensharing now which is useful for demonstrating apps. BigBlueButton has a lot of those features i.e whiteboard ( except the mobile sharing!) and incorporates polling as well as recording the conversation and activity of the session. There is a lot going for BigBlueButtton for teachers for who it was designed for.

I know one of the problems parents expressed is the need for off-computer work . Seesaw fufills that request by having activities and step-be-step instructions of what to do off the computer. I know it is used by teachers for that reason. If you are into games then Kahoot provides educational activities that gives motivational content. Other tools to consider would be the London Grids for Learning where there is a wealth of activities aneged resources as well as the old but still useful Myths and Legends from the SWGFL .

I hope that gives a brief overview of what we are learning about this new way for us to work.

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.

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!

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