Red screen on startup on a Windows Surface

After a recent update I experienced a bright red screen on startup which didn't affect the functionality of the device just looked like there was a problem! ( red for danger).

If you experience this I managed to resolve it by following these instructions . You might need to re-install some passwords remember which Microsoft account you log onto the device with before you do these steps

Anyway, here is the solution :-

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2884723/the-surface-pro-startup-screen-is-red

Associate Fellowship of Higher Education

I achieved another milestone in my career by gaining the above award. This is a national scheme for staff in Higher Education to achieve a standard that is recognised by this sector. So if you are a university or higher education setting requiring some Assistive Technology input to your course for special educational needs that please comsider using me. Contact me via this website.

For more details of this scheme go to:-

https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/individuals/fellowship/fellow

 

Teaching tips from the Macular Society

This work I contributed to has now gone live. The aim is to give simple helpful advice to schools about visual impairment. There is AT advice contained within each subject area:-

www.macularsociety.org/teaching

 

 

Is Technology delivering in schools?

This article printed in the Guardian does ask this question which is answered by a panel of experts of which one John Galloway I know. It questions the use of iPads as useful tools in schools and debates the introduction of certain technology into schools like VLE’s which were introduced too soon and which Google now have taken forward.

As a tablet trainer myself I do see the power of its use when it is linked to teaching & learning not as a reward or bright shinny thing as it was in the beginning.

Anyway read for yourself at

https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2017/jul/04/is-technology-delivering-in-schools-our-panel-debates

DocPlus by Crick Software

Another new product and this time it is for older learners. This combines the best of WrtieOnline  and Clicker 7 all in one place. with more integration with other software. With good integration with Microsoft Word you can immediately use it as an alternative to  it, So you can do the following:-

  • text to speech that is excellent and not robotic
  • audio memory notes ( as in Clicker) have been added
  • Word grids
  • Camera (back and front)
  • Word prediction
  • Mindmap tool
  • Formatting has been upgraded to include bullet points, centre, right, left, images around text
  • ……and much more!

DocPlus makes a great addition to the Crick family and would help pupils who need a more grown up form of support.

And there is more , in the next version there will be these additions I am told:-

1)        Exam Mode: Different aspects of the program can be enabled/disabled to match the individual student’s access arrangements
2)      Auto save/restore: Automatically backs up the student’s work in case of computer crash / power cut etc.
3)      Tile PDF: PDF reader can sit underneath the document so the student can see/read the question whilst answering in the document above.
4)      Edit PDF: Where the exam authorities allow answering directly onto pdf (e.g. Scotland), DocsPlus supports this and allows speech / predictor / spelling support depending on Exam mode settings

DocPlus

Windows 10 still free for Assistive Technology Users

yes, that’s right! If you are are a user with a disability you can still get Windows 10 for free just follow the link below:-

https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/accessibility/windows10upgrade

Thank you Microsoft.

News from Crick Software

News from Crick software. Clicker communicator coloured grids:-

http://www.cricksoft.com/email/UK/LGWNews/2017/JuneInterim.html

New BATA Website

Our new British Assistive Technology Association site is active now and can be found at http://bataonline.org

https://elink.io/embed/96519

FELT – Feel, Enjoy,Learn,Thanks

1 in 10 children have mental health needs in our schools. That means a possible 3 children in a class! Positive Pyschology for Education  offers help and training through it’s FELT program. Approaching this problem in a positive manner is the mission of Dr Linda Mallory. Wellbeing is what Linda promotes and the research in psychology backs her up saying that “Wellbeing precedes outcomes.” With our present education system focused on outcomes this seems a timely time do this.

Linda I have known and worked with when I was working for Wiltshire Council, She is presently working on her “FELT – Feel, Enjoy,Learn, Thanks ” with schools in the Trowbridge area doing training sessions with staff.  I think if children feel good about themselves they will achieve more. So I heartily recommend Dr Linda Mallory’s work to you. Please contact her via her website:-

http://positivepsychologyforeducation.co.uk/

Helpful resources for families provided by Tilda Moore

Our team here at Open Educators usually focuses on sharing education-related resources, but I was so moved by the   R-word’s site mission that I wanted to shift our priorities to support all of the amazing children with special needs, as well as the families who love them. Below are some wonderful informational – yet thoughtful – articles I hope you’ll add to your site so they can help as many people as possible

How to Create an Autism-Friendly Environment for Kids 
Discipline Strategies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

 

If your site is better suited to hosting original articles rather resource lists, I hope you’ll consider allowing me to write one for you. My inspiration would be ways to support special needs families, but let me know if you have a more specific direction in mind.

 

Thanks in advance for your support!

Tilda

 

Tilda Moore

openeducators.org

 

If you aren’t interested in hearing from us in the future, kindly send me an email to let me know. Thanks!