Accessible Tech

Every Thursday at 4.15pm the EdTech Demonstrator Programme will be delivering short webinars (between 20 to 40 mins) focusing on the best ways to integrate accessible technology into your classrooms – enabling you to improve the outcomes for all of your learners.

Accessible technology means technology that allows full access to digital content, whatever your needs. As a result, these webinars are for all educators, as we all know that mainstream classes include a range of students with needs, diagnosed or not. An accessible classroom makes learning easier for everyone.

Webinar programme 2020 / 2021

Upcoming webinars

Visual Learning. Thursday 5 Nov 2020 at 4.15pm

Mind-mapping, social stories, essay planning, symbols and timetables. We will discuss the merits of each, provide you with solutions (PC and mobile) and give you some new tools to deliver your sessions more inclusively. Register for the Visual Learning webinar on Zoom.

Microsoft. Thursday 12 Nov 2020 at 4.15pm 

We will be demonstrating immersive reader, a fantastic way of improving literacy, catering for learners with English as a second language and improving grammar skills. We will also be covering free captioning and lesson recording in Microsoft PowerPoint and much more. Register for the Microsoft webinar on Zoom.

Google. Thursday 19 Nov 2020 at 4.15pm

There are some pioneering learning tools being provided through Google Education and some excellent accessibility options. So how do you make the most of these tools and what can you do with browser extensions?

We’ll cover all this and more. Including a free dictation tool (speech to text) that works with most learners without training and free tools for learners to be able to read online resources whatever their access. Register for the Google webinar on Zoom.

Apple. Thursday 26 Nov 2020 at 4.15pm

iPads and iPhones have consistent accessibility features so once you understand these you can enjoy them on any Apple device. We’ll take you through these and give you the skills to understand how to use apps in a meaningful way to improve accessibility for learners.

After this webinar you will be able to use your tablet or phone to read the world around you and to adapt it to suit the needs of learners with varying access requirements. Register for the Apple webinar on Zoom.

Mobile. Thursday 3 Dec 2020 at 4.15pm

Mobile devices and tablets are increasingly a major part of our lives. So how can we use these for learners to access digital materials, browse the internet, communicate and be more independent? Allow us to take you through some options in a webinar that will cover both inbuilt features/settings and a range of applications. Stay on at the end for our “Drop-in surgery”. Register for the Mobile webinar on Zoom.

Watch previous webinars

Introduction

Meet the team of specialists, find out how best to access the programme and get some tips on getting September started right. Watch on YouTube below. 

Text-to-Speech

An introduction to one of the most useful tools to help learners access written text. We will cover options on different platforms and cover those extra features that can make all the difference. Watch on YouTube below.

Early Switch Skills

Taking a look at alternative access to computers/communication aids using switches. It will provide a step-by-step guide from the assessment process, to early switch skills such as awareness of cause and effect. It will explore a range of switch accessible software, websites, and activities. Watch on YouTube below.

Dictation

Using your voice to write can be transformative for learners and is a useful life-skill for everyone! We will cover the main options and give options for the classroom, mobile devices, and exams. Watch on YouTube below.

Vision

Changing visual options can make resources accessible. We will go through the main software and features that can help your learners see the work in the best possible way. Watch on YouTube below.

Physical Equipment

How do we work out what equipment learners need? What is out there and where do we buy it from? We can help you with these questions and more. Watch on YouTube below.

Video Calls

Never before have we spent so long in video calls! But do we know how to make these accessible and do we know which platform to choose to suit our students’ needs? We will look at how to make your calls on Zoom, Teams and Hangouts more accessible with captions, transcripts, accessible resources, shared folders and more. Watch on YouTube below.

Remote Therapy

There are some excellent resources and tips on delivering remote therapy, we’ll review these and help you to feel comfortable delivering therapy in this manner. Designed with Speech and Language Therapists in mind, but with guidance that should help all therapists.

Blended / Flipped Learning.

Blended learning is an approach to education that combines online educational materials and opportunities for interaction online with traditional place-based classroom methods. Flipped learning has been described as “school work at home and home work at school.” They are both effective when done correctly and can improve the differentiation, accessibility and engagement of learners. Watch on YouTube below.

 

More webinars to follow.