Author Archives: greg

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    Supporting Reading, Writing and Maths

    Presentation Resources and More

     

     


    Texthelp Toolkit

    Literacy is every student’s passport to academic achievement. Texthelp’s technology solutions for reading, writing, language and STEM learning are used daily by students and educators worldwide. Over 200 million in fact.

    Read&Write

    OrbitNote

    EquatIO

    Texthelp Academy

    AI in Education


    Resources will help you explore options.

     

    AI and Literacy

    Supporting Multilingual students with AI

    bit.ly/EALandAI 

    Brisk

    https://www.briskteaching.com/ 

    Happy Scribe

    Transcription & Subtitles

    https://www.happyscribe.com/

     

    AI and Inclusive Education

    Assistive technology is AI’s next billion-person market

    https://www.axios.com/2024/01/12/ai-assistive-technology-accessibility 

    AI ADVISORY BOARDS: Giving Students and Teachers a Voice

    These boards could bring together students, administrators, and experts in AI to brainstorm new ideas and solutions for improving the educational experience. AI advisory boards can help to increase student engagement, improve communication between students and administrators, foster innovation, and prepare students for the future.

    https://aiadvisoryboards.wordpress.com/ 

     

    AI and Education

    Advancing education with AI – Google

    https://edu.google.com/intl/ALL_au/why-google/ai-for-education/ 

    First NSW generative AI classroom assistant

    https://www.educationreview.com.au/2024/02/first-nsw-ai-classroom-assistant/ 

    NSW schools trial new purpose-built AI tool for students

    https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/safety-first-as-schools-trial-new-purpose-built-ai-tool-for-stud 

    Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Schools

    https://www.education.gov.au/schooling/resources/australian-framework-generative-artificial-intelligence-ai-schools 

    Human-Centered AI-Guidance for K-12 Public School

    https://aiadvisoryboards.wordpress.com/2024/01/21/human-centered-ai-guidance-for-k-12-public-school/ 

    Leon Furze blog – great AI in education resources

    https://leonfurze.com/blog/ 

    A Repository of AI tools and other stuff for teachers from Dan Fitzpatrick – The AI Educator

    https://theaieducator.io/ 

    Tom Barrett – Promptcraft

    https://edte.ch/blog/?v=3a1ed7090bfa 

     

    AI Tools

    Gemini

    https://gemini.google.com/

    ChatGPT 3.5

    https://chat.openai.com/

    Poe

    This AI chatbot aggregator allows you to access a wide range of AI chatbots in a single hub and even create some of your own

    www.poe.com 

    Diffit

    Assists teachers in creating differentiated activities within the classroom by allowing them to convert any content to different reading levels, making it accessible to a wider range of students.

    https://beta.diffit.me/

     

    Prompt Resources

    GenAI Chatbot Prompt Library for Educators

    https://www.aiforeducation.io/prompt-library-all-prompts

     

    AI Images and Video

    Google Bard can now generate images – Tom Barrett

    Creating images in Gemini 

    https://blog.google/technology/ai/google-imagen-2/ 

    Gemini image generation got it wrong.

    https://blog.google/products/gemini/gemini-image-generation-issue  

    OpenAI

    Sora is an AI model that can create realistic and imaginative scenes from text instructions

    https://openai.com/sora

    AI Avatar image generator

    https://www.aiavatar.cc 

    HeyGen

    AI-powered video creation

    https://www.heygen.com/

     

    Books / Research

    “Practical AI strategies – Engaging with Generative Ai in Education” by Leon Furze

    https://amzn.asia/d/9pBqdHn 

    “The AI Classroom: The Ultimate Guide to Artificial Intelligence in Education (The Hitchhiker’s Guide for Educators Series Book 1)” by Dan Fitzpatrick , Amanda Fox, et al.

    https://amzn.asia/d/dFutiRt 

    Should I cite the AI tool that I used? *** by Dr. Kristin Terrill, Iowa State University

    https://academicinsightlab.org/blog/should-ai-tools-be-cited-or-acknowledged 

     

    Reading

     


    The ability to access text via text to speech technology on a computer or mobile device may seem simple enough, but for some students the combination of text appearing on a screen together with the device speaking that text aloud can be truly transformative. Students who may benefit from text to speech technology include students with low vision and who are blind, students who are not reading in their first language, students struggling with reading, and students with cognitive load challenges.  

     

    Where can you find out more about text to speech:

    For all OS – Read&Write https://www.texthelp.com/en-au/products/read-write/read-write-for-education/

    Mac OS — Text to Speech: www.apple.com/accessibility/osx

    Windows – Microsoft Learning Tools https://www.onenote.com/learningtools# and

    Narrator www.microsoft.com/enable/products/windows8

    Mac iOS — Speak Selection and Speak Screen www.apple.com/au/accessibility/ios

    Android — Text to Speech www.androidcentral.com/latest-google-text-speech-update-enables-high-quality-voices-us-and-uk-english

    Kindle Fire Accessibility

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?docId=1000632481

    How to get started with Google Text-to-Speech

    http://www.greenbot.com/article/2105862/how-to-get-started-with-google-text-to-speech.html

     

    For dyslexic students, are smart phones easier to read than books?

    http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/smart-phones-beat-paper-best-device-reading/

     

    Images enhance comprehension

    http://2010vislitproject.pbworks.com/f/hibbingpicture.pdf

     

    Struggling readers benefit greatly from illustrations provided in the text.

    http://www.decd.sa.gov.au/northernadelaide/files/links/4_VisualisingBooklet.pdf

     

    The Problem with Reading Informational Texts

    https://www.theconfidentteacher.com/2022/01/the-problem-with-reading-informational-texts/

     

    Ebook Readers on devices other than an iPad:

    Calibre – support for Mac, Linux and Windows

    FBReader – support for Mac and Windows, plus Android/iOS apps

    Firefox EPUBReader Add-On  – Expansion for the Firefox internet browser on Mac and Windows

    Readium – ebook reader for Chrome

     

    Text to Speech

     


    Read&Write

    Teachers can install a trial of Read&Write, and then sign up to get a free Premium Teacher Subscription. See the following link for more details:

    Free for Teachers

    Chrome Extensions

    Chrome Speak

    Announcify

    SpeakIt!

    Select and Speak

    Oribi Speak for Chrome

    Spoken Text

     

    Reading Fluency and Comprehension


    Reading fluency

    http://www.ldonline.org/article/6354/ 

    The following has a chart of reading speed

    http://www.turboread.com/interpretation.htm

    If you are reading at below 100 wpm you are reading at a pre grade 2 level.

    References:

    Chang, A. (2010). The Effect of a Timed Reading Activity on EFL Learners: Speed, Comprehension, and Perceptions. Reading in a Foreign Language, 22(2), 284-303.

    Research in L1 reading shows that in silent reading a normal reader reads at approximately 250 to 300 wpm (Carver,1990; Rayner,1998).  

    Nation, P. (2009). Reading faster. International Journal of English Studies, 9(2).

    It has also been found that reading speeds of less than 100 wpm can negatively affect comprehension.

    Shimono, T. R. (2018). L2 reading fluency progression using timed reading and repeated oral reading. Reading in a Foreign Language, 30(1), 152.

    Comprehension

    Google Dictionary

    Google Explore

    www.kiddle.co

    Images to support understanding

    Google Images

    Free stock photos and clipart

    Pexels

    Pixabay

    Unsplash

    ELTpics

    All Good Days (via an Instagram sharing project)

    Using Pictures in the ESL Classroom

    Remove Image Background – www.remove.bg

    Text Complexity

    Text Analysis

    A Reading Level Comparison Chart from the British Columbia Ministry of Education that I like to use.

    The following links also give similar comparison charts, but they are not as finely grained when comparing PMB to Lexile Levels as the one from British Columbia.

    https://education.scholastic.ca/category/GR_CHART
    https://vlc.ucdsb.ca/levelledreading

    readability-score.com

    www.rewordify.com

    Hemingway Editor

    Readable.io

    Readability Formulas

    Readability Analyzer

    Microsoft Word – Readability Statistics

    Free Lexile Analyzer®

    Online Utility

    Text Reduction

    Shorten & Translate by Text United

    TLDR: Summarization

    Reading websites

    Newsela

    CommonLit

    ReadWorks

    OCR

     


    Snapverter

    Google Drive provides OCR capabilities

    http://googleresearch.blogspot.com.au/2015/05/paper-to-digital-in-200-languages.html

    Copyright

    Cognitive Load

     


     

    Cognitive load resources

    http://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2017/12/10/weekly-digest-89

    Teachers often ask youngsters to learn in ways that exceed even adult-sized attention spans

    https://hechingerreport.org/teachers-often-ask-youngsters-learn-ways-exceed-even-adult-sized-attention-spans/

    5 Ways to Reduce Cognitive Load in eLearning

    http://elearningindustry.com/5-ways-to-reduce-cognitive-load-in-elearning

    Peter Doolittle: How your “working memory” makes sense of the world

    Executive Functioning Poster

    Working memory at school poster from @JamesEdPsych and a collaboration of speech and language & occupational therapists, educational psychologists and several hundred teachers co-producing in networks across @NAllianceScot

    https://bumps2bairns.com/working-memory-at-school/

    Reduce clutter and simplify

    Chrome Extensions

    Read&Write for Google

    TLDR: Summarize Anything

    Evernote Web Clipper

    EasyReader

    Readability

    Reader View

    BeeLine Reader

    Purity

    TextMode

    Mercury Reader

    Announcify

    DOM Distiller Reading Mode

    Visor

    Relax

    Do nothing for 2 minutes

    Managing Extensions & Apps

    SimpleExtManager

    Extensity

    Simplify access

    Bitly

    OneTab

    QR Codes

    Anything to QRcode

    qrstuff.com

    QR Code Monkey

    Managing Distractions

    Mute Tab

    Fokus

    AdBlock

    StayFocusd

    Task Timer

    Graphic Organisers

    MindMeister

    Mindomo

    MindMup

    LucidChart

    Websites

    en.savefrom.net

    www.textcompactor.com

    Safeshare.tv

    viewpure.com

    YouTube Kids

    bitly URL shortener

    Writing and Research Skills

     


     

    Google Accessibility – Docs

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLRAstwCdXw

    Digital exams pass student test

    http://www.inglewoodhs.school.nz/DataStore/Pages/PAGE_773/Docs/Documents/SCN_0002.pdf

    The 4Ss of Note Taking With Technology

    http://www.edutopia.org/blog/the-4ss-of-note-taking-beth-holland

    Picting, not Writing, is the Literacy of Today’s Youth

    https://thejournal.com/articles/2017/05/08/picting-not-writing.aspx

    Use Google Scholar to Support Student Research

    http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2015/05/use-google-scholar-to-support-student.html#.VXjQEBOqqkp

    How to Make Students Care About Writing

    https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2018/08/making-students-care-about-writing/567044/

    The best scaffolded writing frames for students

    Research

    Read&Write collect highlights

    Google Similar Pages

    Google Tone

    Google Scholar extension

    Similar Sites

    Marker.to

    WolframAlpha

    Citation

    APA Citation Machine

    OttoBib

    Citefast

    EasyBib

    BibMe

    Video notetaking

    VideoNot.es

    Copy Plain Text

    Google Scholar search

    Simple Wikipedia website

    Wikiwand

    Writing

    Read&Write word prediction

    Voice Typing – Voice Commands

    Speech Recognition  Google doc add on

    Dictanote

    WriQ

    WriQ is a measure which is used to assess the numerical quality of writing

    SAS Writing Reviser

    Revision

    Draftback

    Word clouds

    Tag Cloud

    Word Cloud Website Preview

    5 Word Cloud Tools for Chromebooks

    Tag Cloud Search + Translate

    Drive Word Cloud

    iLanguageCloud

    Video / Screencasting / Gif generation

    Screencastify

    All-in-One Screen Capture and Recording app

    Turn Any YouTube Video Into A GIF By Just Adding “GIF” To The URL

    Kapwing: A Simple, Online Editor for Videos, Images, and GIFs

    Video

    YouTube Doubler

    YouTube Multiplier

    Mathematics and STEM


    Greg’s posts:

    Literacy the real barrier to STEM uptake

    Education Today – Feb 2021

    Can educational technologies help to reverse Australia’s maths slump?

    The Educator – April 2021

    How should schools tackle the maths slump?

    The Educator – June 2021

    EquatIO

    Teaching Math with Google Apps: 50 G Suite Activities – Alice Keeler

    Maths Tips from EdTechTeam

    bit.ly/mathedtechteam

    Mathsisfun.com

    “We offer mathematics in an enjoyable and easy-to-learn manner, because we believe that mathematics is fun”

    http://mathtrain.tv/

    Mathtrain.TV is a free, educational “kids teaching kids” project from Mr. Marcos & his Students at Lincoln Middle School in Santa Monica, CA. Khan Academy alternative by kids!

    Videos about maths

    Videos about science

    Lots of video resources here via Rushton Hurley’s Next Vista for Learning website

    Maths Centre UK

    Video lessons and resources across for maths. All the videos are downloadable too!

    mathtv.com

    Over 10,000 Free Math Videos. Helpful math videos covering topics from Basic Mathematics through to Calculus.

    Tips for Teachers: Setting up Your Students for Mathematical Success

    References

    Early math skills predict later academic success

    Early STEM exposure is key for the future of the workforce

    Lack of math education negatively affects adolescent brain and cognitive development

    Why is STEM important?

    The state of STEM education told through 18 stats

    Why Are Students With Disabilities So Invisible in STEM Education?

    Diversity in STEM: What is it, why does it matter, and how do we increase it?

     

    Personalised learning and learner agency


    Universal Design for Learning

    http://www.cast.org/

    Designing for Universal Success

    http://kathleenmcclaskey.com/

    Kathleen McClaskey’s personalised learning website.

    http://www.chriswatkins.net

    Chris Watkins provides valuable insights, and resources and research,  into learning centred classrooms and personalised learning

    Rethink Your Grading Practices

    Why Student Creation is the Hardest/Best Form of Assessment

    The students who measure high tend to always measure high. And the students who don’t measure up tend to experience disappointment over and over

    Digital content

    The Power of Feedback – Hattie & Timperley

    Do It In Google Slides.

    New ways to comment on Microsoft files (and more) in Google Drive

    FeedBackSheet Google Doc Add-ons

    Practice Reading Aloud in Read&Write for Google

    Video / Screencasting / Gif generation

    Screencastify

    All-in-One Screen Capture and Recording app

    Turn Any YouTube Video Into A GIF By Just Adding “GIF” To The URL

    Annotating web pages

    InsertLearning

    8 Ways to Annotate Readings, Websites and Online Articles with Examples

    Google Keep

    Google Home

    Prizmo

    Padlet

    General Resources


    Here is a Google doc on copyright. Please note that this is not to be taken as definitive. Always seek advice from your own department / institution. http://bit.ly/1hRp9W6

    What is better, dependence upon technology or dependence upon a teacher, when you are a struggling learner? A great perspective from Karen Janowski

    http://teachingeverystudent.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/dependence.html

    Universal Design for Learning

    http://www.cast.org/

    Designing for Universal Success

    Ana Ooka’s List: 25 Best Sites for High School English Teachers

    Grammar Girl

    Skim reading is the new normal. The effect on society is profound – Maryanne Wolf

    From Tony Vincent’s excellent blog, Learning in Hand. Transform a Google doc or Google slides into a shareable link into a Preview, Copy, Template, or PDF link.

    Google document URL tricks

    Accessibility


    Google Accessibility

    http://www.google.com.au/accessibility/

    Chrome & Assistive Technology (AT)

    https://sites.google.com/site/gchromeat/home/chrome-and-assistive-technology

    Google Accessibility – Docs

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLRAstwCdXw

    Google AT Toolbox

    https://sites.google.com/site/gchromeat/

    Grackle Talks

    Vimium – provides keyboard shortcuts for navigation and control in Chrome

    http://vimium.github.io/

    Fun


    quickdraw.withgoogle.com

    Bibliography and Research


    Alloway, T. P., & Alloway, R. G. (2015). Understanding working memory. 2nd Edition. SAGE.

    Bailey, F., & Pransky, K. (2014). Memory at Work in the Classroom: Strategies to Help Underachieving Students: Strategies to Help Underachieving Students. ASCD.

    Barton, M. L., & Heidema, C. (2002). Teaching reading in mathematics. Aurora, CO: Mid-Continent Research for Education and Learning.

    Barton, M. L., Heidema, C., & Jordan, D. (2002). Teaching Reading in Mathematics and Science. Educational leadership, 60(3), 24-28.

    Edyburn, D. L. (2006). Failure Is Not an Option: Collecting, Reviewing, and Acting on Evidence for Using Technology to Enhance Academic Performance. Learning & Leading with Technology, 34(1), 20-23. PDF

    Garwood, J. D., Brunsting, N. C., & Fox, L. C. (2014). Improving Reading Comprehension and Fluency Outcomes for Adolescents With Emotional-Behavioral Disorders Recent Research Synthesized. Remedial and Special Education, 35(3), 181-194.

    Gauthier, G., Hill, P., McQuillan, J., Spiegel, A., & Diamond, J. (2017). The Potential Scientist’s Dilemma: How the Masculine Framing of Science Shapes Friendships and Science Job Aspirations. Social Sciences, 6(1), 14. doi:10.3390/socsci6010014

    Gillespie, A., & Graham, S. (2014). A meta-analysis of writing interventions for students with learning disabilities. Exceptional Children, 80(4), 454-473.

    Hasbrouck, J., & Tindal, G. A. (2006). Oral reading fluency norms: A valuable assessment tool for reading teachers. The Reading Teacher, 59(7), 636-644. PDF

    Hattie, J. (2020). Visible Learning Effect Sizes When Schools Are Closed: What Matters and What Does Not.  https://corwin-connect.com/2020/04/visible-learning-effect-sizes-when-schools-are-closed-what-matters-and-what-does-not/

    Hattie, J., & Timperley, H. (2007). The power of feedback. Review of educational research, 77(1), 81-112. PDF

    Hattie, J., & Yates, G. C. (2013). Visible learning and the science of how we learn. Routledge.

    Kenney, J. M. (2005). Literacy Strategies for Improving Mathematics Instruction. ASCD.

    Martin, N., & Conatser, T. (2017). Designing for Universal Success. Greater Faculties: A Review of Teaching and Learning, 1(1), 6. PDF

    John O’Sullivan UDL Technology: Technology for Universal Design for Learning and Special Education

    The Sir Jim Rose Review Identifying and Teaching Children and Young People with Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties (2009)

    https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/standard/_arc_SOP/Page7/DCSF-00659-2009

    Shelle Assistive Technology Tools for Learning Differences, ADHD, and Executive Function Challenges

    What it takes for English Learners to Succeed

    Wood, S. G., Moxley, J. H., Tighe, E. L., & Wagner, R. K. (2018). Does use of text-to-speech and related read-aloud tools improve reading comprehension for students with reading disabilities? A meta-analysis. Journal of learning disabilities, 51(1), 73-84.

    Writing Interventions for High School Students With Disabilities: A Review of Single-Case Design Studies http://rse.sagepub.com/content/35/6/344.full.pdf+html

     

    Read&Write Research