Due to the constant changing nature of technology some of these videos/photos may soon become outdated and therefore may not look the exact same as what you see on your device. You may have to use inductive reasoning to navigate any changes or updates.

The following information is organized by common troubles students have and tech ideas for ChromeBooks and I-Pads that have been proven to help. Each idea is linked to a definition, a graphic, and/or a video that explains how to set it up and use the technology. Just click on the technology you want to try.

Trouble seeing the ChromeBook or I-Pad screen, perceiving backgrounds/foregrounds, or tends to fatigue

while looking at the screen (rubs eyes, complains of being tired)

see

Adjust color contrast
Adjust brightness
Dark mode
Magnify screen
Enlarge cursor
Slow down cursor speed
Enlarge text caret
Highlight text caret when it moves
Highlight words
Nightlight
Shading
Keyboard shortcuts
Nightlight
Orientation
Customize font
Add home button
Change placement of screen
Enable onscreen keyboard
Extension - “AdblockPlus”
*Google read and write
Co-writer (click here for TEACHERS)
Co-writer (click here for STUDENTS)
Snap and Read (click here for TEACHERS)
Snap and Read (click here for STUDENTS

Trouble finding buttons or links on the page
aerial view of multi-colored buttons

Trouble decoding reading assignments so much that the student loses track of the meaning

woman in gray t-shirt and blue denim jeans reading book

Screen reader
Change screen reader speed
Change font type
Change font color
Highlighting
Selective highlighting (e.g. only nouns)
Picture dictionary - Google Read & Write, Snap & Read, WordSmyth
Simplified Vocabulary - Snap & Read

Trouble with fine motor - high tech

Screen Shot 2022-07-25 at 7.27.05 AM.png

Adjust sensitivity with track pad
On screen keyboard to change qwerty layout
Voice typing
Word prediction
Keyboard shortcuts
On-screen calculator with large keys
Laser pointer mouse head or eye control
Big Mac switches

Trouble with fine motor - low tech

Screen Shot 2022-07-25 at 7.57.14 AM.png

In-hand manipulatives
Pencil grips (various)
Slant board
Physical calculator with large keys
Large graph paper
Google read and write
Co-writer (click here for TEACHERS)
Co-writer (click here for STUDENTS)
Masking paper or white board

Trouble aligning math problems

brown pencil on equation paper

Large graph paper
ModMath
Masking paper or white board

Trouble with work initiation, continuation, and/or completion

toddler's standing in front of beige concrete stair

Accessibility features
Visual schedules and checklists for sequencing
Self-monitoring checklists
Visual timer
Calendar with alarms
Routines
Alternative seating: Sit close to teacher, or with back to the wall to reduce chance of others walking behind them, or away from pencil sharpener/sources of noise
Multi-sensory learning tools
Fidgets and sensory tools
Accessibility Youtube website
Online dictionary (e.g. Wordsmyth)
Digital or low-tech graphic organizers
Google Docs
How to stay organized in Google Drive
How to stay organized in email
Extension - “SiteBlocker”
Google read and write
Co-writer (click here for TEACHERS)
Co-writer (click here for STUDENTS)
Snap and Read (click here for TEACHERS)
Snap and Read (click here for STUDENTS)

Trouble paying attention

woman surrounded by smoke illustration

Eliminate distractions using ad blocks and extensions
On screen keyboard to reduce vestibulo-occular reflex demands for those who have trouble with far-point copying and the like
Fidgets and sensory tools
Calendar with alarms
Graphic Organizers
Visual supports
*Google read and write
Co-writer (click here for TEACHERS)
Co-writer (click here for STUDENTS)
Snap and Read (click here for TEACHERS)
Snap and Read (click here for STUDENTS)

Trouble hearing what is being said

baby listening in black headset

Eliminate sound distractions in the room while the student is working such as talking, TV, radio, garbage disposal, and wind chimes
Move the student away from distractions such as electric pencil sharpener and front door
Noise canceling headphones
Pair all verbal instructions with visual supports
Provide written lecture or discussion notes to the student before class, include some fill in the blanks for increased participation (these notes and fill int he blanks may be digital)
Teacher speaks into a classroom microphone headset for all students to hear