Digital+Collaboration

Giving Non-Verbal Students a Voice Using Voice Output Devices with Voice Thread Technology

Technology Standards Addressed: Teacher Technology Standards:

V. Integrating Technology into the Curriculum and Instruction

Design, implement and assess learning experiences that incorporate use of technology in a curriculum-related instructional activity to support understanding, inquiry, problem solving, communication and/or collaboration. 1. Assess students’ learning/ instructional needs to identify the appropriate technology for instruction. 2. Evaluate technology materials and media to determine their most appropriate instructional use. 3. Select and apply research-based practices for integrating technology into instruction.

Student Technology Standards:

A. Learning 1. Use and understand how technology enhances learning

a) Use technology tools, including software and hardware, from a range of teacher-selected options to learn new content or reinforce skills

Description: As part of our lessons on the weather and seasons, students were given the opportunity to comment on the blizzards of 2009-2010 by using voice output devices pre-programmed by the teacher. They were shown pictures of the snow and listened to comments made by the teacher. Then they chose the comments they wanted to make from two voice output devices.

media type="custom" key="5868303"

Reflection: This project was very difficult to implement. My students are all non-verbal and have significant cognitive delays. They were not able to understand the concept of making comments on the voice thread even with the use of voice output devices. I do not see this becoming a part of my instructional strategy.