KTC Workshops
“Friendly, easy to follow and hands on!”
— 6th grade special education teacher
“The presenter was very knowledgeable and easy to speak with… all of my questions were answered!”
— Elementary computer staff developer
We are continuously expanding our course offerings. Let us know how we can assist you and your fellow educators with integration of technology into your classrooms.
We will work with you and your staff to design a custom workshop to meet your specific needs. Call (516) 465-1632 for more information.
Effectively Integrating Literacy & Learning Support Software in the Classroom
Printed material can be inherently inaccessible to many students with both physical and learning disabilities. This workshop presents ways to make textbooks, workbooks, websites and tests accessible. Learn how literacy and learning support software can provide auditory access to written tests and other print based materials. The development of school policy and IEPs for test accommodations will be addressed. Examples of built-in document security and test taking options will be reviewed.
Assistive Technology for Struggling Writers
Today, there is a wealth of technologies available to help students and individuals with learning disabilities. This workshop will demonstrate a range of these technologies, from low tech to high tech that can assist these individuals in areas that challenge them, such as writing, reading and organization. Participants will explore the inclusive features of talking word processors, writing assist programs, programs that enable students to organize their information, text readers and more.
Organize Your Classroom Using Concept Mapping Software
Explore many ways to utilize concept mapping software to help keep your students organized. Learn to create schedules, lesson plans, timelines, story boards, and homework agendas in addition to the traditional teaching and writing tools more commonly associated with concept mapping software.
Tailoring Software to the Individual
Many commonly-used software products can be made friendlier to people with disabilities through customization. Windows, for example, contains “Accessibility Options” that can assist with viewing the screen and using the keyboard and mouse. Also, options that are built into software such as Microsoft Office and Netscape, that are potentially useful to anyone, have particular value to people with uncommon needs. Participants will learn how to customize menus, toolbars, dictionaries, macros and other features, and how customization can reduce effort, improve efficiency, reduce cognitive load, maximize screen space, and more.
After the Evaluation: Preventing Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC) Device Abandonment
Once an AAC evaluation is completed, busy clinicians are typically handed a device (without the manual) and a handful of general recommendations tacked onto the end of the report. The purpose of this workshop is to outline gradual and seamless integration of an AAC system into the classroom setting. Examples of specific strategies for customizing a total communication system within preschool through school aged classrooms will be provided. Finally, determining appropriate AAC goals and outlining a training protocol for professional, paraprofessional and parental implementation of those goals will be reviewed.
Library Media Centers - Extending Inclusive Learning
Beyond the physical and social inclusion of students with special needs lies the goal of reducing or removing barriers to learning and participation. Adapted and modified resources and educational and assistive technologies facilitate learning, participation, and access to the curriculum and library media center resources.
Library media specialists are in a strong position to support the expansion of inclusive learning opportunities for all students. Working closely with special educators to develop services and collections that support school-wide inclusion, library media specialists (LMS) enhance and promote the value of both departments within the school.
Voice Recognition: How I Soiled Showed Sold My Sole Soul to Took Talk to My Computer
When people hear about voice input they often assume that it's easy; just like speaking to a person. In reality, though speech recognition programs have dramatically improved, it takes a variety of skills to become a regular, non-frustrated, voice keyboarder. This session will discuss what it takes to become a proficient voice user and demonstrate the top voice recognition programs on the market.
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