As A Future Educator, It Is Vital To Stay Abreast Of 280791

As A Future Educator It Is Vital To Stay Abreast Of Emerging Technolog

As a future educator, it is vital to stay abreast of emerging technology that can be used in the classroom. In a 500–750 word essay, respond to the following: Identify two apps or software you would recommend for use in the classroom. For each technology tool selected, provide an aligning ELA activity for the general education classroom. Describe how you can adapt the technology tools for students with speech and language disabilities. Support your work with 2–3 resources.

Paper For Above instruction

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, integrating emerging technology into classroom instruction is essential for enhancing student engagement and improving learning outcomes. As future educators, it is crucial to select effective tools that not only align with curriculum goals but also support diverse learner needs, including students with speech and language disabilities. This essay explores two such technological tools—Google Classroom and Newsela—and presents corresponding English Language Arts (ELA) activities suitable for general education settings, alongside adaptations for students with speech and language impairments.

Google Classroom: A Platform for Collaborative Learning

Google Classroom is a versatile platform that facilitates assignment management, communication, and collaboration among students and teachers (Google, 2024). Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for both educators and students, providing a digital space for instruction and feedback. An effective ELA activity using Google Classroom involves assigning students a digital literary discussion. Students can read a selected article or story, then compose and submit short responses to guided questions within the platform. They can also engage in peer comments, promoting critical thinking and collaborative learning.

Adaptations for Students with Speech and Language Disabilities:

For students with speech and language challenges, educators can utilize Google Classroom’s voice typing feature or integrate speech-to-text applications such as Dragon NaturallySpeaking (Nuance Communications, 2024). This allows students to express their thoughts verbally, converting speech into written responses, thereby reducing barriers associated with writing or oral expression. Additionally, students can participate in recorded video or audio responses, providing alternative means of communication aligned with their individual needs.

Newsela: Engaging Readings with Adjustable Literacy Levels

Newsela is an educational platform offering news articles rewritten at various reading levels, making current events accessible to diverse learners (Newsela, 2024). Its distinguishing feature is the ability to assign differentiated reading materials, which fosters inclusivity in the classroom. An ELA activity utilizing Newsela involves students selecting a news article on a relevant topic, then summarizing the main ideas and composing an opinion piece, which encourages comprehension, analytical skills, and persuasive writing.

Adaptations for Students with Speech and Language Disabilities:

Students with speech and language difficulties can benefit from using text-to-speech (TTS) tools integrated within Newsela or through external applications like NaturalReader (NaturalReader, 2024). This allows students to listen to articles, supporting comprehension and vocabulary development. For writing activities, speech-to-text software can enable students to verbally construct their summaries or opinions, thus accommodating expressive language challenges.

Supporting Resources and Theoretical Foundations

The integration of technology tools like Google Classroom and Newsela aligns with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, which advocate for providing multiple means of engagement and expression (CAST, 2020). These platforms promote personalized learning, accommodating diverse abilities and fostering an inclusive classroom environment.

Furthermore, research indicates that technology facilitates differentiated instruction and supports students with disabilities effectively (Alper & Rahm, 2019). Assistive technologies such as speech-to-text and TTS not only improve accessibility but also empower students to demonstrate their understanding independently.

Conclusion

Incorporating emerging technologies like Google Classroom and Newsela into classroom instruction offers numerous benefits, from fostering collaboration to providing differentiated content. When appropriately adapted with voice recognition, speech-to-text, and listening accommodations, these tools can significantly enhance learning experiences for students with speech and language disabilities. As future educators, continuously exploring and integrating such innovations will be essential in creating inclusive, dynamic learning environments that meet the needs of all learners.

References

  • Alper, A., & Rahm, J. (2019). The role of technology in inclusive education. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 22(2), 130-143.
  • CAST. (2020). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines version 2.2. Retrieved from https://udlguidelines.cast.org
  • Google. (2024). Google Classroom. Retrieved from https://classroom.google.com
  • NaturalReader. (2024). Text-to-Speech Software. Retrieved from https://www.naturalreaders.com
  • Nuance Communications. (2024). Dragon NaturallySpeaking. Retrieved from https://www.nuance.com/dragon.html
  • Newsela. (2024). Engaging News Articles for All Levels. Retrieved from https://www.newsela.com

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