Brock University Hamilton Campus (2015). Photo taken on Katie's iPhone.
Ms Harris and Friends with John DeLuca at WordQ Session
Hey Bloggers!
On January 20, 2015 I attended the Teaching with Technology Showcase at Brock University located in Hamilton. One of the workshops that I participated in explored the values and benefits of the program WordQ. The presenter, John Deluca, as a representative from Strategic solutions, discussed the possibilities of WordQ but further explored other programs in which they offer. This included SpeakQ, and the newest program ThoughtQ. These programs offer a range of possibilities within the classroom that can promote an inclusive classroom and provide opportunities for differentiated instruction.
WordQ combines word prediction and a text to speech that aids the
user in finding the word they are looking for. The program adapts words the
user wishes to use and offers a corresponding list of words with similar meaning.
It further allows for user modifications through the control of the aid of the
functions. With the text-to speech function, while writing, students become
aware of editing that is required due to grammar and punctuation disrupts the
rhythm. This tool further works with a variety of commonly used programs such as Microsoft Word, Email, and Facebook. As a classroom teacher, having this program is critical. At its core, this program aids student's language development and as a user-friendly interface, allows students to interact with the material and their own work. WordQ allows students to explore different language components and expand their own knowledge.
Another program that was discussed at this workshop was ThoughtQ. Similar to WordQ, this program offers a range of possibilities as a classroom teacher. ThoughtQ is an app within Google Chrome, that suggests and prompts the user with suggested words and phrases for a topic of interest. Using a custom search function searched words lead to a variety of relevant and interesting websites.
As a classroom teacher, this program would be effective in multiple capacities. It can be used throughout the researching process for a variety of purposes simultaneously allowing students to gain knowledge. The promotion of student learning is further supported through the "thought triggers." When a user types a term into the search bar, several of ThoughtQ's topics and phrases are displayed for the user to explore. Students can explore related topics of interest as well as provide a direction for their research.
I chose to be apart of this workshop in order to expand my knowledge of assistive technology used within the classroom. The benefits of this program seem endless. This program can be utilized to provide an element of differentiated structure and support the strengths and needs of students with special needs. This program, however, is not limited as it can be used with each student within the classroom for a range of opportunities. Both programs allow students to develop a deeper understanding of language development and the research process!
I will definately be bringing this program into the classroom!
See you soon!
Ms Harris
Another program that was discussed at this workshop was ThoughtQ. Similar to WordQ, this program offers a range of possibilities as a classroom teacher. ThoughtQ is an app within Google Chrome, that suggests and prompts the user with suggested words and phrases for a topic of interest. Using a custom search function searched words lead to a variety of relevant and interesting websites.
As a classroom teacher, this program would be effective in multiple capacities. It can be used throughout the researching process for a variety of purposes simultaneously allowing students to gain knowledge. The promotion of student learning is further supported through the "thought triggers." When a user types a term into the search bar, several of ThoughtQ's topics and phrases are displayed for the user to explore. Students can explore related topics of interest as well as provide a direction for their research.
I chose to be apart of this workshop in order to expand my knowledge of assistive technology used within the classroom. The benefits of this program seem endless. This program can be utilized to provide an element of differentiated structure and support the strengths and needs of students with special needs. This program, however, is not limited as it can be used with each student within the classroom for a range of opportunities. Both programs allow students to develop a deeper understanding of language development and the research process!
I will definately be bringing this program into the classroom!
See you soon!
Ms Harris
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