technology and dyslexia using technology to bridge the gap of learning disabilities
TRANSCRIPT
Technology and DyslexiaUsing Technology to Bridge the Gap of Learning Disabilities
Introduction
Jeff Poblocki Buffalo, New York
2.2m of Snow in the last 48 Hours
Introduction
Jeff Poblocki Buffalo, New York Background in Information Technology 10th year at The Gow School serve as Director of
Technology
The Gow School College-prep boarding and day school for students with
dyslexia and similar language-based learning disabilities School population unites students from 18 different US
states and 23 different countries Grades 7-12 Founded in 1926 - Educating dyslexics for 88 years
Dyslexia
What is Dyslexia? Dyslexia is a reading disability that occurs when the
brain does not properly recognize and/or process certain symbols.
Lessons from Dyslexia:
1. Dyslexia does not go way
2. No two dyslexics are alike
Technology’s Role
Dyslexia does not go way Can not “fix” users problem
No two dyslexics are alike Users are not the same
How do we develop/deploy technologies that target a unique set of problems
depending on the user?
Technology’s Role
There is no one size fits all solution.
Deploy an array of technologies to all users and train them in the methods that best fit their disability
Multi Sensory
Technology at The Gow School
Hardware Standardized across campus for students and faculty Lenovo – Windows Based Laptops
Software “Assistive Technology”
Text to Speech
Kurzweil 3000
Speech to Text
Dragon NaturallySpeaking
Concept Mapping
Inspiration
Combining Assistive Technologies
Dragon NaturallySpeaking Kurzweil 3000
Combining Assistive Technologies
Kurzweil 3000 Inspiration
Combining Assistive Technologies
InspirationDragon
NaturallySpeaking
Other Programs
Bring You Own Device Program iPads (Siri) Second Screen
On going research 2 PhDs on staff Working to develop a system to assess these tools for
better deployment
Strengths of Dyslexia
Goal
Empower our students.