Mapping Information
Mapping information is a scaffolding technique that supports pattern recognition, information organization, and memory. Tools found in programs like WORD and Adobe Reader include highlighters, comments, stamps, and font attributes. For more information on how learning disabilities can affect different cognitive processes see the NICHCY brief on Reading and Learning Disabilities.
Mapping strategies may need to be customized to specific student needs, though most strategies work with most students.
- Scaffold connections by color coding connections to self (past experience, prior knowledge), media (familiar books, songs, movies, articles), and events (familiar people, issues, news).
- Scaffold organization by color coding people, places, dates, and vocabulary.
- Scaffold ideas by color coding connections to senses (I can taste, smell, visualize, etc.). www.scholastic.com . handout
- Instant scaffold ideas: Google a topic and look at the cached page, or use the FireFox add-on HighlightAll (https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/4240) where you can click on any word on a webpage and all occurrences are highlighted.
Programs such as WORD, Adobe Reader, and the Talking Word Processor include highlight and comment tools that are useful for visually mapping text. The Find/Replace tool in WORD is useful for finding all occurrences of a word or phrase and highlighting it. Also look at the Auto Summarize tool in Microsoft WORD and the Talking Word Processor; great for making quick summaries.
Higher Order Thinking Scaffolds
Use graphic organizers to provide visual scaffolds for thinking processes like compare/contrast, concept maps, brainstorming, problem analysis, data analysis, and information synthesis. Graphic organizers can also be used to help keep students on task and scaffold longer periods of engagement. For ideas, see the Computer Based Study Strategies at http://cbss.uoregon.edu/ . Tools include:
- Graphic Organizers - http://www.teachervision.fen.com/graphic-organizers/printable/6293.html?s2 . free online source of printable graphic organizers in a wide variety of cognitive supports
- bubbl.us - http://www.bubbl.us/ . free online mapping software. very basic, simple, and works
- Mindomo - http://www.mindomo.com/index.php . free online mind mapping software. supports additional graphics and shapes
- cMap - http://cmap.ihmc.us . free concept mapping software for Mac and Windows
- FreeMind (Win . Mac) - http://freemind.sourceforge.net . free mind mapping software. requires Java runtime
- Inspiration (Win . Mac) & Kidspiration (Win . Mac) - http://www.inspiration.com . commercial concept mapping with extensive image libraries and writing support tools
- InspireData (Win . Mac) - http://www.inspiration.com . commercial data analysis software with great visualization tools and a presentation feature
- Rationale & Reason!Able - http://www.austhink.com . guided reasoning and argument thinking diagramming software (one minute overview) for Windows. requires .net2 which may be on current XP machines
- WordMenu (Win . Mac) - http://www.wordmenu.com/ . a text based visual organization of words by subject matter. 14 day trial
Memory Tools
Many students with disabilities have problems with memory and making connections to past learning. Externalized memory journals can make a difference when students review past entries on a regular basis. Time organization tools can also be extremely helpful.
- Evernote - http://www.evernote.com . free information management software for Windows
- NoteBook - http://www.circusponies.com . inexpensive information management software for Macintosh
- OneNote - http://www.microsoft.com . information management software for Windows
- Curio (MacX) - http://www.zengobi.com/products/curio/ . a new and full featured information organization software program
- OmniOutliner (MacX) - http://www.omnigroup.com/applications/omnioutliner/ . one of the best idea organizers and writing tools on the Macintosh. the Pro version includes the ability to record audio with the notes.
- PlanPlus - www.franklincovey.com/fc/get_organized/electronic_planning/
planplus_for_windows is a software version of the FranklinCovey Day Planner. this can be a great tool for students in organizing/storing information and remembering timelines using a "typical" tool - Toodledo - http://www.toodledo.com/ . an online tool to keep task lists, plan use of time, and get email reminders
Most interactive whiteboards (Smart, Activboard), include screen capture "notebooks" that are great memory tools when used on individual student's computers.
Simulations
Simulations provide excellent tutorial and enrichment opportunities while creating an environment where students can engage in problem solving and decision making exercises with the opportunity to learn from mistakes. They are also good for students who have fine motor limitations and need to do math and science activities on a computer.
- Riverdeep Virtual Labs (Kinetic Energy Win . Mac9; Electricity Win . Mac9; Toy Workshop Win . Mac9) - http://www.riverdeep.com . great simulations for science, starting with a Toy Workshop using simple blueprints
- Pintar Virtual Labs - http://pintarmedia.com/vprod . math and science virtual labs and manipulatives
- Isoptikon - http://www.math.uoc.gr/~pamfilos/ . a free geometry simulation environment for Windows
- SodaPlay - http://www.sodaplay.com . online simulation for building "creatures" that respond to gravity and friction
- ExploreLearning - http://www.explorelearning.com . extensive online library of math and science simulations and manipulatives
- GeoGebra - http://www.geogebra.org/cms/ . free software for Win . MacX of geometry, algebra, and calculus simulations and manipulatives
- SELECT Math - http://boston.k12.ma.us/teach/technology/select/index.html . aligns virtual simulations and manipulatives to math standards
- Eduscapes - http://eduscapes.com/sessions/smartboard . includes links to a variety of simulations and manipulatives
- Applet Collection - http://lectureonline.cl.msu.edu/~mmp/applist/applets.htm . simple online simulations in a variety of areas
- NASA Learning Technologies - http://learn.arc.nasa.gov/ . an amazing collection of simulations and learning tools for science, including a virtual electron microscope. get ready to do a lot of downloading
