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Utilizing Assistive Technology to Help Students Have Success in Writing & Reading

Abstract
*Integrating assistive technology to help students with special needs to be successful with reading and writing. *Common Core State Standards have provided high standards for students *Professional development implementation to share with educators Clicker 6, a software program that is aligned with the CCSS *Clicker 6 is designed based on the principles of Universal Design, which looks at ways for all students to be successful
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Rationale
*Common Core is being implemented in 45 states *Many special education students are struggling as a result of the increased standards *IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2004) states that all schools should determine if assistive technology can help students with disabilities then they should be utilized within schools *Teachers are always looking for more resources to provide students with support *Providing teachers with appropriate professional development provides teachers with confidence in integrating assistive technology

Research
Reading and writing should be taught together in order for students to see the connection between both (Saunders, Spooner, Browder, Wakeman & Lee, 2013) Clicker software has different options in order for all students to be successful (Lovell & Phillips, 2009). Writing is no longer only a pen and paper task it is has expanded to be focused on technology (Peterson-Karlan, 2011). Technology has the ability to promote cooperative learning, gain learners attention, learners can create their own technology products and learners can take control of their learning (Duhaney, D. & Duhaney, L., 2000). Computer technology helps teachers to individualize instruction, accommodate students to work at their own pace, provide immediate feedback, and manage data tracking (Lovell & Phillips, 2009).

What is Clicker 6?
Software program designed to help students reach standards in both reading and writing Clicker 6 is a word processor that is customizable for each student Meets each individual students needs (basic literacy skills to more advanced) Some features are Quick Start screen, Clicker clear voice, word prediction, Clicker Sets, picture supports, sample activities created, word banks, teacher can create personalized activities for students

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How do I use Clicker with Students?

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https://www.atomiclearning.com/clicker6

Key Components of Clicker 6: Summary 1) Quick Start Guide -Students can get started right away (start writing or make a book, favorites or recently opened files) 2) Writing into a document -Students receive feedback from speech engine -Words are highlighted as spoken 3) Word prediction -Students are given suggested words to use based on similarities for words being typed 4) Pictures -Students can utilize pictures if needed -Students can include their own photographs 5) Clicker Grids -Below document and provides words, phrases and pictures 6) Clicker Pages -Full screen activities that provide wide range of opportunities for learning -Matching activities, story telling activities, Click & Edit books

Key Components of Clicker 6: Summary Continued 7) Quick Wizards -Create personalized Clicker Sets -Sentence building, word banks, picture banks, speaking and listening activities, writing books with pop ups 8) Learning Grids -Already made Clicker Sets, free to download and ready to use -Updated with new resources every 2 weeks -Editing is possible with already made resources 9) User Preferences -Personalize speech options, pictures/symbols, spellchecker, word predictor, size of toolbars, number of words in predictor 10) Accessibility -Can be operated with 1-2 switches, On screen keyboard

Where do I purchase Clicker & What does it Cost?

Clicker 6 pricing: Single Computer License: $300.00 5 Computers (One School License) $600.00 10 Computers (One School License) $900.00 30 Computers (One School License) $1,500 Unlimited (One School License) $3,000
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Clicker also has Apps

1) Clicker Sentences- understand sentences, basic literacy skills 2) **Clicker Docs- word processor, use of clear speech, word prediction, word banks, personalized support 3) Clicker Connect- picture support is utilized

4) Clicker Books- used to create books only

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Cost of the Apps

Clicker Sentences- $28.99 Clicker Connect- $30.99

Clicker Docs- $30.99

Clicker Books- $30.99 These apps are available for the iPad and while are not exactly the same as the software are available at affordable prices as another option.

Now its Time for Hands on Learning

http://www.cricksoft.com/us/products/tools/clicke r/clicker6evaluation.aspx Please go to this site to download the free trial of Clicker 6

Are you ready to explore the features of Clicker 6? http://www.screencast.com/t/CfkLffTHl

References Duhaney, L., & Duhaney, D. C. (2000). ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY: MEETING THE NEEDS OF LEARNERS WITH DISABILITIES. International Journal Of Instructional Media, 27(4), 393. Lovell, M. & Phillips, L. (2009). Commercial software programs approved for teaching reading and writing in the primary grades: another sobering reality. Journal of Research on Technology in Education 42(2), 297-216. Peterson-Karlan, G. R. (2011). Technology to support writing by learners with academic & learning disabilities: What we know and what we need to know1978-2010. Normal, IL: Illinois State University. Saunders, A. F., Spooner, F., Browder, D., Wakeman, S., & Lee, A. . (2013). Teaching the common core in english language arts to students with severe disabilities. Teaching Exceptional Children, 46(2), 22-33.