March 2016 Newsletter
ISTE Inclusive Learning Network
President's Message
[image on right: Photo of Kendra Grant]
Spring is in the air (some places!) and for many of us in education that means spring break or March break. It's a time to rest and relax before the final term. We hope you'll have some time to explore our March newsletter filled with great tools and resources to use and amazing people to meet (virtually).
As spring approaches more and more conferences appear on the horizon. We've included information on two important conferences coming up this month including SITE and the UDL-IRN Summit. If you can't be there check out how to get involved virtually.
Finally, as your March break week winds down definitely take 30 minutes to watch Mindy Johnson's "UDL: Top 5 Ideas Administrators Need to Know". Even if you aren't in administration you'll still learn a lot about UDL and perhaps pass on some pointers to the administrators you do know. :)
Inclusively Yours,
Kendra Grant
President, Inclusive Learning Network
Build your PLN!
Follow these inclusive learning superstars on Twitter for great resources and inspiration!
Kit Hard is an education technology consultant, Universal Design for Learning evangelist, and educational blogger.
George Van Horn is the Director of Special Education at Bartholomew Consolidated School District and a Universal Design for Learning Leader.
Beth Poss is an administrator, trainer, educator, and parent with a passion for Assistive Technology, UDL, technology integration, and learning that engages every child.
Chris Bugaj is the host of A.T.TIPSCAST- a podcast about tech to help students. Co-author of The Practical (& Fun) Guide to Assistive Technology in Public Schools.
UDL Tool Spotlight: National Library of Virtual Manipulatives
[image on right: Screenshot of the NLVM home page]
Inclusive Learning Network's International Committee Teams Up for SITE Roundtable Discussion
[image on right: SITE conference logo: Bridging theory and practice]
The International Committee of the ISTE Inclusive Learning Network have partnered with the Universal Design for Learning Special Interest Group (SIG), the Special Education SIG, and the Assistive Technology SIG of the Society for Information Technology in Teacher Education (SITE) and the International Association of Special Education (IASE) to host an international Round Table Session designed to reach out to members at the SITE 2016 Conference in Savannah, Georgia as well as those people who are interested in inclusive technology internationally and who share global interests in disability and technology and are able to join us online.
Some questions to be explored in this roundtable session are:
- What are the critical barriers that keep people from getting or using technology to improve quality of life or to gain access to learning - and how can they be reduced?
- What are the most promising tech tools for global outreach and communications?
- What role can the sponsoring organizations of this round table play in reducing barriers and expanding communications and professional sharing?
We plan to use Google+Hangout on Air to share our discussion live online, and to invite questions and participation from those who cannot attend SITE 2016 in person. We will share the activities that the participating organizations have sponsored and participated in this year. Our intention is to facilitate an engaging Google Hangout discussion focused on international issues that affect the lives of persons with disabilities, their differing needs, and what technology is being used or could be used to facilitate their inclusion in each participating country.
The Google Hangout will be March 23 at 4:15 to 5:15 Eastern time. Please join us!
Latest News in Inclusive Learning
AccessCAREERS Projects: Increasing Career Success for People with Disabilities
As we are approaching that magic time of year when caps and gowns are being ordered, we have to look at the next step for our students with disabilities. The University of Washington coordinates training in grades K-12 with employers, potential employees and families in DO-IT through their AccessCAREERS Project.
CEO Credits Bookshare for Unlocking His Love of Reading
Stan Gloss, CEO of BioTeam, Inc, talks about his new found love for reading because he found Bookshare!
Student 3D Printing Designs Help Those With Disabilities Tackle Daily Tasks
MakerBot showcases two students whose 3D printing designs give MS and Parkinson’s patients tools to open pill bottles, hold a fork.
Universal Design for Learning: Top 5 Ideas Administrators Need to Know
[image on left: Title slide for webinar]
Upcoming Events
[image on right: Calendar icon]
March 16-17, 2016 | Towson University, Maryland
The intent of the UDL-IRN Summit is to gather practitioners and researchers from across the globe to build networks that support the systematic implementation of UDL in pre-school, K-12, and higher education classrooms. The summit is a unique opportunity to network and collaborate with educational leaders, practitioners, and researchers who are actively engaged in UDL implementation efforts. The Summit provides an excellent opportunity to build your professional network, share resources, ideas, and lessons learned.
G3ict capacity building seminar at DPI World Congress
The Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs (G3ict) will be conducting a Capacity Building Seminar on Technology during the next Disabled People’s International (DPI) 9th World Assembly to be held in New Delhi, India from 11 to 13 April 2016. The half-day session on advocacy training will discuss international best practices in advocating for ICT Accessibility. Policy case studies for web, mobile, computers, electronic voting and accessible ICTs in education and the workplace will be discussed, as well as accessibility barriers and successful solutions. Furthermore, the seminar will also cover CRPD obligations, global policy-making activities and discuss ways to leverage public procurement in countries to promote accessibility.August 8-10, 2016 | Cambridge, MA
Building UDL Community and Practice around Engagement
Engagement is essential for learning, so how do we design learning experiences that engage all learners? Join CAST and educators, administrators, curriculum designers, technology leaders, specialists, advocacy groups, and researchers as we explore the latest research and UDL strategies for motivating learners and helping them become more purposeful in high-level learning. Presenters will include experts in UDL practice, research, instructional design, and learning analytics. Participants will be invited to actively construct and share strategies and experiences throughout the discussions.
ISTE Inclusive Learning Network
Email: setsig@gmail.com
Website: http://inclusiveln.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISTEInclusiveLearning
Twitter: @InclusiveLN