Tech Accessibility Features

Modern perspectives related to integrating technology into STEAM and PBL have evolved over the years.Technology accessibility tools that were once considered to only benefit a specific type of learner are now essential for a large variety of learners. There are a few examples below.

iPad Accessibility Features

• Text-to-speech tools are not only helpful for special needs students, but also for learners of a new language, and for students who need to proofread their essays. iPad's can also enhance classroom instruction and learning. The iPad's text-to-speech feature can read text, and students can customize speed and appearance of the text. This can be very beneficial for second language learners and students who read at a lower level.   
• The magnifier tool gives students the ability to enlarge texts, artifacts in the classroom, or things that they want to closely examine.
• Translate apps are built into many devices. Students can highlight text on a webpage and translate it into other languages. Some apps even allow students to translate voices and conversations.

Google and Microsoft Accessibility Features

• Voice typing in Google Docs and Google Slides can convert their speech to text.
• Students can translate documents from one language to another.

Microsoft Accessibility Features

• Dictation in Word and PowerPoint to convert speech to text.
• Live captions
• Students can use Immersive Reader to complete various tasks. Text can be read aloud while sentences are highlighted on the screen, select words to hear the correct pronunciation or even view a Picture Dictionary, and color-code words. Text in immersive reader can be customized in many ways to suit the students needs or tasks.