Dyslexia technology training for teachers – what are the options

Dyslexia technology can change the way you teach, and there are many different apps and programs you can find today.

What’s important for teachers to learn about dyslexia

Teachers have the capability to make classes interesting. And with that, they will be able to allow children to learn with ease and progress in school. But what happens if a child has dyslexia or any other learning disability?

Attending classes will be challenging, and they might struggle with grades. But this doesn’t mean that they are unable to learn. Instead, they require a different (phonological) approach that will allow them to understand the subject without wasting too much time on the act of reading.

This is why training courses are essential for teachers. They will provide the necessary knowledge that will allow them to improve their teaching methodologies. Teachers will also learn how phonemic awareness can help people overcome their disabilities.

Classroom benefits of using assistive technology to help students with dyslexia

Using technology tools can be beneficial for the entire class. And while the primary focus is on dyslexic students, this doesn’t mean that others can’t use these tools. It is also worth mentioning that there are children who are auditory learners.

They don’t have dyslexia or other learning differences, but they prefer listening to audio recordings and audiobooks. And using assistive technology can be beneficial for them too.

When it comes to dyslexic children, there are various tools and apps they can use to save time and make learning a bit simpler.

A perfect example is Speechify. This is a text-to-speech app that anyone can use, and it can easily turn any type of text into audio. It works on Google Docs, PDF files, txt, and anything else you can imagine. And it can be beneficial for the entire class.

What programs must be used for dyslexia instruction

You can find a variety of different programs that focus on dyslexic children. And with the majority of them, the idea is to change the learning method. Instead of teaching about words and letters, you will need to take a step back.

Based on several studies about dyslexia, it is more effective to teach about phonics and the connections they have with letters. Once children understand the connection between sounds and letters, they will have an easier time learning.

One of the most popular programs today is Orton-Gillingham, but it is far from being the only one. You can also find multisensory programs and online training supported by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) as well.

Recommended educational tech tools for dyslexic children

If you are looking for tools, there are plenty of viable options. The most important thing for special education is to find a way to include them in your classes, and use them to assist children that are struggling readers.

This means that there is no right answer to the question of which tool is the best. But knowing this will allow you to see all the advantages and disadvantages of each tool, and they can be quite helpful.

Here are some of the best options you can find today that can help dyslexic students in your class.

Text to speech tools

Text to speech tools have been able to revolutionize accessibility software and they are available on almost every device and smartphone. The reason they are so popular is that they are easy to use, they are versatile and offer high-quality voices.

Once you open the app, all you need to do is load the file and the app will do the rest. Instead of reading the content on your own, the app will do it for you. And if you are interested in the best text-to-speech app you can find, you should try out Speechify.

Speechify will also work in different languages, allowing your students to learn a new language and hear proper pronunciations. Even if they are not dyslexic, this can be quite useful for practice.

Speechify will work on iOS (both iPhone and iPad), Android, Microsoft Windows, and Mac, and you can also use it via the Google Chrome extension.

Scanning pens

Another option worth checking out is scanning pens. The logic behind these pens is quite simple. The nib of the pen will act as a scanner, and it will allow you to scan the text you are reading. Thanks to the OCR, the pen can convert text into digital form.

Some models allow you to plug in your headphones and listen to the content. These reading pens are a combination of OCR and text-to-speech, which is something you can get from Speechify too.

The only issue some users might have with these devices is the price since they can be a bit too high.

Spell-checking apps

Proofreading a document can be exhausting for struggling readers. If someone has dysgraphia, which often accompanies dyslexia, the problem will be even worse. And spell-checkers can make a world of difference.

You won’t need to go through the entire text on your own. Instead, just paste it into the app and let the software do everything for you. It will save so much time, and avoid all the anxiety and stress that comes from reading skills.

At the same time, those that don’t have problems with reading instructions can use these apps to double-check everything. There are plenty of different spell-checking apps you can use, and they are quite accurate.

FAQs

What technological tools would you use in class to help dyslexic students?

There are many options you can check out that can help dyslexic students. One of the most popular apps you can find today is Speechify, which is a text-to-speech app.

Other options include voice recorders, spell-checking and note-taking apps, speech recognition, word prediction, and many others.

What are some of the benefits of technology for dyslexic students?

Using educational technology and various apps can allow students to learn and avoid all the problems that come with dyslexia. The most obvious issue is not being able to follow the class, but reading disabilities can affect mental health and self-esteem as well.

Why is it important for teachers to learn about dyslexia?

The reason why it is important to learn about dyslexia is that it can allow teachers to better understand the condition, and with it, to help struggling readers.

Professional development can provide necessary tools and adjust teaching methods so everyone can have the opportunity to learn. Additionally, dyslexia awareness can spread the word and allow other teachers to follow in their footsteps to help their students as well.