Mathshare

In last weeks post I provided a link to the Bookshare YouTube channel. This week I want to discuss Mathshare.

Mathshare is new product from Benetech, the developers of Bookshare. Mathshare is similar to Bookshare, but for Math. 

According to Benetech, as many as 40 percent of students grapple with math. It can be particularly difficult for students with special needs, who can struggle with organization or accessing information. Whatever the learning challenge, Mathshare’s unique step-by-step problem solving approach and built-in accessibility make learning math easier and inclusive for all students.

I do want to point out there is one HUGE difference between Bookshare and Mathshare.  Bookshare has specific qualification requirements.  Mathshare on the other hand is free for any school or student to use!

Check out Mathshare at https://mathshare.benetech.org/

They also have a YouTube channel with some helpful videos.  You can find it at https://www.youtube.com/c/Mathshare

Bookshare: How-Tos on YouTube

I have been promoting Bookshare across our school district for quite a few years now.  We are slowly beginning to provide access to our students who need and qualify for this resource.  

To get the word out even farther, I would like to share some more Bookshare resources.

Bookshare has a YouTube channel that contains webinars, testimonials, tutorials and tips for using Bookshare.  You can find the YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/BookshareTeam/videos

Within the YouTube channel there is a playlist of short videos on how to Manage Bookshare Accounts.  You can find that playlist by going to http://bit.ly/3bibcUK

IRIS Center Learning Module: Parents: Supporting Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The IRIS Center, Peabody College, Vanderbilt University had a variety of fantastic learning modules. They are continually adding new modules or updating existing modules. Recently I found out about one called:

Parents: Supporting Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic. (https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/c19/)

This resource offers tips to support your child’s learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is full of great ideas to try and suggestions that might work at home and at school.

IRIS Center - Helping Student's Stay Focused

Teaching online isn’t always easy.  Learning online isn't easy either.  If you are struggling to help your student or child, you are not alone! 

The IRIS Center, Peabody College, Vanderbilt University has come up with a quick Parent Tips Sheet to keep students focused during online learning.  

You can find the Parent Tips Sheet by following the link below:

https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/wp-content/uploads/misc_media/information_briefs/parent_tip_sheet_02.pdf#content

IRIS Center - Parent Tips for Online Learning

Although some districts are returning to face-to-face learning, some are still full virtual or are doing some sort of hybrid model. Regardless of which option your students are attending, we are all burned out this year. Teachers and parents are looking for help. 

The IRIS Center, Peabody College, Vanderbilt University has put together a 2-page Parent tips sheet that might be helpful for all of us.  You can find the sheet at:

https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/wp-content/uploads/misc_media/information_briefs/parent_tip_sheet_01.pdf#content

Otter.ai

Otter.ai lets you transcribe, caption and record audio in real time.  Otter.ai is available in English on the Web, on iOS, Android, Zoom, and in Google Meet.  You can use Otter.ai to caption meetings, transcribe lectures and record your voice for easy listening later.  

If you would like to add this extension to your Chrome Browser, click the link below:

http://bit.ly/2OkY9ZB

There are easy to follow instructions here:

http://bit.ly/3p5T7N8

If you are looking for the iOS app, while on your iOS device, follow the link below:

https://apple.co/3cU3gKr

To add the app to your Android device follow the link below:

http://bit.ly/2NaMY4R

Using Pear Deck to Make Your Google Slides Presentations Interactive

Pear Deck is a tool that can be used for a variety of educational options.  I found a great video by Stacey Roshan (http://bit.ly/2YDAN3h) about how to use Pear Deck to make Google Slides presentations interactive.  The video will show you how to install the Pear Deck add-on, how to add various types of slides, how to customize draggable slides and what the presentation looks like from both the teacher and student end.  

Getting Started with Pear Deck to Make Your Google Slides Presentations Interactive. (https://youtu.be/9PJgsa-fnmA)

Stacey also has a great follow up video with tips for using Pear Deck as a student paced, asynchronous option for learning.  

Tips for Using Pear Deck's Student Paced Mode
(https://bit.ly/3rjLUuA)