Veative - Virtual Reality

 Education is constantly expanding due to the incredible benefits of technology. Virtual reality use in classrooms is becoming more popular due to its ability to create interactive and immersive learning experiences. Virtual reality enhances student learning, understanding, and retention. VR can be used in classrooms to simulate real-world scenarios, like science experiments, field trips, or just exploring the world. This provides students with opportunities to learn in ways that are not possible to do in traditional classrooms. 

One virtual reality company I had researched was Veative. Veative provides immersive learning solutions using virtual reality technology for schools and educational programs. Their VR programs come with easy-to-use online classroom and content management systems. With the systems, teachers can view module content for lesson planning, provide VR content modules at the same time and on all students headsets. Teachers can pause or stop the module at any time and monitor in real time what students are seeing. 

Veative’s virtual reality learning experience comprises t
he world’s largest library of curriculum-aligned AR/VR modules for STEM, ELL, and virtual tours. The immersive knowledge resources offered include, K-12 STEM, history and culture, language learning, and higher education. 

Virtual reality programs like the ones provided by Veative, fully immerses students by completely focusing and learning topics. When experiencing lessons in this way, students are able to create clear and detailed mental visions, helping to improve knowledge retention. 

Seven Accessibility Tools

Assistive technology is transforming the way we read, write, and engage with content. Whether you're a student, educator, or someone looking for accessibility support, there are many beneficial tools designed to make digital communication more inclusive. Let’s get into some examples of these incredible tools:

Google Docs - Voice Typing

Voice Typing in Google Docs is a hands-free writing tool that is perfect for anyone who finds typing challenging or simply wants to capture ideas quickly. This tool is very easy to use and is available right in a Google document. Just go to the “Tools” tab and select “Voice Typing.” A microphone will appear and users can just click on the icon when they are ready to use and click again to stop the voice typing.

Microsoft - Immersive Reader

Microsoft’s Immersive Reader is a built-in feature in Microsoft Edge and across many Microsoft 365 apps, designed to make reading easier for everyone. It offers adjustable text size, spacing, background colors, read-aloud features, and grammar tools. In the classroom, it’s a great resource for teachers to personalize support for students learning to read. Immersive Reader makes text more accessible, guided, and user-friendly for all kinds of learners.

Screen Readers

For individuals with visual impairments, screen readers are essential. These tools convert text on a screen into speech or Braille, allowing users to navigate websites, read documents, and interact with content independently. Some of the most widely used screen readers include JAWS, Dolphin ScreenReader, Microsoft Narrator, and NVDA for Windows. There are also tools like Orca, TalkBack (Android), and ZoomText for other platforms and needs. Screen readers help make sure everyone has equal access to digital spaces.

C-Pen Reader

The C-Pen Reader is a tool that helps to improve reading skills, aid comprehension, and promote independence for individuals with difficulty reading or who may be learning a new language. The C-Pen Reader is an easy, pocket-sized tool that scans words and reads them aloud, using text-to-speech technology. 

Google Slides - Speaker Notes and Live Captions

Google Slides presents a tool for speaker notes and caption features to help individuals expand their presentations while also benefiting others who are viewing the presentation. The speaker notes section helps presenters stay on track, while the live captions feature displays spoken words in real-time on the screen. This can be a game changer for those with hearing impairments, language learners, or anyone sitting in the back of the room. Speaker notes and live captions is all about making presentations more accessible and engaging.

Microsoft Windows - Color Filters

Although color filters are often associated with photography, they have another important role with accessibility. For individuals who are color-blind or have difficulty focusing on on-screen text, changing color contrast or applying filters can dramatically imp
rove one’s ability to read. Adjusting these settings can make text pop, reduce eye strain, and help maintain concentration. It’s a small tweak that can make a big impact.

Google Meet - Transcripts

Transcripts in Google Meet allows participants to review and edit meeting dialogue in written form. This is beneficial for referencing key points, creating meeting minutes, and keeping everyone on the same page. Transcripts also helps people of another language to receive the meeting dialogue in the language they know best. For example, the meeting transcripts are available in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. 

 

Seven Helpful Accessibility Tools

Accessibility tools are total amazing for students who need a little extra support whether that’s with reading, writing, communicating, or just navigating technology. After exploring some helpful resources, I have found seven tools that really stand out compared to the others.

Read&Write

This is a powerful tool for supporting students with learning differences like dyslexia or ADHD. It works as a toolbar and offers features like text-to-speech, word prediction, and a dictionary. What makes it so effective is how it helps students engage with text in ways that suit their individual needs, so no matter who uses it there is something that can be gained.

Voice Typing

Voice Typing allows the words that you speak to be automatically written down on the page. It is perfect for students who have difficulty typing or expressing themselves through writing. Instead of worrying about spelling or punctuation, they can focus on getting their thoughts out onto the page. It’s also great for when students are doing brainstorming activities so time can be saved by avoiding the need for writing everything down manually.

Microsoft Immersive Reader

Microsoft Immersive Reader creates a space free of distractions for reading and lets students customize the experience. They can change the background color, adjust text size, break text into syllables, or even have it read aloud. This tool is especially helpful for students who struggle with paying attention when reading. 

Snap&Read

This might be one of the most versatile tools out there. It can read any text on a webpage aloud, translate it into different languages, simplify it, or even help create an outline of the content. It’s a lifesaver for students who are overwhelmed by heavy reading assignments or for those who benefit from simpler language and visual supports. 

ChromeVox

ChromeVox is great for students who are blind or visually impaired. It is a screen reader that reads everything on the screen aloud, making it easier to navigate documents, web pages, and assignments without relying on sight. It gives students the independence to use their device fully and participate in class just like everyone else. 

Beeline Reader

Beeline Reader changes the color of text across lines to guide the reader’s eyes more smoothly. This color gradient helps students stay focused and improves reading speed, especially for those with attention or tracking issues. 

Ava

Ava is a live captioning app that provides captions during conversations. This is especially helpful for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Whether it’s an in person class discussion or an online lecture, Ava transcribes speech instantly so students can follow along and participate with the rest of the class. 

These tools all help education become more accessible. Everyone learns differently, and with the right support, every student can feel empowered to succeed.

Learning About HyperDocs

 What is a HyperDoc?
A HyperDoc is an interactive document, like a slide presentation or google doc, that provides students with access to all learning materials, resources, and activities in one, easily accessible document. HyperDocs shift instruction, providing students the content needed to explore and apply their learning by using communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. 

How does it enhance student learning?

HyperDocs enhance student learning in a number of ways. There are hyperlinks, embedded videos, interactive elements, and various activities to make learning for students more dynamic and engaging. Teachers can customize HyperDocs to meet the specific needs of individual students or groups, allowing for differentiated instruction. It also allows for students to explore content and topics at their own pace, and in ways that suit their learning needs best. HyperDocs can include reflection prompts to encourage students to think critically about their learning and make connections to real-world applications.

What is an example of a HyperDoc?
An example of a HyperDoc I had viewed, was a simple one-paged google doc. Students would access this document and see the content they need to view and the assignment to complete in three easy steps. The first step is to click on the link provided in the doc, and watch the video. After watching the video, they will follow the next step and look at an infographic of kids in nature. After reviewing the infographic, they will follow the last step on the HyperDoc, which asks a question. They are guided to click on the link which will take them to another google doc, which provides them with pictures, a graphic organizer, and steps to completing the assignment. Each HyperDoc is designed in a clean and colorful way, while incorporating pictures or videos, which make it engaging for students. 

Communicating With Sway

Why is communication important?

Communication is a vital component of any classroom, as it fosters an environment where ideas, knowledge, and feedback can be shared effectively. Strong communication allows teachers to clearly

explain concepts and ensure students grasp the material being taught. It also encourages student engagement, as learners feel more comfortable asking questions, participating in discussions, and expressing their thoughts. When students communicate clearly, they can better understand concepts, ask for clarification, and express their ideas confidently. This encourages collaboration with peers, allowing them to share knowledge, solve problems together, and develop critical thinking skills. Furthermore, students who can communicate well are more likely to succeed in academic and social settings, as they are able to articulate their needs, listen actively, and contribute to group discussions. 

About Sway:

Knowing how beneficial communication is in a classroom full of students, it is important to find tools that can help grow positive communication. One incredible tool is Microsoft Sway. Sway is a versatile digital tool that allows users to create visually engaging presentations, reports, content, and actively engage with others. It fosters collaboration by allowing multiple users to work on a project at the same time, making it easier to share ideas and updates in that moment. Its integration with other Microsoft tools, such as OneDrive and Teams, enhances seamless collaboration, allowing team members to contribute and edit content from anywhere. Most importantly, Sway strengthens communication by providing a tool where users can express ideas clearly and creatively. The ability to add text, images, videos, and interactive elements makes it an effective tool for conveying information in an engaging and accessible way. There is an incredible video that will be linked here that shows how to use Sway and how to create a newsletters, presentations, and webpages!

How does Sway grow students' communication skills?

Microsoft Sway is excellent in helping students grow their communication skills by allowing them to create interactive, multimedia-rich presentations. With Sway, students can organize and express their ideas in a dynamic and visually appealing way, through incorporating text, images, videos, and even charts. This encourages them to present information creatively and more effectively, making it easier for both them and their peers to understand complex topics. This tool’s collaborative features enable students to work together, providing a platform for easy communication and teamwork. By using Sway, students can improve their ability to communicate ideas clearly, engage their audience, and collaborate with others, all while developing a deeper understanding of the subject matter. 

Personal Note:

After discovering Sway through my course book Sail the 7Cs With Microsoft Education, I was immediately impressed and eager to start using it. With several upcoming projects in my classes, I'm excited to dive in and explore its incredible abilities. What’s even better is that learning and mastering collaboration and communication tools like Sway, will allow me to leverage them to enhance my future students' learning experiences!

Collaboration Through Media

Education is always powerful for growth and inspiration, but in recent years, technology has taken it to new heights. With an expanding world of media outlets and educational resources, teachers now have so many ways to enrich their lesson plans and make learning more dynamic and engaging for their students. As educators embrace these new tools, students are also empowered to take ownership of their learning and dive deeper into their subjects.

In Sail the 7 Cs by Becky Keene and Kathi Kersznowski, the authors dive into the impact of media and technology through education and in any workplace necessary to benefit from these tools. In Chapter 2, the focus is on collaboration, and one tool that stands out for facilitating this process is Microsoft Teams. Teams offers an easy way to share and consume media through video, audio, and file sharing in a collaborative space.

A great example provided in the chapter discusses how two people might collaborate on a PowerPoint presentation. Tools like Google Docs let users see changes made in real-time, but communication still relies on emails or text messages, which can lead to delays of hours or even days when trying to reach a consensus. However, Microsoft Teams allows group members to work on their slides, see each other's changes in real-time, and communicate instantly using Teams audio feature. This means decisions can be made and revisions discussed right away, cutting down the time it would typically take to reach an agreement and/or completion.

With tools like Microsoft Teams, collaboration is no longer confined to slow, drug out communication. Instead, educators and students alike can experience more efficient interactions that enhance learning and creativity. It’s clear that technology, when used appropriately, can be extremely beneficial in growing how we learn and work together. 

There are many other incredible media platforms that provide collaborative learning in education. Social media networks like X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Bluesky, and others provide opportunities for connecting with like-minded individuals. These platforms enable people to share, discuss, and learn from one another. What I find particularly valuable about these media sources is that, when you're stuck on lesson plans, projects, or any other challenge, you can easily reach out for guidance, ideas, and advice.

Setting goals to Empower the Individual

There have been many positive changes within education that focus on the individual student, rather than the class as a whole. With these changes, educators have seen their students take learning into their own hands and push to achieve goals they feel can be reachable, while also giving them a challenge to go above their typical learning limits. In the book, Adventures in Authentic Learning by author Kristin Harrington, Harrington dedicates a passage on pages 4-6  to “Goal Setting for Empowerment.” As a future educator, this passage is crucial in establishing ways to encourage students to transform into leaders, rather than listeners or followers, and have a say in how/what they learn. This is developed through goals and Harrington gives great ways on how to implement them in the classroom.

Every student learns differently, what may be beneficial for some students may not be as favorable to others. When having students set goals, it is important to give options on how and where these goals can be accessed. Some students may prefer their goals to be written, others might rather see their goals through pictures or drawings, while another group of students do best hearing their goals out loud. There are so many incredible resources, whether it be through technology or what can be used within the classroom, students have the ability to decide what works best for them. Let’s get into some ways students can create their goals, that correlate with how they learn best:

A great way for students to see their goals is by creating vision boards, or also known as idea boards. Educators can encourage their students to find pictures and/or create drawings that show what their goals are. For example, if a student's goal is to do well on their science labs, they could draw beakers with A+s in them and have an arrow pointing to a happy face. Another way to lay out this goal could be to find a picture of a scientist or other students working on an experiment. This can help students visualize the goal they want to achieve, instilling motivation for them to feel the same way as the students pictured. 

Another incredible way for students to lay out their goals is on websites like Animoto. Students are able to create their own videos through a safe space and in any form that fits their way of learning best, while implementing their goals. This allows them to not only see their goals, but to also hear them. They can incorporate their own voices to an Animoto video, while also having the option to add music or better yet, their favorite song. 

In Kristin Harrington’s book, she also provides a great example for students who want to read their goals, by creating goal cubes. Students can have the option to have wooden cubes where they write their goals on each flat side of the cube, or they can build their own with paper or card stock. The idea of having something they can carry with them or have at their desks is a great way to keep reminding them of their goals. Students can get creative by writing out their goals in different colors or maybe even in a plain color, but adding drawings or colors around their written goal. 

It is important to note that while giving students the freedom to create goals they can strive to achieve for the week, month, or year - goals need to be measurable and guided with an educator on what is important/appropriate in the classroom. After these goals are discussed and made, it is essential that students revisit and reflect on them. Educators can include time in their lesson plans for regular check-ins on their goals. This time can also allow students to share their progress with classmates, teachers, guardians, and other school staff outside of their immediate classroom group.

Flipped Classrooms

     A flipped classroom is a teaching method that flips traditional homework and teaching time. Instead of spending class time focusing on lectures, students are introduced to materials outside of the classroom. Students are given homework that consists of introductions to topics through short videos and readings, which in turn gives more class time being hands-on through talking, interacting, doing, and applying ideas during student centered learning tasks. 

    Flipped classrooms focus on knowledge construction, they are student-centered rather than being teacher-centered. There is more teacher-student dialogue (teacher asks a question, student replies with an answer), homework is viewed as preparation rather than practice. Classwork revolves around ideas and topics the students were introduced to at home rather than being introduced to the topics in class. There is more student-teacher interaction than traditional classrooms, and there is more group work as a form of learning and applying lessons. 

    Some key concepts of the flipped classroom approach, it is based on the social constructivist theory of learning. The social constructivist theory of learning was developed by Soviet psychologist Lev Vygotsky, the view that learning occurs through social interaction and the help of others, often in a group. Flipped classrooms focus learning using critical thinking skills, talking amongst our peers, and creating discussions and hands-on concepts during lessons. 

    There is also the flipped mastery approach where the teachers are the ones to prepare homework. Such as lectures, videos, and reading materials for students to take home instead of focusing on these materials in the classroom. This approach gives the students more room to complete these lessons at their own pace. They have the capability to move on once they feel they understand the material being provided. Class time is not dedicated to working with students who need additional support, and allowing other students to continuing progressing without having an entire class focus on one subject for too long. 

    The text "Transform Learning Through Technology" page 4 states, Digital tools are a powerful force in the classroom and offer the potential to shift from traditional teaching approaches." Upon conducting further research on some of the most effective teaching strategies and researching the flipped classroom method, https://helpfulprofessor.com/flipped-classroom/ I was able to learn how much technology can benefit students and teachers not only in the classroom, but outside of the classroom as well.