The WE Virtual Learning Center web tool is designed to enhance the future classroom by providing a range of features and benefits.

WE Learning Center focuses on promoting healthy mental and emotional development by age. The center recognizes the importance of supporting students overall well-being and providing them with necessary tools and resources to develop strong mental and emotional health. As children grow older, the center may introduce programs that focus on building self-esteem, managing stress, and developing problem-solving skills. These programs may involve mindfulness exercises, stress management techniques, goal-setting, and conflict resolution strategies.

Next thing is the Yearly Planner Calendar of WE Learning Center is tool that helps organize and plan activities and event throughout the year. The calendar is designed to provide a visual overview of the entire year, allowing to easily schedule and track various activities such as exams, seminars, and training sessions. It helps students, and teachers stay informed and prepared for upcoming events.

Resource

https://weschools.we.org/we-teachers

The WE Virtual Learning Center is a web tool that is “rooted in social and emotional learning and positive youth development.” (We Virtual Learning Center, 2021) It goes on to talk about how the program supports teachers and empowers their students to be their strongest selves. The program offers modules, courses, lesson plans, worksheets, and much more.

Yearly Planner

In just a few minutes I was able to find a resource that could be useful in planning out the year by months, and then it followed by planning out each quarter of the year. This could be a great way to organize each week, each month, and the whole year as a teacher.

Gratitude Lesson Plan

Other resources that were provided was lesson plans. One of the ones that stood out to me was a lesson called, “We Have Gratitude.” This lesson is designed for the students to learn how to have gratitude and the science behind it.

Issue topic cards

Another great resource was these cards that would hopefully spark discussion in the classroom about these topics. These cards might be able to assist in teaching the students how to argue in a respectful way. These topics are very important to the world, and it’s a way to get students to think critically about these important issues.

We virtual learning center. WE Virtual Learning Center. (2021) (n.d.-b). https://weschools.we.org/

After reading the conclusion of Sail the 7 C’s “Becoming Change Makers” it made me think about what kind of classroom I want to create when I am a teacher. And after doing some observing of the website for the WE Virtual Learning Center, I have discovered things I want to implement in my classroom like creating a student tool kit. A tool kit allows students to show and understand empathy, communication, collaboration, resilience and problem – solving. This tool kits allows students to find their “why” which is when you put your time and energy toward an issue you are passionate about or a problem you want to solve, you can make real change. I think that is so important for me to implement this toolkit in my future classroom. I think its also important for me to implement online calendars for students and parents to access at any time so they can understand what’s going on, what’s due and what to prepare for.

There are many tools for students to provide them a strong education especially when in need of accessibility support. I’ve dug deep to find the best accessibility tools that can help students and make completing their work less difficult. Sonocent is an audio notetaking platform that students can use if they struggle to take notes or have a disability that doesn’t allow them to. Using the built-in microphone in our computers, Sonocent uses that audio to write notes. However, it is a costly tool but provides students a lot of assistance with note-taking. Another similar tool is Glean, which provides a free trial for students. JAWS is a fantastic resource for students with vision loss to know what’s on their screen. JAWS reads the screen content for students and helps to better education for those with disabilities. Microsoft provides many accessibility tools for students as well. They provide highlighting text, reading passages aloud, and provide many visual references for those viewing them on Microsoft. Zoomtext is another tool that provides screen magnification on devices. Many computers come with this accessibility tool and is very useful for people of all ages.

College students nowadays have to balance their social lives, extracurricular activities, and homework in the digital age. Thankfully, Google offers a range of effective resources to streamline assignments and improve teamwork. In addition to the widely recognized Docs, Slides, and Classroom, Google Forms, Meet, and Groups provide other advantages. These resources are essential for all students since they simplify processes, promote productivity, and ease communication. With Google’s suite of tools, students may write papers, manage assignments, host virtual meetings, and do much more to make college life more revolutionary and successful academically.

Google Forms

It is the commitment of educators and students to administer surveys, collect data, and get feedback. With Google Forms, creating and distributing surveys has never been easier. Google Forms can be used to get input from classmates or carry out research for a class assignment. Its easy-to-use interface lets you change the themes and types of questions. Furthermore, real-time response monitoring and data analysis tools simplify the process of reviewing survey results and obtaining valuable insights that might support your work.

Google Meet

In the current learning environment that is becoming more and more virtual, in-person communication is essential. A smooth way to host online classes, video conferences, and virtual meetings is with Google Meet. With capabilities like screen sharing, chat, and real-time captioning, Google Meet offers an engaging and dynamic environment for teamwork. Google Meet makes sure that distance never gets in the way of productive communication, whether you’re catching up with classmates, working on a group project, or meeting for office hours with your professor.

Google Groups

Maintaining ties with study groups, clubs, and classmates is crucial for both academic achievement and creating a welcoming environment. A platform for building online communities and promoting group conversations is offered by Google Groups. Google Groups is a primary center for communication and cooperation, whether you’re setting up a study group, planning club activities, or asking friends for help. Keeping in touch and participating in your academic community is made simple with Google Groups’ capabilities, which include file sharing, threaded conversations, and customized email preferences.

Google Docs

College life requires writing essays and research papers, and Google Docs is the best tool for the job. You can write, edit, and format documents easily with Google Docs thanks to its user-friendly interface and real-time collaboration tools. To collaborate in real-time with students or teachers, share your paper with them and eliminate the trouble of exchanging drafts via email. It’s also never been easier to track changes and provide comments thanks to the integrated commenting and revision history features.

Google Slides

Many college classes require presentations, and Google Slides provides an easy-to-use platform for making visually appealing slideshows. With Google Slides, you can bring your ideas to life with a variety of customizable templates and design tools, whether you’re working on a group project or giving a presentation in class. Embedding links, videos, and images allows you to make captivating presentations that hold the attention of your audience and successfully deliver your message.

Google Classroom

It might be difficult to keep organized and manage your education, especially when you’re juggling several classes and assignments. Google Classroom simplifies the procedure by offering a central location for task management, communication, and teamwork. Within an intuitive interface, students may access course materials, turn in assignments, and participate in conversations, while teachers can simply distribute materials, make interactive tasks, and offer feedback. It’s never been simpler to keep on top of deadlines and remain in touch with your students thanks to Google Classroom.

In conclusion, Google provides college students with a range of essential tools to improve teamwork and productivity. Academic assignments can be easily completed with Google Docs, Slides, and Classroom, which offer options ranging from composing papers to managing coursework. Furthermore, Google Meet, Groups, and Forms simplify communication and promote teamwork when conducting research or participating in online courses. These tools can help you keep organized, expedite processes, and open up new opportunities for academic success in your college routine. Why then wait? Start utilizing Google’s resources right now to enhance your college experience.

https://support.google.com/a/answer/1631886?hl=en

Assistive technology (AT) is available for students with a disability that need hardware, software, or equipment to improve their functional capabilities in the classroom. These tools are very helpful to students that can’t use the computer like other students because of a certain disability that hinders them in the classroom or doing schoolwork. That is why having these accessibility tools to help these students and provide aid in areas they need assistance in is so important. Since without these tools the students may not be able to do certain work or use some of these technologies on their own. All the accessibility tools that I have read about and will discuss do one or multiple things to help students with disabilities use technology in or out of the class just like the rest of their peers.

JAWS is a great tool for those that have some sort of vision problems or vision loss. JAWS is a screen reader tool, so just like the name says it will read the screen to any student, teacher, or anyone using the program. It also helps these people see the content on the screen and navigate through this content with their mouse. JAWS is a great way for those with vision issues to use computer and do the same assignments as all their fellow peers, it even has a Braille display.

With the DRAGON Naturally Speaking program this tool is used so students can talk into the computer and then what they are saying is then typed down into a document. Students can create, edit, and format their documents just by speaking into their computer with this program. Students who have issues typing can use this program, it can help students increase their productivity, creativity, and multitasking skills.

Rocket Book beacons allow you to put these little orange triangles on the side of your white board which then converts the work written into a smart board. By using the app you can access the white board that is now a smart board and save it and work on the document. This is very beneficial when students want to get documents on their computer, but it was written on the whiteboard they can use the app and this feature to gain access online.

Zoom Text is another tool for users that have vision issues and what Zoom Text does is magnify the screen for Microsoft windows users and make everything bigger. This tool is similar to the JAWS tool as it also makes it easier for those with vision problems to read and comprehend what is on their computer.

Print friendly is great for taking things out of documents you want to use as a resource for your class or taking unnecessary items out of an article and print the new version of the document. You can highlight these items that you find repetitive, unnecessary, or inappropriate and remove them from the document. Then print out your new version without these items and you can use it in your class for your students.

Using WriQ students can be more independent writers and learn to write better without their teacher. WriQ is basically like an editing tool, as students type out their work WriQ does a spell check, looks at the vocabulary used, and fixes any grammar mistakes. This is a great tool to double check that your work is grammatically correct, your using proper spelling, and you are using good vocabulary.

Zoom is a great tool to use when working with your teacher or in a group to share all the progress each person has been making on a project or lesson. Students and teachers can share their work in the zoom meeting as well as sharing their screen. This ensures that good resources are being used and that all students show the quality work they are doing. Teachers can also ensure by stopping into the zoom meetings there students groups are working in that the group is on track and making good progress with their work.

After doing some research regarding some accessibility tools I found many very helpful and some I would even consider using within my future classroom setting. Some are also explained and accessible through the Stockton website.

One that I will be talking about is called Jaws. Jaws is explained as a screen reader is a tool made for people who can’t see well on a computer. It helps them by reading out loud what’s on the screen and lets them control the computer without using a mouse.

Next, being Zoom Text. This is explained as a screen magnifier designed specifically for people with low vision who use Microsoft Windows. Zoom text is definitely a tool that is used for people with poor eyesight.  This would be very helpful for students that have low eyesight or need assistance within the classroom. 

I will also be talking about a tool called Kurzweil. This program offers tools to help students who have trouble with reading, writing, and studying. It’s made to support these students in becoming more independent in their learning, participating more in class, and reaching their full academic potential.

C-Pen Reader is a small gadget that reads printed words out loud using a digital voice that sounds like a human. You can choose between English, Spanish, or French.

Also, Spellex is a great tool, which checks spelling for medical terms like procedures, diseases, surgeries, treatments, tests, and medicines.

Then, there is a tool called Sonocent which is explained as a software for taking notes that records audio, text, and slides all in one place, making it simple to keep everything organized.

Lastly, this tool called Dragon Naturally Speaking is a program that lets students create, format, and edit documents using their voice. It’s designed to boost productivity, creativity, and the ability to multitask.

Accessibility tools are a great way for teachers and students to connect in the classroom. Students who have accessibility issues may experience sensory impairment or language barriers that can hinder their education. Teachers may even display their own struggles when lecturing or maneuvering around the classroom so everyone can hear them, and these tools can help the environment become a positive and productive experience! Some tools I liked are:

*Thunder T3- this tool is an earmuffs feature that reduces noise in the classroom using Air Flow technology.

*Smartpens- using Bluetooth technology, recorded audio can be sent to a smartphone, tablet, or PC.

*Handheld Magnifiers- used to magnify text for those who have visual restrictions.

*JAWS- also for the visually impaired. This feature is a screen reader and helps with mouse navigation.

*Sonocent- captures slides, texts, and audio in note-taking form.

*Kurzweil- the struggle for literacy is reduced by having built-in features for reading, writing, and study skills.

*Dragon Naturally Speaking- a voice-driven program that allows students to create, format, and edit documents.

Accessibility Toolbox – The Wellness Center | Stockton University