Attention teachers..... in order to provide an inclusive classroom environment, we must fill our teacher tool boxes with things that will help us reach all students at the same time. Sometimes it is a struggle to meet all of the needs each student at all times. Please take a look at this feature on the Chromebooks that you can teach the students to use on their own. ChromeVox is not just for the visually impaired student. This tool is great for ESOL students, struggling readers, even students with audio processing disorders.
One of the things that is stands out the most is that this accommodation does not stand out to the rest of class. The students can use this screen reader and no one else will know!!
One of the things that is stands out the most is that this accommodation does not stand out to the rest of class. The students can use this screen reader and no one else will know!!
Image 1.
Chromebooks... we love them and we hate them! The battery dies! They fall and break. The students forget them at home. We sometimes find ourselves asking if they are really worth it. The quick answer is, "yes". They really are worth all of the hassle. Especially if you find out about a feature that many teachers didn't know existed.
ChromeVox
ChromeVox is a builtin screen reader that enables a differently abled user to access the Chrome operating system. This tool not only helps the visually impaired students, it can help students that speak a different language by changing the language settings. The user can also speed up or slow down the reader to assist students with audio processing difficulties. The uses for ChromeVox are endless and every student in the district has one! It is like having the golden ticket and not even realizing it.
This one tool can help you reach multiple children with different needs at one time.
Here is a link to a Youtube video that explains the fundamentals of ChromeVox.
Here is a link to a printable instruction sheet about installation and use. This is a wonderful resource because it uses pictures throughout.
Here is a different link with instructions as well as links to other tutorials for Chromebooks.
References
Educatorstechnology. (2021). ChromeVox- An Excellent Screen Reader for Students with Visual Impairments. Retrieved September 28, 2021.
Google Chrome. (2017, February 8). Using ChromeVox on your Chromebook: Fundamentals [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/fpbIsN31hLM
How to Enable ChromeVox in Google Classroom. Retrieved September 28, 2021. https://www.thsti.res.in/writereaddata/8182_otherUpdate_Installing%20ChromeVox%20in
%20Google%20Chrome.pdf
Image 1. https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-56116573
Image 2. https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-56116573
Crystal, this tool sounds incredible. I appreciate the idea that this screen reader can be used discreetly in a classroom setting without others being aware of this tool being used. It is amazing how versatile the tool is and how it can be used by students facing different learning challenges. Thanks SO much for sharing this tool. It certainly sounds like a tool that can be used by so many.
ReplyDelete