Using Technology to Foster Independence and Self-direction

IXL

IXL is an online learning platform which supports self-directed learning for K-8 science and history, and K-12 English, mathematics, and Spanish. IXL offers micro-lessons based on certain skills, such as the ability to add 3 digit numbers. For each skill, IXL provides a mini-lesson and a gamified practice session. Skills can be organized into modules by educators, or educators can use pre-made modules aligned to the Common Core or various textbooks. IXL also offers diagnostic tests which allow students to skip the skills they already know and focus on learning the skills they don't. IXL also provides various tools for educators for examining and interpreting student data, such as a student progress dashboard.

IXL allows students to become self-directed learners by allowing them to proceed at their own pace through the educator-defined curriculum. By gamifying practice and review, students will be motivated to keep on trying, enabling them to learn more than ever before. IXL is a useful tool that can be incorporated into any classroom.

Khan Academy

Similar to IXL, Khan Academy is another online learning platform which enables students to become independent, self-directed learners.

Khan Academy offers a wide variety of text- and video- based lessons on a huge variety of subjects including mathematics and computer science. It offers review and practice questions, gamifies learning by allowing students to track their progress in their accounts, and allows educators to manage and monitor their students through virtual classrooms. By offering a wide variety of courses and gamifying the experience to make it fun and keep students engaged, students will be motivated to continue to learn independently and explore what Khan Academy has to offer. Students may even explore topics beyond what were originally assigned, diversifying their knowledge and improving their overall learning.

Screen Readers

Screen readers, such as those built into the accessibility features in Google Chromebooks, read text on the screen out loud using synthesized speech engines. Screen readers enable students with disabilities, such as visually impaired students or students who have some other difficulty in reading, to freely browse the web or interact with text by having the text read aloud to them, eliminating their need to read it. This allows these students to interact with text at the same level as their peers without reading difficulties, enabling them to work effectively and succeed academically.

Voice-to-Text

Essentially the opposite of screen readers, voice-to-text systems, such as the one which can also be enabled under the accessibility settings of a Google Chromebook, convert spoken words to written text in an application. Voice-to-Text systems enable students with physical or other impairments which interfere with their ability to use a keyboard to interact with a computer in the same way as their peers who lack such impairements. Additionally, all students may find voice-to-text systems useful to rapidly create a document, such as during group work. Voice-to-text systems are invaluable for unlocking the digital world for students with impairments and improving efficiency for students in general. These benefits all students to interact more readily with instructional content, boosting their learning and academic potential.