Use Digital Text to Make Your Own Classroom Library: Providing Access to Reading Materials for All Students

Digital text and methods of publishing have implications for reading, writing, teaching, and learning. Advances in electronic media make digital text an accessible format for instruction, especially for students with disabilities. The new digital platform requires a fresh look at instructional strategies, copyright, and accessibility.
This hands-on workshop will focus on finding existing digital texts from online libraries, methods of creating and modifying digital text (for example, converting print curriculum materials to audio), and options for publishing student work. A variety of accessible formats will be covered, as well as strategies for creating a digital library within your classroom and school. We will review copyright issues to ensure all methods of use are fully compliant. Commercial software to support the use of digital text will be reviewed, along with free open-source alternatives. Come to this workshop to receive a free MP3 (portable audio) player, and hands-on experience loading reading materials onto it!
If you have a laptop, we encourage you to bring it.

Who should attend?
All interested Vermont educators are invited, including:

• Special Educators
• Special Education Directors
• School-based Speech and Language Pathologists
• Technology Integrators
• Paraprofessionals
• General Educators

Where:

• Lyndon State College: Thursday, May 15, 2008

• Barre Town Middle & Elementary School: Friday, June 20, 2008

• 8:30 a.m. registration, workshop 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.