Until now, eReaders (digital book-reading devices) were used exclusively by adults, but the release of vTech’s eReader models for children and Apple’s iPad means it is time to explore the benefits of eReaders for kids. One year ago, IDK noted how web technologies make story-telling inclusive for deaf and hearing children who may be in
Universities in Ireland have used the Moodle interactive teaching system for years, while schools are just “getting it”. In this piece, we show how the universal design of the Moodle-based Connect School system gives seamless inclusion in class for all pupils. Connect School is a joint initiative of South Dublin County Council and St. Aidan’s
The first-ever iPhone subtitle application promises to give movie buffs the chance to receive subtitles directly to their phone for the movie/DVD of their choice. It’s a great solution until more cinemas provide subtitled movies and as the app develops, cinemas may use it as a low-budget captioning option. This application is currently available for
With cochlear implants, deaf children can be fluent in one or more spoken languages (whether sign is used). This is a new form of spoken bilingualism! A few deaf children grow up to be spoken/manual bilingual – communicating in English and in Irish sign language. How Many People In Ireland Use Sign Language? Ireland has about
This piece follows on from IDK’s earlier post, Infant Literacy Skills: Newborn To Three Years, and complements other IDK posts on early-years literacy. The bottom line is that children learn about literacy from birth, regardless of their hearing ability. While early introduction to literacy is essential in babies and toddlers, the process needs to be
State exams are stressful enough for any family, but especially when the exam candidate is deaf. Parents worry that their teen will not understand an exam question due to underdeveloped language comprehension, or simply be unable to complete an exam in time. IDK recently learned of a student who is taking the Junior Certificate exams
IDK recently heard a very sad story about a newcomer child with deafness and autism, so we are sharing it here, to show how vulnerable children can ‘fall through’ the Irish education system. The iPhone GraceApp for people with autism, could be his lifeline in teaching sign with PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System). B, the
Mobile phone subscribers globally, will hit the 5 billion mark during 2010. To this end, the U.S. Department of Education has earmarked $5 billion for competitive school-reform grants to scale up pilot programs of handheld devices & define best practices for learning. An article, “How Smartphones and Handheld Devices Are Bringing On An Educational Revolution”
Late in 2009, South Africa’s “Got Talent” show announced its winner, a deaf hip-hop dancer named Darren Rajibal. The 19 year-old had danced for just four years when during a power cut he decided to entertain family and friends by dancing. Many of his moves were learned from internet videos. After the show, the lead
Young deaf students attending Lawrence Elementary School in the US have seen the literacy and numeracy benefits of a new software initiative. FM Systems Remove Ambient Noise In the classroom, audio output from the computer is sent via radio waves, directly to receivers the students wear on their hearing aids and/or cochlear implants. Ambient noise
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