Blog #4 - Adaptive Technology Resources
An online digital tool that I wanted to share is called Storyline Online. Even though it is not labeled
as an assistant device, I feel that it can help those with disabilities. Storyline Online is a free resource
that reads popular children's books aloud. These stories are read aloud by some familiar faces who are
either actors, politicians, television stars, or musicians. You can locate this source online 24 hours a
day. You can also download the app on your phone so you can truly take it anywhere. You can find
books that are listed alphabetically at the top of the page.
After reading Dr. Copelands article, School Librarians of the 21st Century, Hints for Selecting and
Evaluating Assistive Technology, I felt like this source would be a way to get any of my students who
come into the library excited about reading. Here are some of the questions that she suggested that we
ponder when trying to find effective sources to truly make our libraries inclusive (Copeland, 2011).
1. What is the task?
The task that I would like to accomplish using this source would just be for students to enjoy reading.
Storyline Online is a free site that is funded by the screen Actors Guild Foundation so anyone can
access it. It uses closed captioning while the speaker is reading, so those who are hard of hearing can
listen along. This also helps with my ESOL students to help them connect words with sounds.
2. Will technology increase the interest levels of a typical student or one with a similar learning style? (e.g., a visual learner?)
Yes! I believe that most of my students in my elementary school would love this site no matter what
their reading level or circumstance. This encourages an inclusive environment where everyone can
enjoy reading a story set to fun music and bright illustrations. Some of the illustrations are also
animated. Allowing students to pick and choose what they want to read allows ownership in their
learning. With this being an individual activity, students have the freedom to pick what they would like
with or without anyone knowing what they choose.
3. Will technology enable students who are differently abled be able to participate?
Yes, Storytime Online is a great example of how technology can serve its purpose to all. Having the
story read to them in conjunction with closed captioning allows everyone to actively participate. This
site is very easy to navigate and has lots of books to choose from. They do not have all of the books,
but I do feel like it is a great program to include in your library.
References
Copeland, C. A. (2011). School Librarians of the 21st Century. Knowledge Quest, 39(3), 64–69.
Heather,
ReplyDeleteThank you for introducing me to Storyline Online. I have never heard of this resource until now. It is hard to find a free, good, kid friendly website for students to listen to books. I am also glad you pointed out using closed captioning with students, when using tools like this. I feel students and teachers forget this feature is available sometimes. Great Post!
Theresa G
Hi Heather! I love using Storyline Online! I used it many times with my Child Development students and am looking forward to using it in the library. I agree with you that by hearing famous people or people they have seen on tv, students will be excited to listen and learn. They get the visual and audio aspect from this site. I do like how some of the animations are animated and closed captions are used. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis resource is another that is new to me, thank you for sharing it! I can see how students would enjoy these read aloud. The videos are more than just reading a book aloud - it provides action and movement to the pages; the actors bring the characters to life with their voice inflections and personalities. I noticed the website also comes with activity guides for teachers - another great way to encourage accessibility in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI love Storyline Online! I use it often, however, I did not know they had an app! Thanks for sharing that information with us. I love this tool because the people who are reading the book aloud, really model fluency to the listeners/ audience. Since many of them are actors, they really get into the reading, and kids love it! I often forget about closed captioning, so thank you for pointing that out. I need to be more mindful of providing that accessibility tool for my students.
ReplyDeleteHi Heather, great post! I believe it could easily fall under the category of assistive technology because of how it is designed. I also LOVE Story Online and agree with you, that the fact "famous" people or at least people the students might recognize is a big selling point. The actors do such a good job with reading aloud, using different voices, sounds, etc. that they really make the stories come alive.
ReplyDeleteHey Heather! I haven't used Storyline Online before, thank you for highlighting it. I agree with you that this resource is one that everyone can enjoy. I think about reading as an adult, and I still enjoy hearing a book read aloud to me (e.g. audiobooks) and I believe we should allow our students the ability to listen to a read aloud regardless of age. Many tend to think read alouds are done by elementary school, but I say let's continue to incorporate them. I bet many students would love reading, regardless of ability, if we allowed students to ability to actually enjoy a book.
ReplyDeleteHeather,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Storyline Online. I had not heard of that before. It sounds like it could be an engaging method for students to hear books read to them. I like how you said that it would allow students to independently choose books and get them excited about reading.