Microsoft Innovative Educator is a way for educators to learn about a widespread range of topics from assistive technology to coding to 3D maps. It is a great resource for educators who want to grow professionally in their field or simply learn about a topic that interests them!
My Course
Course: Dyslexia Awareness
Module 1) - Students with dyslexia are not any less smart or capable than others; they just learn differently. - Their brain processes information in such a way that promotes problem-solving and big-picture ideas but may cause challenges with reading, spelling, and writing. - Dyslexia is the most common learning difference, affecting 10 to 20% of people. - Children may have trouble reciting simple nursery rhymes, do not associate written letters with the sounds that they make, or complains that reading is hard. - In older students, reading may be slow, they need extra time to respond to questions or take tests.
Module 2) - Students with dyslexia often think outside of the box. They are creative thinkers. Some of the most important discoveries were made by people with dyslexia. - Students might be drawn towards more visual toys such as Legos. They may even be able to visualize things in 3D and make connections from one item to another in a way that other people would not even consider. - In the classroom, one way that we can help students with dyslexia is by using a variety of assessment methods so that students struggling with traditional paper tests and quizzes can show what they know in a way that best suits their brain.
Module 3) - Use multi-sensory learning. For example, instead of simply telling students what sound the letter "A" makes, we can make students physically draw out the letter "A" in the air as they say the sound. It may also be helpful for students to see an apple either in front of them or even in their head so that their brain associates an apple with the letter "A." - Math can also be difficult for students with dyslexia because there is only one solution and usually only one way to get there. One way to help students understand information better is to find out what kind of learner they are and cater to that. For example, if a students is a visual learner, it may be more helpful for them to have a mind map. One other difficulty that students may have is concentration. - We can help engage our students by taking breaks to stretch and move around or incorporate activities into lectures so that students are constantly challenged to use their brains in different ways but still focus on the lesson.
Module 4) - To create a classroom that is inclusive for dyslexic learners, we can give students as much time as they need to think and process before needing to respond. - Students should not be forced to read out loud if they are not comfortable doing it. Students that already struggle with reading may have an even harder time when pressure is on them and the entire class is watching. - If students must read or present something to the class, it is essential that teachers give students the schedule so that they know which day or time they will present. This gives students enough time to practice and mentally prepare beforehand. - Some accommodations may include allowing students with dyslexia to use assistive technology. It can help students catch spelling or grammar errors or make fonts bigger or colored so that students can see more easily. These adjustments are not unfair or favoring that student; they are helping to bring out the strengths in students so that they can get past challenges and demonstrate their "knowledge and mastery in a class setting."
Module 5) - One of the most important things for students with dyslexia is to know that they have dyslexia. If a student does not know that they have a learning disability, they may have lower self esteem or believe that that are less intelligent than their peers. - Students should know that they are smart and capable; they just learn differently. - One way that educators or even parents can help identify dyslexia is by screening every child. Some students may got through their entire childhood without knowing that they have dyslexia which may lower their confidence or cause them to be behind in a certain subject. By screening children early, families and educators can empower the student and reach out in a way that that is positive and effective.
Module 6) - Over 80% of student that have dyslexia are not spotted while in school. This can cause them to have a negative impression of school or believe that "something about them and school doesn't quite fit." However, those students are naturally bright and creative. Their brains are necessary for the jobs of the future! - To reach students with dyslexia, teachers can use small adjustments in the classroom such as color-coding lessons, allowing students to use technology to share their great ideas, or putting children into small groups to discuss certain topics. - We should do everything we can to create an inclusive classroom and bring out the strengths in every one of our students.
Check out my certifications below! The first certificate shows my completion of the Dyslexia Awareness course and the second shows my certificate for becoming a Certified Microsoft Innovative Educator!
The other course that I completed explained how to integrate Flipgrid in the classroom. Check out my writeup on it here.