Special Education Listserv
Subject: Text to Speech Pilot Project - Webinar, NECC Report, and Professional Development Module
Source: Leone Herring, Supervisor, Effective Practices
Intended: Administrators, Special Education Directors, Special Education Instructors
Date: December 3, 2008
eMINTS and Special Education Effective Practices have been involved in a pilot project using text to speech software in general education classrooms including special learners. The pilot has fostered cooperative efforts among general education, special education, and ELL instructors. Below is a link to a webinar that was presented to the RPDC consultants as a year-end report on the 2007-2008 pilot. The instructions to view the recorded presentation are included below. The PowerPoint used in the webinar is also included.
In addition, a report given at the National Education Computing Conference (NECC) on this pilot project and the professional development module created to accompany the project have also been included. While Read and Write Gold was used as the project software, the professional development module is written for use with any similar software. We ask that users observe the copyright included with the professional development module and the report given at (NECC). The professional development module may not be used for any commercial purposes.
Webinar Link and Instructions:
https://sas.elluminate.com/mr.jnlp?suid=M.3A0756E9F869ECD72FA797CE4490D9.
To listen to the webinar, simply click on the link. When the Elluminate screen appears read the messages on the screen. If the presentation is being blocked, a colored message bar will appear at the top of the Elluminate screen. The message will begin "To protect your security...." Click on the message and a drop down box will appear.
Click "Download File" and allow the software to download to your computer. This may take a few minutes. When the file downloads and opens, a viewing screen opens. On the lower left hand corner of the screen, there are the standard play, pause, and stop buttons. There is also a slider that allows movement backwards and forwards through the recording. It will automatically sync up the audio with the screen that is displayed. As a recording, it is not possible for the listener to ask questions or participate in the webinar. All questions and comments should be directed to the address and phone or email noted at the end of the presentation.
To access the Webinar PowerPoint, NECC Report, and Professional Development Module go to http://www.dese.mo.gov/divspeced/EffectivePractices/TtS.htm.