Technology Tools to Support All Learners

Inclusive tools and resources to support all learners

Universal Design for Learning is a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn.  Explore these quick and easy school based resources that can facilitate learning in FCPSOn, Strategies for Success and other classrooms for diverse students.

Keyboarding Resources

ABCYA

Dance Mat Typing

Doorway Online

Doorway Online - Single Handed Typing

Talking Typer Online

Touch Typing

Typing Club

Typing Master Online Typing Test

Organization Resources

Google Workspace for Education - Google Workspace for Education is an integrated communication and collaboration solution, hosted by Google and managed by FCPS. Google Workspace for Education includes the following apps for students: Calendar, Classroom, Contacts, Draw, Drive, Docs, Keep, Forms, Mail, Sheets, Slides, Sites, and Tasks.  To access FCPS Google Workspace for Education , students and staff must login with their fcpsschools.net username and password. 

Google Calendar - Google Calendar is a tool in a student's FCPS Google Workspace for Education account which can assist with reminders and general organization.

Google Keep - Google Keep is an online collaborative note taking tool within FCPS Google Workspace for Education. You can use Google Keep to create notes, checklists and schedule reminders. You can also use Google Keep for structured writing within Google Docs.

Paper Document to Electronic Document - There a two ways that you can turn a paper document into an electronic document by using your phone or tablet's camera or Notes app. The electronic document can then be uploaded to Google Drive, emailed, or exported to other applications on your computer. Video Tutorial on How to Create an Electronic Document Using Your Phone's Camera | Video Tutorial on How to Use the Notes App to Create an Electronic Document 

Project Based Learning Checklist Creator - Project Based Learning Checklist Creator allows you to choose from a list of guidelines for class projects to make a checklist for students. You can choose from writing, presentation, multimedia, or science projects.

Self-Check Behavior Checklist - Self-Check Behavior Checklist Maker is a free application that allows teachers to quickly create checklists that students can use to monitor their behavior in the classroom.

Reading Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools Library Online Resources, Databases and eBooks - These databases and eBooks are centrally purchased for the use of all Fairfax County Public Schools students and staff. Many schools purchase additional databases. Please see your school's librarian for more information. Home access requires a password. See your librarian for a password list.

Accessible Instructional Materials-VA (AIM-VA) - AIM-VA provides accessible instructional materials to eligible Virginia K-12 students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and are unable to access traditional print. AIM-VA Eligibility Requirements

Learning Ally - Learning Ally provides members access to audiobooks, including literature selections. Some students may qualify for access to Learning Ally books through AIM-VA or schools may purchase school memberships. Parents may also purchase a individual membership. Users can access their audiobooks by using Learning Ally's audiobook app for computer, smartphone or tablet. Learning Ally's Audiobook App and User Guides | AT Ambassador Student Video Tutorial on Learning Ally

Bookshare - Bookshare provides access to accessible books for students with print deficits. Bookshare is free to students who qualify. To register for an individual or organizational membership, please visit Bookshare's Sign Up page.

myOn - myON reader personalizes reading for students by recommending books based on their interests, reading level, and ratings of books they've read.

Mozilla Firefox Reader View - Mozilla Firefox Reader View is a Mozilla Firefox web browser feature that removes distractions, ads, and background images for better readability of web page content. Mozilla Firefox Reader View allows user to customize settings to fit their reading preferences. 

Immersive Reader - Immersive reader is a free tool from Microsoft that uses proven techniques to help improve reading.  The program reads text aloud, spaces words, breaks down syllables and parts of speech.  It also translates, provides, definitions and pictures and visually simplifies the page.  It can be used in many programs such as Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Word, One Note and Excel. AT Ambassador Student Using Immersive Reader in the Classroom 

Natural Reader - Natural Reader is a text-to-speech program that will read aloud text. Natural Reader is available on FCPS computers via AppV in the user's "My Applications" folder. If Natural Reader is not listed in the user's "My Applications" folder, please contact your school's Technology Support Specialist (TSSpec). The free version of Natural Reader can be downloaded for use at home. The Chrome extension for Natural Reader has also been approved for FCPS student use. Video Tutorial on Natural Reader | Video Tutorial on the Natural Reader Chrome Extension | AT Ambassador Student Video Tutorial on Natural Reader

Read Aloud/Speak Tool in Microsoft Office - The Read Aloud/Speak tool is a built-in read aloud feature of Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and OneNote. Students can use the Read Aloud/Speak tool to listen to their written text for any spelling or grammar errors. Speak Tool in Microsoft Office | Read Aloud in Word for Microsoft 365 and Word 2019 | Video Tutorial on How to Add the Read Aloud Tool to the Quick Access Toolbar in Microsoft Office

Tar Heel Reader - Tar Heel Reader is a collection of free, easy-to-read, and accessible books on a wide range of topics. Each book can be speech enabled and accessed using multiple interfaces, including touch screens and 1 to 3 switches.

ReWordify - ReWordify is an online tool that simplifies difficult text.

Text Compactor - Text Compactor is a free online text summarizer.  After pasting text into the provided box, the user can select the percentage of summarization.  The program will then provide a summary of the text which includes the chosen percentage of the original text.  The summarized text could then be read aloud by a separate screen reader.

Magnifier Reading - Magnifier reading is built into the Windows operating system starting with Windows 10. Students can use the Magnifier reader to listen to selectable text on web pages and web applications such as Google Docs.

Writing Resources

Adobe Reader Fill and Sign and Comment Tools - Adobe Reader Fill and Sign and Comment Tools can be used to annotate and fill in electronic PDFs. Adobe Reader Fill and Sign Tool | Adobe Reader Fill and Sign Video Tutorial | Adobe Reader Comment Tool | Adobe Reader Comment Tool Video Tutorial | AT Ambassador Student Tutorial on Adobe Reader Fill and Sign Toolbar

G Suite for Education - G Suite for Education is an integrated communication and collaboration solution, hosted by Google and managed by FCPS. G Suite for Education was formerly known as Google Apps for Education. G Suite for Education includes the following apps for students: Calendar, Classroom, Contacts, Draw, Drive, Docs, Keep, Forms, Mail, Sheets, Slides, Sites, and Tasks. To access FCPS G Suite for Education, students and staff must login with their fcpsschools.net username and password. 

Google Docs Tables-to-Text Graphic Organizer - Use a table as a graphic organizer for students to easily organize brainstormed ideas. A simple copy and paste strategy will then allow paragraph and sentence construction. Video Tutorial on Google Docs Tables-to-Text Graphic Organizer

Google Voice Typing - Google Voice Typing is a speech-to-text tool within Google Docs. Video Tutorial on Google Voice Typing

Google Draw Graphic Organizer - Google Draw is an online tool within FCPS G Suite for Education. Use Google Draw to create a graphic organizer as a pre-writing strategy to help organize thoughts and ideas. Once you have created a Google Drawing as a graphic organizer, it will insert into a Google Doc and can be edited as needed. Students can then create a written draft from their ideas in the graphic organizer. Video Tutorial on How to Create a Graphic Organizer in Google Draw

Google Keep - Google Keep is an online collaborative note taking tool within FCPS G Suite for Education. You can use Google Keep to create notes, checklists and schedule reminders. You can also use Google Keep for structured writing within Google Docs. 

Google Explore Tool - Google Explore Tools allows users to find and add suggested content to documents in Google Docs. The suggested content is related to what’s in your document. You can also search your docs and the web from within a document. Video Tutorial on Google Explore

Windows Dictation and Speech Recognition - Windows Dictation is a cloud-based feature of Windows that requires internet access to control your computer applications and dictate text with your voice. Windows Speech Recognition is a speech-to-text tool that is device-based and does not require internet access to use. Windows Speech Recognition enables users to use voice commands to control their desktop interface and dictate text. Windows Dictation | Windows Speech Recognition | Windows Speech Recognition Voice Commands

Windows Predictive Text - Windows Predictive Text provides text suggestions in a floating bar as the user types. Windows Predictive Text can be used with various applications, such as Microsoft Office and web browsers. Video Tutorial on Windows Predictive Text

Math Resources

Basic Function Online Calculator

Graphing Online Calculator (Desmos) - Students and staff should login with their FCPS Google account. Students do not need an account to use basic features.

GeoGebra - Free online math tool for graphing, geometry, 3D and more. Check out the classroom resources for free activities, simulations, exercises, lessons, and games for math and science. GeoGebra Graphic Calculator | GeoGebra Classroom Resources

Mathematical Equations in Google Docs - Use the built in features of Google Docs to add and edit equations in their FCPS G Suite account. May provide an alternative to using paper and pencil for some students. Video Tutorial on Math | Mathematical Equations in Google Docs | Five Ways Students Can Use Google Docs in Math

Write an Equation or Formula in Microsoft Office - Microsoft Office has equations that you can readily insert into your documents. If the Microsoft Office built-in equations don’t meet your needs, you can edit, change the existing equation, or write your own equation from scratch.

Google Sheets Math Templates - Electronic math templates in Google Sheets for simple math equations, long division, and exponents. FCPS students and staff must login with their FCPS G Suite account to use and edit the templates. To use the math templates, you will need to make a copy of the template by clicking "File" and then "Make a Copy". Video Tutorial on How to Use Google Sheets Math Templates

Graphic Organizers for Math - Graphic organizers to help break down mathematical steps, figure out what’s being asked in a word problem as well as the operation, and to review math concepts.

Graph Paper in Microsoft Word - Learn how to create graph paper in Microsoft Word. Video Tutorial on Creating Graph Paper in Microsoft Word

Create a Graph - The National Center for Education Statistics has a Kid’s Zone Create a Graph page where you will find five different graph and chart types for use with statistics.

EquatIO (free version) - This product allows students to easily add equations, formulas, graphs and more to G Suite for Education apps and Microsoft Word. The free version of EquatIO, gives access to the following features across all platforms: Speech input, Handwriting recognition (2 per day), Support for Math Writing Shortcuts, Static graphing and LaTeX input. 

Wixie - Wixie is available for K-5 students. To access Wixie, students must login with their FCPS network username and password. Wixie for Math 

Kidspiration (Math View) - Kidspiration is a visual learning tool that may be used to help students brainstorm ideas, organize and categorize information, and create visual webs and maps. Video Tutorial on Math View in Kidspiration

Captioning Resources

Captions, live or recorded, enable learners with hearing loss and other needs to access instructional information. The tools listed below use speech recognition to add captions to videos and live presentations. While current speech recognition is more accurate today than in the past, errors may occur that could impact learning.

Tips for Speech Recognition Captioning

When creating a video or participating in a discussion, these tips will help increase caption accuracy:

  • Speak at a slow, but natural pace - consider that the people listening are not nearby and need to hear all the parts of all the words.
  • Articulate every sound and syllable of a word. It's natural to cut sounds and syllables out of words. Human brains can fill in these sounds; a computer cannot.
  • Speaking clearly will reduce editing or correcting of information later.
  • It may improve accuracy to use an external directional microphone instead of the computer mic, especially if multiple errors occur.

    YouTube Captions - YouTube captions are available on videos where the owner has added them and on some videos where YouTube automatically adds them. Auto-generated captions should be reviewed for accuracy. YouTube Captions User Settings Guide | How to Create and Edit Captions in YouTube | Search for Accurately Captioned Videos | Manage Subtitle Settings  

    Google Chrome Live Captions - Google Chrome Live Captions auto-transcribes any audio/media playing in the browser, even if the sound is muted. Video Tutorial on How to Activate Live Captions | How to Use Live Captions in Google Chrome

    Google Slide Captions - When you present a Google Slide presentation, you can turn on automatic captions to display the speaker's words in real time. How to Present Slides with Captions | Video Tutorial on How to Use Google Slides to Caption Content

    Google Meet Captions - Google Meet is a video conferencing tool can provide live captions. The captions include punctuation and identify the speaker. To turn them on, move your mouse to activate the settings, then click the “cc” button at the bottom of your Google Meet window. Each user must turn on their own captions. How to Enable Captions in Google Meet 

    Zoom Auto-Captions - Zoom video conferencing allows for auto-generated captions. The meeting host must enable them, then participants can click the "cc" button at the bottom of the screen to activate them. How to Enable Closed Captioning and Live Transcription in Zoom

    Flipgrid Captions - Flipgrid has a built-in accessibility feature for educators to caption their videos for their students. In addition, students can include text when they submit their video responses and student-to-student replies in Flipgrid. How to Caption an Educator Flipgrid Video |  How to Add Text to a Student Video Response

    Microsoft Translator - Microsoft Translator is a free translation and transcription service that let's you have translated conversations. Join or Start a Conversation with Microsoft Translator | Video Tutorial on How to Start and Share a Conversation with Microsoft Translator | Video Tutorial on Joining a Conversation in Microsoft Translator for Students

    Using a Split Screen in Windows - If it is necessary to view information in more than one window on a computer screen, using a split screen showing two windows can help. A split screen can help you view two pieces of information at the same time, work in one window while looking at information in another window, watching closed captions in one window and instruction in another, or watching an interpreter/transliterator in one window and instruction in another. Video Tutorial on How to Split Your Windows Computer Screen

    Additional Support Resources

    Flipgrid - Provides an online platform where students can collaborate and build projects with online video. The site requires parent permission for anyone under 13 years of age to use. Students and staff should login with their FCPS Google account. Flipgrid and Accessibility | Immersive Reader in Flipgrid | Video Tutorial on Immersive Reader in Flipgrid

    Kahoot! - A game based learning platform to create, play and share learning games with students. Staff should login with their FCPS Google account.

    Padlet - An easy to use online tool to construct boards that can be used to collaborate and communicate with students. This site requires parent permission for anyone under the 13 years of age to use. Students and staff should login with their FCPS Google account.

    Quizlet - Quizlet makes simple learning tools that let you study anything, including flashcards, games and other learning tools. Students and staff should login with their FCPS Google account.

    Wizer.me - Use Wizer.me on any device to create interactive worksheets with choices to embed video, text, and images. There are many options to sort, reflect, comment, discuss, and make choices on the worksheets you create. Choose from the "community" for worksheets on various topics. The site requires parent permission for anyone under 13 years of age to use. Students and staff should login with their FCPS Google account.

    Pear Deck - Pear Deck is a resource for creating interactive presentations with formative assessment elements. Pear Deck is integrated with G Suite. Teachers and students log into Pear Deck with their fcpsschools.net username and password. Immersive Reader in Pear Deck | Video Tutorial on Immersive Reader in Pear Deck

    Using a Split Screen in Windows - If it is necessary to view information in more than one window on a computer screen, using a split screen showing two windows can help. A split screen can help you view two pieces of information at the same time, work in one window while looking at information in another window, watching closed captions in one window and instruction in another, or watching an interpreter/transliterator in one window and instruction in another. Video Tutorial on How to Split Your Windows Computer Screen

    FCPS teachers and staff please reach out to your Assistive Technology Coach and School Based Technology Specialist for more information on these tools and all other approved tools available in the FCPS Digital Ecosystem. 

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