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

Organization Resources

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 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 Draw Graphic Organizer - Google Draw is an online tool within FCPS Google Workspace 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 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.

LucidChart - LucidChart is a collaborative diagramming product that allows teachers and students to create mind maps, flowcharts, graphic organizers, and other non-linear information displays. Students and staff should use the "Login with Google" option to access LucidChart. Video Tutorial Playlist for LucidChart

LucidSpark - LucidSpark is a virtual whiteboard that connects teachers and students so they can bring their best ideas to life. Students and staff should use the "Login with Google" option to access LucidSpark. Video Tutorial Playlist for LucidSpark

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.

Reading Resources

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.

Chrome Reader Mode - Chrome Reader Mode removes clutter, ads and distractions, while allowing the user to customize text and viewing 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 Word, One Note and Excel. AT Ambassador Student Using Immersive Reader in the Classroom 

Natural Reader (Chrome extension or Desktop version) - Natural Reader is a text-to-speech program that will read aloud text. Natural Reader is available on FCPS computers. Please contact your school's Technology Support Specialist (TSSpec) for the desktop version. 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 | Video Tutorial on How to Add the Read Aloud Tool to the Quick Access Toolbar in Microsoft Office

Select-to-Speak (Read Aloud) for Chromebooks - You can hear parts of a page, including specific words, read aloud with Select-to-speak. Video tutorial on How to Use Select-to-Speak for Chromebooks 

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

Writing Resources

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 ToolAdobe Reader Comment Tool Video Tutorial | AT Ambassador Student Tutorial on Adobe Reader Fill and Sign Toolbar

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 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 Google Workspace 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 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. 

Google Explore Tool - Google Explore Tool 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 for Google Docs | Google Explore Tool - Google Slides

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

Math Resources

Basic Function Online Calculator

Graphing Online Calculator (Desmos) - Students and staff should login with their FCPS Google accountStudents 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 Google Workspace for Education 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 

Captioning Resources

Captioning Resources

In FCPS, we believe that each student is entitled to an excellent education that meets his or her individual needs. Providing closed captions, whether live or recorded, enables students with hearing loss and other needs to access instructional materials. Whatever your classroom setting, there are multiple captioning tools that you can use to ensure that all your students are able to access learning.

If you are interested in learning about the benefits of captions and an overview of tools available within FCPS, check out this 30 minute open captioned session from the 2021 Special Education Conference - Who Needs Captions Anyway?

Tips for Accurate Captioning

Real-time and automatic captions refer to captions that are created using automated speech recognition (ASR). Current ASR technology is far more accurate than in the past. However, errors will occur, which can impact learning. To the greatest extent possible, videos you share with students should be accurately captioned to ensure access to learning.

In order to produce the most accurate captions for your class lectures or videos, note the following suggestions:

  • Speak at a normal pace - not fast, not slow.
  • Speak clearly - make sure to articulate all the speech sounds so the computer recognizes all of your words.
  • It may improve accuracy to use a headset with a microphone attached instead of the computer microphone.

If you are not sure if your student is ready to access live or recorded captions, VDOE has a Captioning and Transcribing Readiness Checklist to help you decide. The link will auto-download a Word document.

Captioning Tools

Captions for Recorded Media

YouTube - 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.

Google Chrome Live Captions (for Chrome Browser and Chromebooks) - 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

Captions for Live Classroom Instruction

Google Slides - 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 Activate Captions in Google Slides

PowerPointCaptions are now a native feature in PowerPoint, which means you can share a presentation with real-time captions to increase accessibility. How to Add Closed Captions to Media in PowerPoint

Microsoft Translator - Microsoft Translator is a free translation and transcription service that lets you have translated conversations. How to Use the Microsoft Translator Feature

Captions in Video Conferencing Platforms

Zoom - 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 | Creating and Downloading an Audio Transcript

For further information or assistance with these tools, please contact: 

Additional Support Resources

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