Category Archives: Accessibility

Guide to NotebookLM vs. Google Gemini for Learning Support

Overview and Use Cases As Learning Support teachers at GNS, you are focused on providing a child-centered, inquiry-based, and compassionate learning experience. The integration of AI tools can be a powerful way to differentiate instruction, support students with diverse learning needs, and streamline administrative tasks. Google’s NotebookLM and Gemini are two distinct but complementary tools […]

Posted by gnstech in Accessibility, Artificial Intelligence, Learning Support, Lunch & Learn, Middle School, Professional Development, Teacher Resource, Time SaversComments

Digital Resources to Increase Community in your Classroom

We often think of digital resources and apps as tools for individual or collaborative work but we don’t as frequently look at these types of tools when trying to build community or increase classroom connections. That being said, often digital resources can be used to augment or redefine in-person activities. There is value to maintaining […]

Posted by gnstech in Accessibility, Classroom Technology, Communication, Teacher ResourceComments

Reading aloud PDF documents with OrbitNote

TextHelp’s Read & Write tool used to have a PDF Reader extension that would allow you to use the same Read & Write tools with PDF Documents. In 2021, this feature was rebranded as OrbitNote. It still allows you to have PDF documents read aloud and will now also allow you to split and combine […]

Posted by gnstech in Accessibility, Audio, Classroom Technology, Google Chrome Extensions, Literacy, Read & Write, Student ResourceComments

Dyslexia Fonts

Dyslexia fonts were created by designers who claim these fonts can help students with dyslexia decode text more easily. Open Dyslexic is one of the leading fonts in this realm. OpenDyslexic was created to help with some of the symptoms of dyslexia. Letters have heavily weighted bottoms to indicate direction. You are able to quickly […]

Posted by gnstech in Accessibility, Communication, Literacy, Student Resource, Teacher ResourceComments

Using voice dictation on your Macbook

With voice dictation enabled on your Macbook, you can dictate text anywhere you can type it. This can save significant amounts of time when providing written feedback to students, writing emails, or composing written instructions online. Compared to average typing speeds you may see a 300-400% increase in written output within the same time-frame. Like […]

Posted by gnstech in Accessibility, Communication, Literacy, Organization, Teacher ResourceComments

Considering the SAMR Model when integrating technology in your classroom

SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition) is a four-level conceptual framework developed by Dr Ruben Puentedura to help teachers better understand how they use technology in their instruction. It provides a framework to support educators in creating optimal technology-mediated learning experiences for their students. The model outlines 4 levels of classroom technology integration. 1- Substitution LevelUsing digital […]

Posted by gnstech in Accessibility, Classroom Technology, Teacher ResourceComments

Increasing your screen resolution when using AirPlay

When you are using your GNS Laptop to connect to a projector or display using AirPlay, you may notice that the fonts, icons, and characters your laptop screen shrink considerably upon initial connection. If this happens to you and you are struggling to view the tiny text on your screen – see below for an […]

Posted by gnstech in Accessibility, AirPlayComments