Researchers tested 103 students with learning disabilities. Reading speed and comprehension were tested using traditional paper and on an iPod touch. The study was later duplicated using an iPad. Students continually remembered better using the iPod better than paper. Dyslexics differ in their disability. Researchers attribute increased speed and comprehension to type and shorter lines.
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E-readers may help peoople with dyslexia. Jen Christensen - CNN medical producer. 9.18.13 Children's Health - Living Well
http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2013/09/18/e-readers-may-help-people-with-dyslexia/
I have a student who has dyslexia and it's a huge challenge because he refuses to participate in anything because of it. I understand it's a very difficult issue to have to deal with, but the thing is that he HAS to deal with it! He needs to learn how to look past his disability and realize just how much he CAN do! The school gave him an iPad to use because it has a speech-to-text translator and multiple other apps that make learning easier for him. However, he doesn't use it. He refuses to bring it to school, let alone use it in class because he thinks the other kids will make fun of him. As I read this article I was wondering how I could get him to get over his idea that everyone's eyes are on him (which they aren't), and actually benefit from the awesome opportunity the school has given him. One part that stood out to me was, "On traditional paper, the text was presented using 14-point Times Roman font with 1-inch margins. ...The reading material on the iPod used a 42-point Times Roman font. That made the lines they read short, with about three or four words per line." I wonder if I could make additional printouts of readings for him using a bigger font. Obviously a 42 size font is excessive and very noticeable, but even if I just doubled the font size, the other kids may not even notice, and it might make things easier for him. At least then, he could still participate with confidence instead of shutting down and refusing to do anything? Something worth trying for sure! I am not the only teacher who struggles with him... I may pass this article along to the other teachers, as well as his parents! Hopefully we can get through to him!
ReplyDeleteFor this child with dyslexia, the issue seems to peer approval, not whether an I-PAD is used or not. He doesn't want to be different than the other kids. I feel you are going in the right direction by talking to other teachers and to parents. He does need some counseling....don't know who can provide that.
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