Chromebooks as Adaptive Technology

 



In my district, every student has a Chromebook, and I have learned many ways that they can be used as an assistive technology device in the classroom. According to Google for Education, Chromebooks have the following accessibility options:

- Screen Magnifier: Students can turn on a screen magnifier to enlarge content

- Screen Reader: Students can have content read to them

- Select-to-Speak: Students can highlight content and have it read to them

- Braille Support: With the use of a compatible Braille display visually impaired students can browse content

- Mono Audio: Students can have the same sound play through both speakers if they are hard of hearing in one ear

- Closed Captioning: Students can read captions on videos

- On-Screen Keyboard: Students can type with a touchscreen/mouse or use handwriting or dictation

- Sticky Keys: Students can program keyboard shortcuts by pressing one button

Google Chrome has lots of great playlists on YouTube with short videos that show you how to use their tools, but this playlist focuses on the accessibility tools mentioned above and more. In my elementary school library, I have shown students how to use the screen reader. This is most helpful when students are conducting research in a database that does not have text-to-speak integration. This allows all my students the chance to find the information they are looking for. I have also had students with cochlear implants that use the Mono Audio feature. If I am showing a video to the class, I can connect their implant to my computer, so they get the best quality of sound.

Resources:

Google for Education. (n.d.). Devices Designed For All Learners. https://edu.google.com/intl/ALL_us/why-google/accessibility/chromebooks-accessibility/

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