Differentiated Instruction & Diverse Learning - Learning Environments for Multiple Styles and Levels
Explore technology tools available to support the needs of all students. Check out Nettrekker's Read Aloud and Dictionary features; Vozme'stext to speech converter; and 1ClickAnswers definition and pronunciation tools.
Using Nettrekker d.i. (America’s Educational Search Engine)
NetTrekker is a gold mine of web resources that are aligned to state standards! Get to know one of the best free resources available to educators in Michigan. To access NetTrekker, you will need to create a Free account on LearnPort. NetTrekker includes over 180,000 educator reviewed online resources that are aligned by readability level and state standards. For Differentiating Instruction, a read-aloud feature will convert text to speech, and read the web page content aloud to students. There is also a dictionary/translation feature for ELL/ESL students and comprehension. NetTrekker includes a special section about 21st Century Skills.
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Aligned to NETS-T: 1.a, 1.b, 2.a, 2.b, 2.c, 3.a, 3.d, 4.b, 5.a, 5.c
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View the "How To" Video
Accessing the Nettrekker site is done through Learnport. The following video will demonstrate the access, tips, and tricks of using Nettrekker's features. Learn about the tools that support Differentiated Instruction, including the Read Aloud feature and Dictionary Hotkey.
Below are files to download explaining how to access and use the ReadAloud feature, how to register for LearnPort (*For Michigan Educators only!), and a PowerPoint about NetTrekker.
| nettrekker_readaloud_and_di_features.pdf |
| How to Register for LearnPort |
| Nettrekker 101 PowerPoint |
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Aligned to NETS-T: 1.b, 2.a, 2.b, 2.c, 3.a, 3.c, 3.d, 4.b
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1Click Answers
1-Click Answers is an IE (Internet Explorer) add-on that instantly provides definitions, facts, and more, on any word that you choose within your browser window. Click on the image to view a video tutorial. Click here to access the download site.
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Aligned to NETS-T: 1.b, 2.a, 2.b, 2.c, 3.a, 3.c, 3.d, 4.b
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Vozme
This web site will allow you to take text to speech in a quick and easy interface. Create .mp3 files in a variety of voices or languages by typing text in the box. Save the file and insert into your application.
Aligned to NETS-T: 1.b, 2.a, 2.b, 2.c, 3.a, 3.c, 3.d, 4.b
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21things Hands-On Activity and Assignment:
Complete the following activities and add them to your portfolio:
1. Create an account in Learnport to access NetTrekker and set up your profile. Use the Read Aloud and Dictionary Hotkey features on at least 3 hits. Capture a screen shot and write a reflection in your portfolio of how you can use these resources to Differentiate Instruction in your setting.
2. Using Vozme or another FREE text to speech converter, make a text to audio recording. Capture a screen while you are creating the audio recording. Write a reflection on how this compares to using the Read Aloud feature of NetTrekker.
3. Using 1ClickAnswers, explore a web page using this tool. Capture a screen shot showing this process and compare this to the Dictionary feature in NetTrekker for your reflection for your portfolio.
4. Explain how each of the tools could positively impact the teaching and learning in your setting.
Additional Resources
Michigan Online Resources for Educators: Find lesson plans and curriculum aids searchable by subject or state standard
The Michigan E-Library has created a new site, MORE, which is very similar to Nettrekker d.i. This web site allows educators to search by GLCE (grade level content expectation), HSCE (high school content expectation), subject, or grade level for websites that align to curriculum standards. Sites have all been "juried", or approved for educational use and are recommended for education!
Read the Words is a FREE text to speech converter that uses an avatar to speak.
Create your own FREE speaking avatar at Voki that can be used in your blog, email, or other personalized messages.
21 Things for 21st Century Educators by CCRESA, IISD, MISD, SRESD is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
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