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 Training and Technical Assistance Center
Old Dominion University
T-TAC/ODU

Assistive Technology Network E-News
Volume 2, Issue III
January/February 2006
Publication information: Copyright "ATN E-News" 2005, 2006.  All Rights reserved. Copies may be distributed without alteration electronically free of charge. This newsletter may be reproduced without alteration, for non-commercial purposes without prior permission. "ATN E-News" does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their own situation.


Contents:

  • Using Microsoft Word to Make Challenge Cards
  • NEW - erasable highlighter
  • Visit our ATN E-News archives
Using Microsoft Word to Make Challenge Cards

It's important to take advantage of quick and easy available tools.  Challenge cards are pre-cut business cards with questions or statements printed on them. They can be used in a variety of games and used in any subject.  For example, trivia questions, left/right orientation, in a categorization game ("name something that has wheels"), math (equation on the front and answer on the back), reading (word on the front and picture on the back), or any other content area that students may need additional practice.  Students can use them in the class or take home for extra practice.  OR, even better, teach them to make their own cards.  The steps to make Challenge Cards are:

  1. Open the Microsoft Word program.
  2. Go to Tools, then Envelopes and Labels, then click on Options. In newer versions of MS Word, go to Tools, Letters and Mailings, Envelopes and Labels, then click on Options.
  3. Under Label Products, select Avery Standard (or other product you use) and under Product Number highlight the number of your business cards that you will be printing on, then click OK.
  4. In the new dialog box, click on New Document.
  5. Once you are back to the document, if you do not see lines separating the cards, then go to Table, then click on Show Gridlines located at the bottom.
  6. Put your cursor in each box and type your challenge.
  7. Once you have typed in each box, just put your business cards into the printer and print them up.

If you would like to see pictures with these directions, visit http://www.speechtx.com/Technology/challenge_cards.htm
NEW - Eraseable Highlighter

I was browsing the Charles Schwab Learning Disability website when I came upon the description of an eraseable highlighter by Crayola.  I stopped at Wal-Mart and purchased a box for $4.44.  I tried it out an it's wonderful!  Now, when highlighting (in textbooks and reading books), you can color-code different concepts.  I'm sure there's 100 other ways to use this NEW tool.  Please send me your ideas and I will send you a FREE gift and publish the list in the next newsletter.