Assistive Technology Network E-News
Volume 1, Issue 3
November 2004

Welcome to the Assistive Technology Electronic Newsletter designed to provide educators with tips and tricks when integrating technology in the classroom.

Contents:

• Embedding a Sound Clip in MS Word
• Free Software for Making Crossword Puzzles
• Upcoming Conferences

Embedding a Sound Clip MS Word

Did you know that you could embed a sound clip into a Microsoft word document?  This can be handy for beginning readers and for students who are learning to follow directions.  Type the directions, then record them.  After recording, a speaker icon will appear on the page next to the typed directions.  The student can listen to the instructions as often as needed by pressing the speaker button. 

  Here are the directions…

1.       Open up a MS Word document.

2.       Go to Insert and Select Object.

3.       In the dialog box, scroll down and highlight Wave File and click OK.

4.       In the recording box, press on the red dot and speak into the microphone.

5.      When you are finished recording, press on the black square to stop.

Free Software for Making Crossword Puzzles

Just give EclipseCrossword a list of words and clues, and it does the rest. Use crosswords to introduce vocabulary, practice concepts, or review the SOLs.  Students may actually even enjoy doing the assignment! Crossword puzzles encourage logical thinking and correct spelling. You can work the crossword puzzle on the computer or print it up and take it home.

To download this FREE software, go to...
http://www.greeneclipsesoftware.com/eclipsecrossword/

Conferences:

What:  Affording ALL Children Opportunities to Play
When:  March 9, 2005  8:00 – 3:00
Where: Omni Newport News
Cost:  $25.00
Contact: Contact:  Shannon Duncan at 757-683-4333 or go to http://www.ttac.odu.edu/NewButton/MistrettFront&Reg.pdf

Notices:

• We are looking for Great Ideas!  If you have used an Assistive technology activity successfully in your classroom, send it to jmitchell@ttac.odu.edu.  If we use it in our e-newsletter you will receive a gift.
• Know of an educator who might enjoy receiving this monthly newsletter?  Just send them to http://ttac.odu.edu/esubs/forms/atn.htm where they can subscribe.