2.3 Adjustments, assistive technologies, and AI for Dyslexic Thinking

Every teacher wants their learners to do their best work, and as learners and parents, we want that too.

Often, we don’t need to make huge changes to create a classroom that empowers Dyslexic Thinking. Simple things can make a big difference.

5 simple things that make a big difference:

• Getting notes and lesson information ahead of time.
• Don’t measure dyslexics on their spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Give Dyslexic Thinkers time to do what they do best… think.
• Allow extra time in tests and assessments.
• Use a multisensory approach to learning.

5 ways technology can make a big difference:

• Speech to text tools help get ideas on paper.
• Spell check and grammar check fixes simple errors.
• Organisation and productivity tools like Microsoft OneNote.
• Visual presentations like PowerPoint aid comprehension.
• AI is a great copilot to Dyslexic Thinking.

   Technology and Dyslexic Thinking

Timing: 7 minutes

In this video, Kate explains how adjustments, assistive technologies, and AI can be a game-changer for dyslexic thinkers.

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Transcript

KATE GRIGGS

Every teacher wants their learners to do their best work. And as learners and parents, we want that too. Often, we don't need to make huge changes to create a classroom that empowers dyslexic thinking. Simple things can make a big difference. Let's start with adjustments. And most of these are actually good for everyone, not just dyslexics.

Here are five simple things that make the biggest difference. One, getting notes and lesson information ahead of time. Generally, it takes most dyslexics longer to read than others. So having time to read through and apply our dyslexic thinking ahead of the lessons means we can work at our best.

Two, don't measure us on our spelling, punctuation, and grammar, because 89% of us struggle with it. But 71% of dyslexics are above average at communicating. So we will have brilliant ideas and can explain complex subjects. But expect a few typos, and measure us on the content.

Three, give dyslexic thinkers time to do what they do best. Think. Give them a big picture of what you're going to be teaching or asking in a lesson and what's going to be expected of them. And let them think before having to answer.

Four, allow extra time. It will likely take us longer to complete tasks like written work. But given the time we need to process information and plan, we will always give our best work and showcase our brilliant dyslexic thinking.

And five, using less text and more videos, pictures, diagrams, and bullet points when giving and receiving information. Using a multisensory approach is so much more interesting for everyone.

Next, technology. Here, are five ways tech is a dyslexic's and a teacher's best friend. One, text-to-speech and speech-to-text software is widely available – and lots are free – across numerous platforms and devices. So students no longer need to struggle to read and write long texts, unless we want to.

Two, spell check and grammar checks are embedded into most programmes now too. There are lots of accessibility tools that can help with constructing and creating written work.

Three, use video to give and receive information. It's a brilliant way for dyslexic thinkers to show you what they know. Apps like FLIP create brilliant video learning platforms.

And four, organisation and productivity tools help you and your learners plan and organise nice projects and enhance productivity in general. And almost every platform now has them. They are a great way for teachers to keep on track with their dyslexic learners.

And five, visual presentations like PowerPoint or Keynote are a brilliant way to present ideas and information. And PowerPoint now has accessibility tools throughout, making it easy for dyslexics to check their work.

Our technology module gives lots of amazing tools, tips, and tricks. So check it out on this learning path.

Lastly, AI, this is a brilliant copilot for dyslexic thinking. AI thinking aggregates. Dyslexic thinking innovates. Research found that 72% of dyslexics see generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, as a great starting point for them to apply dyslexic thinking.

In the past, it's taken dyslexics ages to scour the internet, reading masses of online content to compile a first draft before digging in and finessing it. Now, AI can aggregate content super quickly and compile that first draft, which allows dyslexic thinkers time to dig, innovate, and put our spin on it. And the success of using AI platforms like ChatGPT depend on asking the right questions. And we all know the better the prompts, the better AI will perform.

Here, dyslexic thinkers are at an advantage again because we are natural questioners and explorers. 84% of us are above average at reasoning. Meaning, we ask the kinds of questions that push AI to get to the heart of the matter.

As AI becomes widely available in schools, dyslexic thinking will thrive. For many, including educators, AI is daunting, as it will challenge systems and ways of doing things that we've relied on. But it will also allow teachers to personalise learning in ways that will empower learners and teachers alike.

JOSH CLARKE

As a teacher, when using AI, we suddenly have the opportunity to design a passage specifically for our students. If a child is struggling with a certain spelling feature or a certain word, we can generate an entire story at their level, customised and designed for the very skill we are working on. And suddenly, we can reach our student in a way we never could before, and with less time than we've ever had to invest in the past.

For those of you that are worried or concerned about AI, I understand. But I'm telling you right now it is going to change education for the better. It's going to give you time. And it's going to give children the customization that they need to grow and to succeed.

End transcript

 

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