Easy Ways SC Discus Can Meet the Needs of All Learners

How we learn is a very personal process.  The current school system structure expects students to understand and perform specific tasks in a certain order. The problem - everyone comes with different backgrounds as learners.  Teachers need more and more resources that can allow students to learn regardless of their learning difficulty, language background, development, or any other issue that may impact how they learn.

One tool that can assist all students is the state virtual library.  Each state has its own version but many of them offer similar access to databases.  This article will focus on ways the South Carolina's virtual library (SC Discus) can be used as an adaptive technology resource.  And the best thing about state virtual libraries - they are free!  If you do not know how to access yours, check with a local school or public librarian to get access.

Ways SC Discus Can Meet the Needs of All Learners

1. Read to me Option: Many of the databases in SC Discus have a read to me option.  This is a great adaptive learning tool to use with students.  The read to me allows all students to access the information they want and need.  Students with vision impairments or reading difficulties can access the same information.  I like showing this option to all students.  I teach in an elementary school library.  My students come from all levels, interests, and backgrounds.  Giving this option to all of my students allows them to overcome any barriers of vocabulary on any new or advanced topics.  

Britannica School Elementary has easy to read display.  In the orange bar at the top "introduction" you will find a play, rewind, and fast forward button.  This allows the computer to read to the students.  The blue words allow young researchers to explore other topics of interest.  The left side of the screen has images and videos about the topic.

You can also get the read to me option with most of the articles available.  Below is an image of an article from a search on the American Revolution.  Notice the orange play button at the top of the article.  This will read the article to the student.

2. Read Along with Tumble Books
Tumble Books is a great resource to use with students.  There are read to me options, as well as, read alongs. These work great for students to read and learn independently.  The story book option allows for students to see the images, pause, and rewind a story.

3. Resource for Hispanic Students - 
Britannica Escolar: There is a growing population of Spanish speakers in schools.  Each year, there are students who come to our school with little English.  Because of their age, they are expected to learn on the same level as their peers.  Using this resource, they can still access that information in their native language.  Parents can also help their children with the topics they are learning with the ability to access this resource outside of school.

This is just the beginning of ways that you can use the state virtual library as an adaptive tool for students.  Before spending money on that next "great app or program" take a look at what has already been created and is free.