Make Photos Speak In Multiple Languages

There is technology that allows you to take a photo of a poster, book, page from a magazine, etc. then convert it to text. From there it can be read aloud, translated, and read aloud in the translated language. It can also be brought into a word processing program for editing in the translated language to increase accuracy.

Here are some ways this technology makes content accessible to learners: 

• Visually impaired learners can hear the content read
• Learners who are not reading at the level of the text can have the content read to them
• Learners for whom English is not their first language can have the content translated. It can also be read to them in their language.

How To:

Here is how this works:

First, on your phone, take the photo in Office Lens. Then save it to OneNote.

Next, go to your computer and open OneNote. Then, follow these steps:

·        Go to “View” in the menu

·        Select “Immersive Reader”

o   This converts the photo into text

·        Go to the bottom of the screen a select the play arrow

o   This reads the text

·        Select “Reading Preferences” in the top right part of your screen

·        Go to “Translate”

·        Pick a language

·        Select “Document”

o   Now your document is translated

·        You can go to the bottom of the screen and select the play arrow to hear the document read aloud

Here is a demonstration:

Your turn

What do you think? Is this something you might use with your students? How do you see using it?

The Innovative Educator Named Top 10 Ed Leadership Blog

The Innovative Educator was selected from thousands of blogs as a top educational leadership blog by Feedspot using search and social metrics. This is the most comprehensive list of educational leadership blogs. 

Feedspot selected these blogs because they are actively working to educate, inspire, and empower their readers with frequent updates and high-quality information.

Blogs are ranked based on following criteria:

• Google reputation and Google search ranking
• Influence and popularity on Facebook, twitter and other social media sites
• Quality and consistency of posts
• Feedspot’s editorial team and expert review

The Innovative Educator is one of 15 blogs selected. I appreciate those reading The Innovative Educator. I also encourage readers to check out some of the other blogs listed on Feedspot to get additional inspiration.

Google Slides Has Easy Peasy Accessible Closed Captions

Closed captioning is helpful for many students during presentations.This is because captioning makes content more accessible and inclusive. It is accessible to those who are hearing impaired. Students may learn better if a presentation is closed captioned because captioning makes content cognitively easier to understand. Students for whom English is not their first language will have an easier time comprehending what is presented. 

 However, closed captioning wasn't always that easy to do. 

Until now. 

Now, closed captioning in Google Slides is easy peasy. Just select "Present" and select "captions." Have questions? Read this "how to" from Google or watch the demo below.

Inbox Zero or Inbox Infinity? Which Type Are You?

When friends or colleagues celebrate their "Inbox Zeros" I'm thinking, (not saying) really? "Is that how you want to spend (ahem waste) your time? Inbox Zero is so last decade." Interestingly many of the Inbox Zero folks are those who are not the most responsive to emails. The ones you are always circling back to follow up on an email.  

Inbox zero ≠ increased efficiency

Getting your inbox to zero does not necessarily mean you are efficient at work or being a responsive friend or family member. It just means you're good at deleting. It could also mean you have a touch of OCD as you compulsively let your email stress you out.

My approach: Inbox infinity 

My approach is different. It's sort of a Marie Kondo approach. If addressing that email doesn't spark joy, I don't respond. Sparking joy for me translates into responding to emails that need action, are a priority, and those which are best handled via email. This means I respond to about 20% of my emails. Of the emails I respond to, I don't delete and I don't sort.  

What I do instead: Skim, search, star

I skim my emails. If it is one that needs attention, I answer it or star it. After I do, I don't delete it and I don't archive it.  I just leave it. Rather than sort my email, or make rules, I use search or view stars to access emails that need additional follow up.  

Inbox Infinity Can Equal Greater Efficiency

This technique gives me the opportunity to be intentional about how I respond to family, friends, and colleagues. I control my technology, time, and what I focus on rather than the other way around. I also find methods that are more effective than email to communicate. I let those I interact with most know this. Other methods of communication include chat, text and online communities. I also let them know that if an email goes unanswered, it is a good idea to message me instead. I prefer Teams, Facebook, or Twitter for that. 

As a result of this strategy I can do more of what matters in less time then those who obsess and stress about each and every email.

Oh, and if you're wondering what Inbox Infinity looks like, here's mine:

#NYCSchoolsTechChat: Valentine's Special Tonight at 7 p.m.

As Valentine's Day approaches, this chat will give participants ideas for way we can touch our students' hearts so we can reach their minds.

#NYCSchoolTech teacher Eileen Lennon moderates with me throwing in my two cents.

You can prepare for the conversation by thinking about answers to these questions:

Q1 What innovative approaches are you using in your classroom to celebrate Valentine’s Day? #NYCSchoolsTechChat

Q2 Learning is at the top of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. How are you ensuring your students feel a sense of love and belonging in your classroom? #NYCSchoolsTechChat

Q3 What are schoolwide approaches used where you teach to help students feel they are loved and they belong? #NYCSchoolsTechChat

Q4 In this digital world, what are some ways we can use technology to help students feel love and belonging? #NYCSchoolsTechChat

Q5 Do you have innovative approaches to help families feel a sense of love and belonging in the school community? #NYCSchoolsTechChat

Chat details are below:

Date: Thursday, February 7

Time: 7:00 pm

Topic: Valentine's Day Special: Touching Our Student's Hearts to Reach Their Minds

Your Host: @eileen_lennon (@NYCSchools)

Co-Host: @InnovativeEdu (@NYCSchools)

Remember to respond using the hashtag #NYCSchoolsTechChat and include the number of the question you are answering in your response i.e. A1 and your answer.

We hope you can view the chat live, but if you are unable, please visit our archive at https://www.participate.com/chats/nycschoolstechchat. 

2 Tips to Connect with More Families on Facebook

More and more educators and schools are using Facebook to connect with families. However, they might not be connecting with as many families as possible if they are not ensuring they are posting inclusive content. This is particularly important in places like New York City which serves a population where 20% of students have disabilities. About half of the population speaks a language other than English at home according to census bureau data.

Plain Language

Posts should be written below a grade 9 level. This is so the content can be more accessible for those with cognitive or neurological issues. It is also because plain language translates more accurately than complex language.

Alt Text

Add alt text to your images so that those using screen readers know what is is your image.  Here is how:

For New Photos

1) Select "Edit Photo"

2) Click "Alt text" and enter text

For Existing Photos

1) Click on the picture in the post. 

2) Select "Options" under the picture. 

3) Select "Change Alt Text."

4) Select "Override generated text." 

5) Enter new text and save.

Checking Photos for Alt Text

To see if a photo has alt text follow these steps.

1) Right click on the photo and select "inspect." 

2) When you are in the inspect screen click accessibility and see what words come up for image.

Your Turn

What do you think? Will you incorporate these tips into past and future Facebook posts?