Technology
We
use state-of-the-art technology to reinforce our research-based,
multisensory teaching techniques and empower students to develop the
skills necessary to effectively support their individual learning
styles.
As part of our Apple 1:1 laptop program for students and teachers
(pioneered by DVFS in 1996), every student is provided with a MacBook
Pro laptop computer providing anywhere, anytime access to their digital
information at school, at home, and everywhere in between, so that our use of technology is strategically integrated throughout the student's learning experience.
Hardware
Inside the classroom, students interact with Specialized instructional hardware every day, including:
- Interactive smart boards
- Digital document cameras
- iPads
- LiveScribe Smart Pens
- iPods
These tools have been integrated into classrooms across the curriculum,
to create an optimal learning environment specially designed for
students with learning differences, including dyslexia, ADD/ADHD,
dysgraphia, dyscalculia. Our use of assistive technology is strategically integrated throughout the student's learning experience.
Software
Students are exposed to standard features in mainstream software
products, but go beyond the basics to maximize all of the assistive
technology features built into these products:
- Microsoft Word audio recording
- PowerPoint and Keynote animation
- Acrobat and QuickTime audio playback
- Inspiration visual organization of ideas and concepts
- iPad OS and newly developing educational apps
Specialized assistive software applications designed to accommodate
specific learning differences are also an important aspect of the
technology at DVFS, including:
- iFlash (digital flash cards)
- Kurzweil (text to speech)
- Dragon Dictate (speech to text)
- Learning Ally Readers (audio text books)
As part of our Arts program, DVFS offers access to the latest software
applications for digital videography, digital photography, graphic arts,
animation and music composition. We intentionally integrate assistive technology throughout the student's learning experience.