Some of the elements of DI that I have addressed or employ in my computer lab include the use of small groups. I provide a partner for students who take a little bit longer to digest my instructions. I also make sure that the objectives and instructions are posted in the room. Often I draw a picture, (although I am no artist), next to the instructions for non-readers.
I provide multiple modes of completing an assignment which increases student engagement. Only seeing students once per week makes it difficult to provide sustained interventions.
I make sure that students also know that I will read words to them when needed.
I allow students to retake formative assessments within Moodle and other programs. I encourage them to do so whenever the opportunity is presented to them.
WestED article
The article on using flexible technology rings true, but is quite dated (2005). On our computers, we have access to the Don Johnson Solo stuff, but it sits idle. We also have a Kurzweil product for text to speech, but no one uses these. There are other tools, like text-to-speech browser add-ons, which provide a more seamless way to do this.
I tried to explore KidsClick (mentioned in the article), which I have promoted for research, but there were several dead links. I am teaching my students to use MeL provided databases, such as SIRS Deluxe and show them how to get resources at the right Lexile level. The Kids Infobits from MeL provides sound for all the text, even through the browsing process.
UDL Strategies Tools wiki
Reviewing this site, there were no resources specific to a "technology" content area so I tried science and then social studies. Unfortunately there wasn't a broad scope of resources. I opted for the reading zone. I explored the text to speech options that were provided, and the most useful one I found was Click Speak, an add-on for my Firefox browser.
Text to Speech, an unusual opportunity and potential solution.
Interestingly enough I was dabbling with the various text-to-speech tools and a day later I was approached today by a teacher who was interested in a way to improve parent communications with ESL parents. The parent not only speaks a second language, but may be unable to read (in any language). I was asked if we could provide audio reports to this parent in their native tongue and my mouth replied "I don't see why not". Often my mouth is the first to speak without conferring with other important organs, like my brain. As Monty Python would say, "Now for something completely different.". I took an English message and used Google Translate to translate it from English to Greek. I then copied the letters, which were Greek to me. I opened my GoAnimate account and put them into the voice text. I chose GoAnimate, because it has voices with several accents including Greek. I don't think it has "Robot", like the default of most other programs, though. I listened to it and it really sounded like Zorba himself. Being a non-Greek speaker I have no idea if my idea has worked. Two native Greek students who joined our schools last year have developed a friendship with me, and will be glad to assist in my project. If it works in Greek, I will try it out in Spanish and test it on my nietos, which should be a little easier. It is an interesting little project that might provide an peculiar solution for teachers attempting to communicate with ESL parents who might be illiterate.