Learning online can be cool! You can do it from home and go at your own speed. But for some of us, like folks with learning stuff that makes things tricky (like reading, writing, or paying attention), online school can be a bit tough.
Good news! There are lots of ways to make online learning easier. This guide will talk about some of the best helpers and programs out there for students who learn differently.
What Makes Online Learning Harder for Some?
When you learn online, things can be different than in a classroom. This can be hard if your brain works in a special way. Some of the things that can be tricky are:
- Lots of words to read: Online classes have tons of stuff to read on the screen. If reading is hard for you, this can be a big problem.
- Keeping things in order: You gotta keep track of lots of files, websites, and due dates online. If you have trouble getting organized, this can be tough.
- Staying focused: Your home might have lots of things that pull your attention away from school. It can be harder to focus when a teacher isn’t right there.
- Using computers and websites: Some websites and programs aren’t easy for everyone to use, especially if you need special tools to help you learn.
- Not seeing teachers and friends face-to-face: Sometimes it’s easier to ask questions or get help when you’re right there with people. Online, you have to do things differently.
Cool Tools and Programs That Can Help
Lots of smart people have made tools and programs to make online learning easier for everyone. Here are some of the best ones:
1. Tools That Read to You (Text-to-Speech)
These tools can read the words on your screen out loud. This is super helpful if reading is hard. You can listen to your lessons and readings instead of just trying to read them.
- Read&Write: This is a popular program that can read websites, documents, and more. It also has other helpful tools like highlighters and vocabulary help.
- Kurzweil 3000: This is another strong program that reads text aloud and has lots of ways to help with reading and writing.
- Built-in Readers: Your computer or phone might already have a built-in reader! Look for things like “Narrator” on Windows or “VoiceOver” on Macs and iPhones.
2. Tools That Write What You Say (Speech-to-Text)
These tools let you talk, and they type the words for you. This is great if writing is hard. You can say your ideas instead of struggling to write them down.
- Dragon NaturallySpeaking: This is a well-known program that’s really good at understanding your voice.
- Built-in Talk-to-Text: Just like with reading, your devices probably have a way to talk to type! Look for the microphone icon on your keyboard.
3. Tools to Help You Get Organized (Mind Maps and Organizers)
These tools help you see how ideas connect and plan your work. They can make big projects feel less overwhelming.
- MindMeister: This tool lets you make colorful mind maps on your computer. You can put your ideas down and see how they all fit together.
- Popplet: This is another visual tool where you can make bubbles of ideas and connect them. It’s easy to use and can help with brainstorming.
- Inspiration Maps: This program is made just for students and helps you plan essays, take notes, and organize your thoughts.
4. Tools That Check Your Spelling and Grammar (With Extra Help)
These tools don’t just find mistakes; they can also help you understand why something is wrong and how to fix it.
- Grammarly: This tool checks your writing as you type and gives you suggestions for making it better. It can also explain the rules.
- Ginger: Similar to Grammarly, Ginger helps with spelling, grammar, and even helps you rephrase sentences if you’re stuck.
5. Tools to Help You Keep Track of Time (Time Management Apps)
Staying on schedule can be tough online. These apps can help you remember deadlines and plan your time.
- Todoist: This app lets you make lists of things to do and set reminders so you don’t forget.
- Trello: This tool uses boards and cards to help you organize tasks and see what you need to do.
- Calendar Apps: The calendar on your phone or computer can be a great way to block out time for schoolwork and set alerts.
How Your School Can Help You Learn Online
Good schools know that some students need extra help to learn online. They should have people and programs to support you. Here’s what to look for:
- A Disability Services Office: Most colleges have an office that helps students with learning disabilities. You should sign up with them! They can help you get the tools and support you need.
- People Who Know How to Help: The people in the Disability Services Office can work with your teachers to make sure you get the right help, like extra time on tests or different ways to show what you know.
- Accessible Class Materials: Your school should make sure all the stuff you have to read and watch online is easy for everyone to use. This means things like having captions on videos and descriptions for pictures.
- Flexible Ways to Learn: Good online classes let you learn in different ways. Maybe you can do a project instead of a big test, or maybe you can have more time to finish things.
- Help with Technology: If you need special computer programs or tools, your school might be able to help you get them or learn how to use them.
- Ways to Connect with Others: Even though it’s online, your school should help you connect with other students and your teachers. This can make learning feel less lonely and make it easier to ask for help.
- Training for Teachers: Your teachers should know how to make their online classes easy for everyone to learn in, including students with learning disabilities.
What You Can Do to Make Online Learning Easier
Besides using tools and getting help from your school, there are things you can do yourself to make online learning smoother:
- Talk to Your Teachers: Let your teachers know what helps you learn best. They want to help!
- Find a Quiet Place to Work: Try to find a spot where you won’t be distracted when you’re doing schoolwork.
- Make a Schedule: Plan out when you’re going to do your schoolwork and stick to it as much as you can.
- Take Breaks: Don’t try to do too much at once. Take short breaks to help you stay focused.
- Ask for Help When You Need It: Don’t be afraid to ask your teachers or the Disability Services Office for help. That’s what they’re there for!
- Connect with Other Students: Even online, try to connect with your classmates. You can help each other out.
- Use the Tools You Have: If your school gives you access to special programs or tools, make sure you use them! They can really make a difference.
- Be Patient with Yourself: Learning takes time, and it’s okay if things feel hard sometimes. Just keep trying your best.
Websites and Groups That Can Help
There are also lots of websites and groups outside of school that have good information and support:
- LD OnLine (ldonline.org): This website has tons of articles and tips about learning disabilities for students and their families.
- National Center for Learning Disabilities (ncld.org): This group has information and fights for the rights of people with learning disabilities.
- Learning Disabilities Association of America (ldaamerica.org): This organization offers support and resources for people with learning disabilities.
- Understood (understood.org): This website has lots of practical advice for people who learn and think differently.
- Bookshare (bookshare.org): This is a library of ebooks that are made so they’re easy for people with reading problems to use.
- Reading Rockets (readingrockets.org): This website has lots of ways to help people who struggle with reading.
You Can Do It!
Learning online might have some bumps in the road if you have a learning disability, but you don’t have to go it alone. There are lots of amazing tools, helpful people at your school, and great resources online that can make learning easier and more successful for you. By using these supports and being your own advocate, you can totally rock your online learning journey!
