LD+-+Executive+Functioning+Strategies

LD - Executive Functioning Strategies
There are many Learning Disabled students who struggle with executive functioning in their daily lives. From [|Inclusive Schools Network], executive functioning encompasses difficulty with organization, planning, keeping track of time, remembering information, etc. Normally students who struggle with executive functioning use tools to help them with organization and planning, such as agendas, planners, calendars, to-do lists, etc. The most important factor here is that students become use to using these tools and create good habits. With the development of some Web 2.0 applications, students who suffer from executive functioning can use some of these tools to help them level the playing field in school with their regular education peers. The nice thing about these applications is that they can be linked to technology tools that students are already using on a regular basis; therefore, creating natural habits.

There are a number of different Web 2.0 applications that can help these students and each student will be different in terms of what works for them; one application that can be useful for a student is an online calendar. One free online calendar is Google Calendar; this calendar is a collaborative calendar which means the user (student) can share the calendar with parents and teachers. The student’s parents and teachers can view upcoming events and assignments as well as add content. The student can view the calendar offline as well as receive emails or text message reminders as events get closer. Students can also sync their calendar to their mobile phone, so they can view this without having to be at a computer. All of these features can help a student keep organized and stay on top of their school work and responsibilities; no more excuses of “I forgot”.

A barrier with this type of application for a student with a learning disability could include his reading and writing levels. Usually a student with a learning disability has trouble with either reading or writing or both. In this sense a teacher, parent or aide would need to assist the student in typing into their calendar to make sure spelling is correct or helping the student read what they have wrote, students could also use a text-to-speech or speech-to-text option on their computer. On the other hand, whoever has permission to add content to that student’s calendar must be sensitive to the student’s readability level and make sure to use words the student can read. Sources: [] []