The A.T.TIPSCAST

Episode #155 features a recording of a conversation between Chris and his wife Melissa which takes place during a baby sitting session. The episode explores early language development and describes the strategy of Aided Language Stimulation (ALgS) necessary for teaching language to a user of augmentative/alternative communication. http://attipscast.com

Episode #154 features a discussion on the concept of using motor plans and motor memory to become automatic at using an AAC device. A.T.TIPS in this Episode - A.T.TIP #486: Plan for motor memory right from the onset of device implementation. A.T.TIP #487: Don't mess with the motor plan once established. Attribution Notification - Portions of the following musical tracks were used in this episode: https://www.freesound.org/people/Lemoncreme/sounds/186942/ https://www.freesound.org/people/ValentinSosnitskiy/sounds/218799/ https://www.freesound.org/people/ValentinSosnitskiy/sounds/234354/ https://www.freesound.org/people/ValentinSosnitskiy/sounds/218800/ This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning Read&Write software solutions. http://texthelp.com

Episode #153 features a discussion on which vocabulary to target when teaching language to a student who uses an augmentative/alternative communication device. This is the episode for 2016 Better Hearing and Speech Month. This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning Read&Write software solutions. http://texthelp.com

Episode #152 is a discussion on how to teach language by breaking it down into component parts and structuring lessons around language concepts. http://attipscast.com This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning Read&Write software solutions. Click on the banner above to learn about the amazing Read&Write products. http://texthelp.com

A discussion of the philosophy of Spontaneous Novel Utterance Generation (SNUG) and what the term ''Presuming Competence'' means in relation to teaching language to users of augmentative/alternative communication. This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning Read&Write software solutions. Click on the banner above to learn about the amazing Read&Write products. http://texthelp.com

Episode #150 is a review of the film Star Wars: The Force Awakens from an educational perspective. This episode is sponsored by http://texthelp.com

Episode Overview - Episode #149 explores the idea that the cultural perception of school is a miserable experience that people need to trudge through rather than actively enjoy and suggests ways to change that perception. A.T.TIPS in this Episode - A.T.TIP #476: The C.U.R.R.E acronym (Curiosity, Uniqueness, Risk-Taking, Real World, and Enjoyment) This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning Read&Write software solutions. http://texthelp.com

''They're Heeeerrrrrreeeee!''

Episode #147 features an interview with Marjee Chmiel, the Associate Director of Curriculum and Communications for Smithsonian Institution, to discuss the launch of Good Thinking! The Science of Teaching Science -- a free, engaging and entertaining new web series designed to support science educators which addresses the need for accessible professional development tools that help teachers break down barriers to understanding scientific principles and increase their classroom skills. A first-of-its-kind series, Good Thinking! comprises short, animated videos that explore pedagogical ideas across a range of subject-matter topics like energy, cells, and gravity as well as cognitive research findings on topics like student motivation or the myth of left- and right-brained people. Good Thinking! shines a light on the classroom and pedagogical challenges teachers face, and provides solid, science-based ideas that keep their teaching on track. The series enhances K-8 science education and deepens understanding of STEM topics, for teachers and students alike. Melissa Bugaj, a special education teacher who team teaches in a Conceptual Physics class also participates as a special guest host. This episode is sponsored by the book, The Practical (and Fun) Guide to Assistive Technology in Public Schools).

Episode #146 features more answers to questions from listeners who have written e-mails over the past few years. There are a few more movie quotes thrown in for fun. Can you name the movies? Please support the sponsors http://texthelp.com and http://easygradeapp.com

Episode #145 features answers to questions from listeners who have written e-mails over the past few years. There are few movie quotes thrown in. Can you name the movies? http://attipscast.com This episode is sponsored by http://texthelp.com and http://easygradeapp.com.

Episode #144 features a description of three tools useful for supporting reading by minimizing distractions, providing statistics, and helping to decrease the complexity of difficult vocabulary within bodies of text.

Episode #143 features a description of different engaging tools and strategies used by a 9 year old in fourth grade to complete monthly book study projects. Each month the student was assigned a genre of book to read. After reading the book the student was asked to complete a worksheet of questions, some form of graphic organizer, and then create their own artifact demonstrating that they understood the book. This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning Read&Write software solutions. http://attipscast.com

Episode #142 features a discussion of different ways educators can support the writing abilities of students by crafting authentic writing opportunities. This episode is sponsored by http://texthelp.com. http://attipscast.com

Episode #141 features a discussion of how collection and analysis of student data can be simplified and streamlined using Google Forms. This episode is sponsored by http://texthelp.com. http://attipscast.com

Episode #140 is a Christmas present from Chris's wife, Melissa, not only to Chris, but to all of you! Melissa surprised Chris with a recording of her describing a tool she uses in her high school reading class http://newsela.com. This episode is sponsored by http://texthelp.com

Episode #139 features three song parodies from The Nightmare Before Christmas. My apologies to Tim Burton and Danny Elfman. As you listen, please keep in mind that I've never had one singing lesson, ever. Sing along with the lyrics at http://attipscast.com This episode is sponsored by http://texthelp.com

Episode #138 features a recording of a Google Hangout on the concept of Universal Design for Learning. Derek Kaufman, a Google certified educator in Northern Virginia invited me to say a few words describing Universal Design for Learning. To our surprise, two leaders in the field of assistive technology and Universal Design for Learning showed up to participate in the discussion! Luis Perez and Marvin Williams added their own insights and experiences to help explain why developing curriculum and lesson plans using a Universal Design for Learning approach is necessary in contemporary education. This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning Read&Write software solutions. Click on the banner above to learn about the amazing Read&Write products. http://texthelp.com http:/attipscast.com

Episode #137 is sponsored by Texthelp. This episode features a recording of a Google Hangout interview with Jason Carroll, the Global Product Manager at Texthelp.com. We discuss the features of the popular Read&Write literacy support software for students who are struggling with reading and writing including an analysis of how to implement some of the most popular and well-utilized features. Features like text-to-speech, word prediction, highlighting, highlight collection, voice notes, picture dictionary, and vocabulary list maker are all discussed. http://attipscast.com

Episode #136 features a description and tutorial for the free game Spirit Animals by Scholastic. http://attipscast.com This episode is sponsored by http://texthelp.com

Someone takes their love of educational strategies one step too far. Solving these problems is going to be murder. Don't answer the phone. This is the 2014 A.T.TIPSCAST Halloween episode. http://attipscast.com This episode is sponsored by http://texthelp.com.

Episode #134 questions the usage of the phrase ''able to'' when reporting on the abilities of students. This is the Season 8 premiere. http://attipscast.com This episode is sponsored by http://texthelp.com

Episode #133 features the third in a series of episodes which share stories of how educators supported the needs and preferences of students by selecting accessible instructional materials. This episode focuses on purchasing materials that are accessible so one doesn't have to modify materials after implementation. This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning Read&Write software solutions. Use promotion code ATTIPS14SAVE20 to get 20% off online orders of Read&Write! Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires June 30, 2014. http://attipscast.com

Episode #132 features the audio from a Google Hangout held with Lindsey Hill from Evanced Solutions discussing their free application, Wandoo Planet the world's first kid-powered interest genome project. Students make selections based on their interests to discover associated media suggestions (books, movies, etc.). Lindsey also describes activities students might encounter when they are visited by the Banish Boredom library tour. This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning Read&Write software solutions. Click on the banner below to learn about the amazing Read&Write products. Banner ad to get 20% an online order of Read & Write Gold from Texthelp.com Use promotion code ATTIPS14SAVE20 to get 20% off online orders of Read&Write! Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires June 30, 2014.

Episode #131 features the second in a series of episodes which share stories of how educators supported the needs and preferences of students by selecting instructional materials that were provided in a digital format. This episode references materials based on a question from an educator working at the secondar level. This episode is sponsored by http://texthelp.com, provider of the award-winning Read&Write software solutions. Use promotion code ATTIPS14SAVE20 to get 20% off online orders of Read&Write.

Episode #130 features the first in a series of episodes which share stories of how educators supported the needs and preferences of students by selecting instructional materials that were accessible. This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning Read&Write software solutions. Click on the banner below to learn about the amazing Read&Write products. Banner ad to get 20% an online order of Read & Write Gold from Texthelp.com Use promotion code ATTIPS14SAVE20 to get 20% off online orders of Read&Write! Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires June 30, 2014. http://bit.ly/attips14save20

Episode #129 features a reading of the blog post which outlines challenges with the current definition of an assistive technology device and proposes a new way to define the term. This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning Read&Write software solutions. Click below to learn about the amazing Read&Write products. Texthelp ad that links to http://www.texthelp.com/north-america/campaigns/attips Use promotion code ATTIPS14SAVE10 to get 10% off online orders of Read&Write! Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires March 31, 2014. http://attipscast.com

Episode #128 features a reading of Chris' automatic email reply message while he is away at the Assistive Technology Industry Association conference which features app review resources and strategies for teaching reading of multisyllabic words. This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning Read&Write software solutions. Click on the banner below to learn about the amazing Read&Write products. Texthelp ad that links to http://www.texthelp.com/north-america/campaigns/attips Use promotion code ATTIPS14SAVE10 to get 10% off online orders of Read&Write! Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires March 31, 2014. http://attipscast.com

Episode #127 features a discussion of the benefits of inviting secondary students to listen to audio fiction. This episode features a bumper from David Jackson from Lafayette, Indiana. This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning Read&Write software solutions. http://texthelp.com Use promotion code ATTIPS14SAVE10 to get 10% off online orders of Read&Write! Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires March 31, 2014.

Episode #126 features a recording of the first draft of the ''Classroom-based Technology Tools'' chapter for the book Technology Tools for Students with Autism published by Brooke's publishing. The chapter was authored by Christopher Bugaj, Melissa Hartman, and Mark Nichols. When the chapter was first drafted, it was written as a story following a fictional student with Autism named Mike through his day describing the tools he and his classmates used to accomplish different tasks. Unfortunately, when the chapter was pieced together with the other chapters in the book it just didn't seem to flow properly. The chapter was re-written to follow a more traditional, essay-like approach. This episode features a reading of the original chapter. In this episode we hear about Mike's afternoon following lunch which starts with a sensory break followed by math, recess, science, and concluding with packing up for the day. http://attipscast.com This episode is sponsored by http://texthelp.com

Episode #125 features a recording of the first draft of the ''Classroom-based Technology Tools'' chapter for the book Technology Tools for Students with Autism published by Brooke's publishing. The chapter was authored by Christopher Bugaj, Melissa Hartman, and Mark Nichols. When the chapter was first drafted, it was written as a story following a fictional student with Autism named Mike through his day describing the tools he and his classmates used to accomplish different tasks. Unfortunately, when the chapter was pieced together with the other chapters in the book it just didn't seem to flow properly. The chapter was re-written to follow a more traditional, essay-like approach. This episode features a reading of the original chapter, which the authors believe still has its merits as a useful way to help people learn about different ways to implement technology in the contemporary classroom for students with Autism. In this episode we hear about Mike starting his day on the bus to school, completing his morning work, participating at the writing station, going to art, and then transitioning to lunch. This episode is hosted by two of the co-authors of the chapter, Melissa Hartman and Mark Nichols. http://attipscast.com This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning Read&Write software solutions. http://texthelp.com

Episode #124 features a recording of the events that transpired when Chris and his wife, Melissa, went on a romantic, rustic retreat only to discover an iPad in an abandoned cabin in the woods. This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning Read&Write software solutions. http://texthelp.com http://attipscast.com

Episode #123 features a recording of a statement by the spokesman for N.O.T.S.I.C.K., the faux National Organization for Training and School Improvement in Classrooms for Kids, pertaining to the outbreak of the PD2.0 virus. A text version of this statement including additional visuals can be read at the Microsoft Partners in Learning Hot Topics Accessibility blog.This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning Read&Write software solutions. http://texthelp.com http://attipscast.com

Episode #122 features an original short story written for the Closing The Gap Solutions publication about a frustrated assistive technology specialist who is ready to throw in the towel and look for a new career due to the number of reports she is writing. During a serendipitous meeting she finds two colleagues who offer suggestions as to how she might solve her problem. A big thanks to Melissa Bugaj for narrating the story. If you prefer to read the text version of the article complete with illustrated comics you can subscribe to Closing The Gap Solutions. http://attipscast.com This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning Read&Write software solutions. http://texthelp.com

Episode #122, the first episode of Season 7, features an article written for the Assistive Technology Industry Association's (ATIA) newsletter about the implementation of digital games to target educational goals. A big thanks to my wife, Melissa Bugaj, for narrating the article. http://attipscast.com This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning Read&Write software solutions. http://texthelp.com

This episode features a discussion of different tools and strategies that can be used to review and reinforce vocabulary acquistion skills. This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning literacy solution Read&Write GOLD. Use promotion code ATTIPS13SAVE10 to get 10% off online orders of Read&Write GOLD! http://bit.ly/attips13save10 Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires July 31, 2013. http://attipscast.com

Episode #119 features a review, including spoilers (you have been warned), of the new Superman movie, Man of Steel, and how it relates to contemporary assistive technology and educational practices. Special thanks to Carrie Baughcum from the blog, Hold On To Your Chair, for creating the super picture at the top of the blog post! http://attipscast.com This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning literacy solution Read&Write GOLD. Use promotion code ATTIPS13SAVE10 to get 10% off online orders of Read&Write GOLD! Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires July 31, 2013. http://bit.ly/attips13save10

Episode #118 features an interview with Michael Milliman, a 2012 Teacher of Merit from Amherst, New York at Smallwood Drive Elementary, who describes his implementation of Edmodo.com with his fifth grade classroom. http://attipscast.com This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning literacy solution Read&Write GOLD. http://texthelp.com

Episode #117 features an interview with Keith Hicks, technology resource teacher at Woodgrove High School in Purcellville, Virginia who describes Scratch a free website created by MIT where you can program your own interactive stories, games, and animations. http://attipscast.com This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning literacy solution Read&Write GOLD. http://texthelp.com

Episode #116 features a description of how and why to use core vocabulary (high frequency words) as the basis for an augmentative/alternative communication system. The entire episode was generated using only ''Frequently Occurring Home and School Words'' from the list generated in the article ''Vocabulary-Use Patterns in Preschool Children: Effects of Context and Time Sampling'' by Christine A. Marvin, David R. Beukelman, and Denise Bilyeu published in Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Volume 10 in December, 1994. The episode demonstrates that using only high frequency words users can still elicit complex, generative language. You might find it beneficial to listen to the episode twice or to read along as you listen to the episode. TRANSCRIPT: http://bit.ly/howtohelpsaythingstranscript This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning literacy solution Read&Write GOLD. http://bit.ly/attips13save10

Episode #115 features a review of a few resources and strategies useful for learning, practicing, and reinforcing vocabulary. This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning literacy solution Read&Write GOLD. Use promotion code ATTIPS13SAVE10 to get 10% off online orders of Read&Write GOLD! Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires May 31, 2013.

Episode #114 features a reading of the extended version of an article written for the Assistive Technology Industry Association's April Newsletter. The article describes a effective professional development practices useful for any institution. http://attipscast.com This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning literacy solution Read&Write GOLD. Use promotion code ATTIPS13SAVE10 to get 10% off online orders of Read&Write GOLD! Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires May 31, 2013. http://bit.ly/attips13save10

Episode #113 features a description of the implementation of the free screen mirroring tool http://screenleap.com This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning literacy solution Read&Write GOLD. To learn about Read&Write Gold and their suite of web apps click on the banner below! Use promotion code ATTIPS13SAVE10 to get 10% off online orders of Read&Write GOLD! Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires May 31, 2013. http://bit.ly/attips13save10 http://attipscast.com

Episode #112 features the second half of the recording of a live presentation by Christopher and Melissa Bugaj at the 2012 Virginia Society for Technology in Education Conference about commonly recommended, evidence-based reading solutions. Access the entire presentation from http://bit.ly/vste12literacy. This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning literacy solution Read&Write GOLD. Use promotion code ATTIPS13SAVE10 to get 10% off online orders of Read&Write GOLD! Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires May 31, 2013. http://bit.ly/attips13save10 http://attipscast.com

This episode features a recording of a live presentation by Christopher and Melissa Bugaj at the 2012 Virginia Society for Technology in Education Conference about commonly recommended, evidence-based reading solutions. http://attipscast.com This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp, provider of the award-winning literacy solution Read&Write GOLD. Use promotion code ATTIPS13SAVE10 to get 10% off online orders of Read&Write GOLD! Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires May 31, 2013. http://bit.ly/attips13save10

Episode #110 features a discussion about coming together to create a centralized repository of resource slides from which people can draw upon to create their own Strategy-A-Day Calendar. http://attipscast.com This episode of the A.T.TIPSCAST is sponsored by Texthelp Systems, provider of award-winning literacy solutions including Read&Write GOLD and Fluency Tutor. To learn about these products and their suite of web apps click on the banner below! Use promotion code ATTIPS13SAVE10 to get 10% off online orders of Read&Write GOLD! Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires May 31, 2013. http://bit.ly/attips13save10

Episode #109 features a discussion of the approach to augmentative / alternative communication known as Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP).

Episode #108 features my 4 year old daughter taking listeners on a tour of her pre-kindergarten program describing aspects of stations including the Discovery Area, the Music Area, the Dramatic Play Area, the Puzzle Area, the Building Center, the Sensory Table, and the Book Corner. http://attipscast.com

Episode #107 features a brief discussion of the tools and uses of Read & Write for Google Docs in the Chrome browser created by Texthelp. http://attipscast.com

Episode #107 features a brief discussion of the tools and uses of Read & Write for Google Docs in the Chrome browser created by Texthelp. http://attipscast.com