In the MoteCon 2023 session titled "Using Mote In A Special Education Classroom," Cheryl Graff, a seasoned special education teacher, shared valuable insights into the application of Mote, a voice recording tool, in educational settings. Her session focused on leveraging Mote to enhance communication and collaboration among students, educators, and families, offering practical strategies for educators to improve their instructional techniques.

Key Takeaways

• Mote enhances feedback by allowing teachers to provide audio comments on student work.

• It supports diverse learners by offering multiple modes of understanding through voice instructions.

• Mote can be effectively integrated with Google tools and LMS systems for streamlined communication.

• The tool is valuable for family interaction, ensuring they are informed and engaged in the learning process.

• Audio feedback helps in building a more personal connection with students.

Using Mote with Students

Integration with Google Tools

Cheryl Graff emphasizes the use of Mote within Google Workspace, particularly in providing audio feedback on Google Docs. This practice allows students to revisit the feedback multiple times, aiding in better comprehension and retention. For instance, when a student receives feedback on an essay, they can listen to the teacher's voice guiding them through specific improvements, such as grammar corrections or content expansion.

Audio Directions in Google Forms

Mote proves to be an excellent tool for embedding audio instructions in Google Forms. This feature is particularly useful in Cheryl's self-contained classroom, where she checks in with students on their daily tasks. By supplementing text directions with voice notes, students receive a more comprehensive understanding of the instructions, catering to different learning styles.

Collaboration with Colleagues

Cheryl highlights the role of Mote in facilitating communication among educators. By sharing audio notes, teachers can collaborate more effectively, providing insights and feedback on shared student responsibilities or co-teaching strategies. This method not only expedites communication but also enriches the collaborative process with a personal touch.

Engaging Families with Mote

Recognizing families as essential partners in the educational journey, Cheryl stresses the importance of using Mote to communicate with them. Audio messages sent to parents can convey important updates, student progress, and personalized feedback, ensuring that families remain informed and involved. This approach strengthens the home-school connection and supports student success.

About the Speaker

Cheryl Graff is a dedicated special education teacher based in Chicago, with extensive experience working with high school students. Her innovative use of technology in education helps bridge communication gaps and enhances learning experiences for diverse learners.

Cheryl discusses how to use Mote with the students who I service and shares some amazing tips!