What is Virtual
Literature?
Access to literature is of crucial importance in the education of all children,
including those with special needs. Literacy within a Special School is embedded
in real life contexts and is based upon individually motivated activities.
In order to be effective, programs are individualised to meet the physical,
intellectual and motivational needs of the student and to encourage independent
participation.
The
need for individualised interactive texts that would empower students with physical
and intellectual impairments to gain control and ownership in accessing age
appropriate literacy was seen as a priority goal by the staff of Hervey Bay
Special School. Virtual Literature was identified as a means of providing an
activity that was tailor made to the interests and abilities of the student.
Text could be supported with symbols to assist comprehension and word recognition.
Sounds and speech could be added to assist with reading difficulties. The Virtual
Literature program is
innovative
and has been made possible by using the very latest technology in computer hardware
and software, digital photography, video interface and scanning. By using Microsoft
PowerPoint as a medium it has been possible to produce highly individualised
texts - which meet individual needs, interests and abilities.
Well-loved books have become easily accessible and have been augmented by appropriate
sound and visual effects, text and symbol cues. A large variety of personal
books have been developed using digital photography and video clips. Popular
magazines have been presented so that they include favourite music, can be accessed
by single switch use and use text at appropriate reading levels.
Teachers are reporting significant improvements in reading skills and attitudes
towards literature.
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©
The State of Queensland (Education Queensland) 2004.
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Comments
from teachers using VL
"…Through the use of Virtual Literature, students have developed a
portfolio of pictures, words and symbols. Students can read back the sequence
of events to others and share discussions with their friends and adults that
they know. The students take hard copies home to share their stories. I have
noticed a higher motivation from the boys to complete their tasks. Topics can
now be self related and meaningful to my students."
Col A.
"…Virtual Literature has been a great motivator in my classroom in
that it has promoted an interest in books and reading and exposed my students
to the use of symbolled text" Sally B.
Hervey Bay Special School are committed to sharing the benefits that our students
have gained with others who may find Virtual Literature motivating for their
students. For further information, please contact Sheina
Treuel
