Category Archives: Resources To Other Resources

This category takes people to resources that have many other resources.

Creating Human-like Audio Conversations with CoPilot

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CoPilot from Microsoft allows educators to design dynamic audio experiences from self-selected content. Educators choose materials, load them to Copilot, and then create an audio overview. The resulting audio sounds like two human podcast hosts discussing the content. Here’s a sample of the podcast hosts discussing the Robots for Everyone Initiative and a transcript of the podcast. Once created, educators can save the audio file to Onedrive and then download it to share with learners.

A screenshot of a dark-themed workspace in Microsoft Copilot Notebook. At the top, the notebook title reads “Robots for Everyone” accompanied by a small robot emoji and a button labeled “Play audio.” Under the title, links appear that say “Add Copilot instructions” and “Tell Copilot how to respond in this notebook.”A large input box is centered below the title with the prompt text “Ask Copilot about your references or another topic for this notebook.” A microphone icon appears on the right side of the box. Directly beneath are two buttons: “Summarize my notebook” and “Suggest 3 questions for this notebook.” Lower on the page are two tabs: References (selected) and Chats. Within References, a circular button labeled “All” is highlighted, followed by a button labeled “+ New page.” A listed reference appears below titled “Robots for Everyone 🤖 2025 – 2026” with a small document icon and a timestamp that says “1h ago.” In the bottom right corner of the screenshot, a floating media player shows the same project title “Robots for Everyone 🤖,” a progress indicator (18:42/18:42), playback speed controls, and a button labeled “Open in OneDrive.” A small note below the player reads, “AI-generated content may be incorrect.”

Screenshot of an Example of the Audio Overview feature of Microsoft CoPilot

Adding Steps to Microsoft To-Do

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Microsoft To-Do is a tool available to any staff in LCPS that invites users to create To Do Lists. Tasks in Microsoft To Do can be broken down into smaller, more actionable pieces called Steps. Users can create iterative steps for each task helping them know specific actions to take to complete a task. The Add steps, importance, notes, tags, and categories to your tasks website provides support for how to get started.

This image shows a digital task list for the project "Turn in the Solar System Diorama." The list includes the main task at the top with a star icon to the right, likely for marking importance. Below are ten subtasks, each with a circle to mark completion and an "x" to the right, likely for marking tasks as done.The subtasks are: Research: Read project instructions: Review the requirements and rubric. Research planets: Find key facts about size, color, and order. Sketch the layout: Plan the design and placement of planets. List materials: Write down needed supplies like foam balls and paint. Gather materials: Collect or purchase everything on the list. Paint planets: Match colors to each planet. Assemble diorama: Arrange and glue planets in the box. Add details: Label planets and add creative touches like stars or moons. Review project: Check against the rubric for accuracy and completeness. Submit: Turn in the finished diorama on time. At the bottom is a plus sign (+) with the label "Next step," suggesting the ability to add more subtasks.

Sample Task with Steps in Microsoft To Do

Prioritizing Tasks by Adding Importance in Microsoft To-Do

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Microsoft To-Do is a tool available to any staff in LCPS that invites users to create To Do Lists. Some tasks added to a list may be more important or timely than others. Users can add priority to individual tasks in a list by starring which are deemed important. Once starred, users can view all the prioritized tasks in the important smart list. Users can also sort each list by importance to have starred tasks automatically move to the top of the list. The Add steps, importance, notes, tags, and categories to your tasks website provides support for how to add importance to tasks.

This image shows a digital to-do list with columns for "Title," "Due Date," and "Importance." Each task is listed with a circle to the left, likely for marking completion. The "Importance" column uses star icons, with more stars indicating higher importance.The tasks listed are: Charge Chromebook: It's almost dead, and I'll need it in class. (High importance) Get a parent signature: For the field trip permission slip. (High importance) Clean out my backpack: Get rid of old papers and organize folders. (High importance) Write English paragraph: Finish the rough draft of my personal narrative. (Medium importance) Practice tuba: 15 minutes for band class. (Medium importance) Text Emma: Ask her about the group presentation. (Medium importance) Pack gym clothes: Bring sneakers for PE tomorrow. (Medium importance) Work on history project: Find 3 pictures for my Civil War poster. (Medium importance) Study for science quiz: Review notes on the water cycle. (Medium importance) Finish math homework: Page 42, problems 1-20. (Medium importance)

A Sample To Do List with Starred Items at the Top

Microsoft To-Do: Adding a Reminder

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In Microsoft To-Do, add reminders to a task to get alerts as the due date approaches. This feature is perfect for managing everything from daily errands to long-term projects, helping users stay organized and complete tasks on time. The Add due dates and reminder in Microsoft To Do website provides step-by-step instructions for how to get started.

This image shows a digital task or to-do list item with the title "Turn in the Butterfly project." Below the title are the following options:Add step: A plus sign (+) indicating the ability to add subtasks. Added to My Day: A sun icon indicating the task has been added to a "My Day" list or view. Remind me: A bell icon for setting a reminder. Add due date: A calendar icon for setting a due date. Repeat: A circular arrow icon for setting up a recurring task. To the right of the title is a star icon, likely for marking the task as important or a favorite.

Set reminders and due dates in Microsoft To Do

Outlining Narrative Elements with a Mindmap Using Lucid

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One strategy to organize elements of a traditional outline is mind mapping. Starting with a central idea, such as a core theme or main character, a mind map demonstrates connections by branching out in different directions. Each branch can represent a character arc, a plot point, setting details, or any aspect of a related detail to create a visualization demonstrating relationships among narrative elements. 

Whether outlining a novel, screenplay, or even a short story, this approach lets you see the big picture while zooming in on intricate narrative threads. By the end, the mind map not only serves as a roadmap for the writing journey but also as a visual storyboard that captures the essence of the narrative vision. Lucid is one tool available in Loudoun County Public Schools that can be used to create mind maps. Lucid provides templates to get you started, like this one titled Sample Mind Map.

A screenshot of a digital mind map. A central node labeled "Main Idea" has three branches extending from it, each with sub-branches and icons. The branches appear to represent different aspects or categories related to the main idea. Text within the nodes is partially visible, suggesting brainstorming or idea development.

Mind map

The Specialized Instructional Facilitators – Assistive Technology & Assistive Technology Specialist Are At Your Service

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The Specialized Instructional Facilitators – Assistive Technology & Assistive Technology Specialist for Loudoun County Public Schools created this brief video demonstrating examples of how they can support educators, learners, and the community. You can contact them by going to the LCPS AT Service Directory. They’re at your service!

Learning About Braille with Lego Braille Brick Kits

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The LEGO® Braille Bricks is a play-based approach that teaches Braille to anyone using Lego bricks. LEGO® Braille Bricks have studs arranged to correspond to numbers and letters in Braille. Each brick shows the printed version of the symbol or letter inviting sighted and blind children to play and learn together. Lego provides resources for implementation and kits for free to educators.

The National Educational Technology Plan of 2024

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The U.S. Department of Education recently released the 2024 National Educational Technology Plan (NETP): A Call to Action for Closing the Digital Access, Design and Use Divides. It provides a vision for how the consideration and implementation of educational technology can transform teaching and learning to provide increased opportunities and access to all learners. The plan features numerous examples of how educators have adopted Universal Design for Learning and accessibility as an integral part of instruction, assessment, and culture to the benefit of each learner they support.

New Federal Guidance Regarding Assistive Technology

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The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and the Office of Educational Technology have recently released a set of guidance documents specific to Assistive Technology (AT). These resources, available at https://sites.ed.gov/idea/idea-files/at-guidance, are designed to promote the understanding and implementation of Assistive Technology in educational settings. The guidance documents delve into the nuances of consideration and implementation of assistive technology in a format that uses facts to dispel common myths and misconceptions. Enjoy reviewing these documents to clarify your own understanding of Assistive Technology and consider sharing this resource with other educators, families, and members of the community.

Lovettsville Elementary School’s Unity Squad Become Communication Partner Peers

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Learners at Lovettsville Elementary School engaged in an experience where they explored augmentative/alternative communication. Led by Specialized Instructional Facilitator – Assistive Technology, John Millar, and supported by an ensemble of other educators, students explored the Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning: Words for Life application. The students learned how the app was organized, explored how to find words, and discussed what it means to be a supportive communication partner to their peers who are using the application to help them learn language. What follows are actual quotes from those who participated:

“It must be really hard if you can’t communicate with words. This helped the kids use THEIR voice. One day they’ll be better at talking, but for now, these devices really help them.” – Mario, 5th Grade

A man standing in front of student seated in chairs at a kidney table. The man is holding an iPad with an AAC application on it.

Mr. Millar demonstrates the Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning: Words For Life app

“I thought it was really fun. I had a great experience with the kids. I felt like it was good for someone in their school to be able to help them. I think they felt like they were happy to have older kids hang out with them.” – Mario, 5th Grade

A fifth grade student sitting next to a younger students both with communication devices

Communication partners explore language on AAC together.

If you’re interested in leading a similar event, reach out to the Specialized Instructional Facilitator – Assistive Technology who works at your school!