PIXIE 2:  Overview, Resources, and Universal Design For Learning  Pixie is a creative, fun and motivating platform for students to 

  PIXIE 2:  Overview, Resources, and Universal Design For Learning  Pixie is a creative, fun and motivating platform for students to 

 PIXIE 2: Overview, Resources, and Universal Design For Learning 1. What is Pixie 2? Pixie is a creative, fun and motivating platform for students to display their knowledge and understanding in project based learning across content areas including math, language arts and more. Teachers can create or use many of the pre‐made activities to help students gain foundational information in a variety of content areas. 2. Where to find Pixie 2? Pixie 2 is available in all MCPS elementary schools. Pixie 2 is located in the “Applications Menu” on the schools network. Pixie 2 is available for home use to MCPS teachers. Teachers can go to the Tech4Learning website to download: Pixie 2 ‐ Windows Pixie 2 ‐ Mac PXBCHE‐
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QHLQDH http://resources.tech4learning.com/files/px212f/Pixie_2.exe (Windows) http://resources.tech4learning.com/files/px212/Pixie2.dmg (Mac) 3. Why Use Pixie 2 With Your Students? Pixie helps remove barriers to student learning: • Pixie supports students who struggle with handwriting (record feature, keyboarding). • Pixie supports students with delays in visual motor integration (shape tools, stickers, text boxes). • Pixie supports students with physical limitations (see the accessibility features). • Pixie supports students with low vision (talking interface, enlarge font, size of handles). • Pixie is engaging and motivating to a wide range of learners. AT Quick Guide – Pixie 2 Overview – p. 1
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4. Want more information? For additional information on how Pixie supports Universal Design for Learning, follow this link. 5. How to get started with Pixie 2? a. Open up the Pixie application on your school’s computer. Pixie opens with an untitled, blank activity, as seen below. Take the time to explore and create your own masterpiece using the icons on the tool bars. Navigate through the “Open” folder to preview the pre‐made activities. Talking Interface Type in Text Font style and size changeable Make geometric shapes Add pictures/stamps to project
Open folder to access pre‐made activities, additional pictures, photos, and more! Option to record thoughts/ details b. A variety of training tools are available on the Tech4Learning Website. Tutorials, references and quick guides are available. Videos guide teachers AT Quick Guide – Pixie 2 Overview – p. 2
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to integrate Pixie into the core subjects. Here is a link to a Pixie 2 video tutorial on YouTube (15 minutes). Screen Shot of Resources available on the Tech4Learning website 6. When to use Pixie 2? Pixie is a resource that can support any instructional area. Whether using the pre‐made activities or providing a blank palette for students to demonstrate their knowledge in math, writing, art and more. Students can choose to use Pixie to demonstrate their knowledge during individual work, small group centers in the classroom, or in the computer lab. AT Quick Guide – Pixie 2 Overview – p. 3
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www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/hiat