High-quality social studies instruction is designed for every student’s regular and active participation in grade-level learning. Accommodations, accessibility, and learning supports help students access complex texts, sources, questions, and opportunities to communicate their thinking while maintaining the intended content and level of rigor.
Teachers should follow district protocols and guidance when providing accommodations and supports.
Text Tools in Articles and Article Summaries
Exploros Articles and Article Summaries include text tools that can support access, readability, and understanding. When viewing an Article or Article Summary, students can select the gear icon in the top-right corner.
Available options include:
Translation: Translate the text into another language.
Text-to-Speech: Have the text read aloud.
Language and Voice: Choose the language and voice used for text-to-speech.
Text Size: Adjust the text size for more comfortable reading.
Define: Highlight a word and select Define to view its definition.
Export to PDF: Download the article or summary as a PDF for printing or offline use.
These tools can help students engage with grade-level content, build disciplinary vocabulary, and participate in source-based reading, discussion, and writing.
Device and Browser Supports
Students may also use accessibility and learning support tools available through their device or browser while working in Exploros. These features are turned on and used from the student’s device, not the teacher’s device. The directions below explain how to use these features in Google Chrome and on Chromebooks, which are common ways teachers and students access Exploros. Many of the same supports are available on other devices, though they may have different names or be located in different settings. Available options may also vary based on the device, browser, and district settings.
Translation
Translation tools can help multilingual learners access directions, vocabulary, sources, and peer posts as they build knowledge and participate in grade-level learning.
Right-click anywhere on the page (or use a two-finger click on the Chromebook trackpad).
Select Translate to [language].
In the translation menu that appears, select the language you want to use.
If the language you need is not shown, select the three dots in the translation menu, choose Select another language, and then choose the language.
Text-to-Speech (Read Aloud in Reading Mode)
Text-to-speech allows students to hear webpage text while following along visually. In Chrome, this feature is called Read aloud and is available within Reading mode. It can help students access complex social studies texts and sources while continuing to engage in the same grade-level learning task as their peers.
Right-click anywhere on a webpage with text.
Select Open in reading mode.
Reading mode opens in a full-screen reading view. To switch to a side-panel view, select Settings and then Side panel.
Students can adjust Font size. Under Settings, they can also change the color theme, font, line height, and letter spacing.
To hear the text read aloud, select Play at the top right of Reading mode. Students can pause, move between sentences, adjust playback speed, and select a voice.
Speech-to-Text or Dictation
Speech-to-text, also called dictation, allows students to speak their ideas instead of typing them. This can support students as they explain their thinking, use evidence, and communicate conclusions in response to prompts.
At the bottom right of the Chromebook screen, select the time.
Select Settings (gear icon), then Accessibility.
Under Keyboard and text input, turn on Dictation.
Click or tap in the Exploros response box where you want to type.
Select the Speak icon and begin speaking.
Select the Speak icon again when you are finished.
Students should review and edit their responses after dictating, since dictation may occasionally mishear words or punctuation.
If students do not see an accessibility, text-to-speech, translation, or dictation option, the device may be managed by the district. Teachers can contact their campus technology team for help enabling available supports.