Microsoft OneNote

OneNote, a versatile note-taking app, can greatly enhance learning and teaching when using Explicit Instruction. With OneNote, teachers can create structured notes, checklists, and graphic organizers that provide explicit explanations, examples, and guided practice for students. These digital notebooks can be easily shared with students, allowing them to access and review the explicit instruction materials at any time. OneNote also supports collaboration, enabling teachers to provide real-time feedback and engage in discussions with students. Additionally, the app allows for multimedia integration, enabling teachers to embed videos, audio recordings, and interactive elements to further enhance explicit instruction. Overall, OneNote promotes organization, accessibility, collaboration, and multimedia integration, making it a powerful tool for enhancing learning and teaching during explicit instruction.

BCE Due Diligence Rating

Low Risk - Use Responsibly

Year Level Suitability Rating

Developmental Considerations

Potential Uses

Microsoft OneNote can be used to enhance Explicit Teaching in the classroom.

Structured Notes

Teachers can create structured notes in OneNote, providing explicit explanations, step-by-step instructions, and examples of key concepts or skills. Students can access these notes during and after explicit instruction to review and reinforce their understanding.

Integrated Multimedia

OneNote enables the integration of multimedia elements, such as videos, audio recordings, and interactive simulations, which goes beyond simply substituting traditional instructional materials. It allows for the creation of more engaging and interactive learning experiences that can transform the way students understand and interact with the content.

Digital Drawing Tools

OneNote's digital ink and drawing tools enhance traditional annotations and drawings by providing additional features like color options, erasing capabilities, and the ability to easily resize or move annotations. It offers a more versatile and interactive way to emphasize important points and provide visual cues.

Checklists and Rubrics

OneNote enhances the traditional use of checklists and rubrics by allowing for digital creation, organization, and sharing. It offers features like checkboxes, formatting options, and the ability to embed multimedia elements, making the checklists and rubrics more interactive and engaging.

Collaborative Note Taking

OneNote supports real-time collaboration, enabling students to actively participate in note-taking and co-construct knowledge. It enhances traditional individual note-taking by promoting collaboration, communication, and the sharing of ideas among students

Audio and Video Tools

OneNote allows for the recording of audio and video explanations, going beyond traditional written explanations. It enhances the instructional experience by providing explicit auditory or visual support that students can revisit for reinforcement or clarification.

Graphic Organisers

OneNote allows for the creation of digital graphic organizers that can be easily modified, rearranged, and shared. It enhances the traditional use of paper-based graphic organizers by providing a dynamic and flexible platform for organizing and visualizing information.

Real-time Feedback

OneNote enables teachers to provide real-time feedback directly on student work, going beyond traditional written feedback. It allows for immediate and specific feedback, enhancing the feedback process and supporting students' understanding and growth.

Organisational Features

OneNote's organizational features, such as sections, pages, and tags, replace traditional paper-based organization methods. While it maintains the same function, it offers the advantage of digital organization, making it easier to navigate, search, and access instructional materials.

PHYSICAL

COGNITIVE

SENSORY

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL

Accessibility Features

PHYSICAL ADJUSTMENTS

Keyboard Navigation: OneNote supports keyboard shortcuts and navigation, allowing users with physical disabilities to navigate through the app without relying on a mouse or touch input.
Dictation and Speech-to-Text: OneNote integrates with built-in speech recognition tools, enabling users with physical disabilities to dictate their notes or input text using their voice.
Touch and Pen Input: OneNote is compatible with touch and pen input, making it accessible for users who may have difficulty using a keyboard or mouse.

SENSORY ADJUSTMENTS

High Contrast Mode: OneNote offers a high contrast mode, allowing users with visual impairments or sensitivity to adjust the color scheme for better visibility and readability.
Screen Reader Compatibility: OneNote is compatible with screen reader software, enabling individuals with visual impairments to access and navigate the application using assistive technology.
Closed Captioning and Subtitles: Users can add closed captions or subtitles to multimedia content within OneNote, making it accessible for individuals with hearing impairments.

COGNITIVE ADJUSTMENTS

Text-to-Speech: OneNote supports text-to-speech functionality, allowing users with cognitive disabilities to have the text read aloud to them, aiding comprehension and reducing cognitive load.
Immersive Reader: OneNote includes the Immersive Reader feature, which provides additional cognitive support by offering options like text highlighting, font customization, and focus mode to improve reading comprehension.
Note Tagging and Searching: OneNote allows users to tag and search their notes, making it easier for individuals with cognitive disabilities to organize and locate specific information.

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL ADJUSTMENTS

Collaboration and Sharing: OneNote supports collaboration and sharing features, allowing users to work together on notes and projects, which can help reduce social anxiety and promote inclusive participation.
Personalization and Customization: OneNote offers personalization options, such as customizable page layouts, color schemes, and font styles, allowing users to create a comfortable and visually appealing environment that suits their preferences and reduces stress or anxiety.
Organization and Structure: OneNote's organizational features, such as sections, pages, and tags, help users with anxiety or organizational difficulties to create a structured and organized workspace, reducing cognitive overload and promoting a sense of control.

Support for Universal Design for Learning

Multiple Means of Representation

OneNote allows users to input information in various formats, including text, images, audio, and video. This flexibility enables learners to represent their ideas and concepts in ways that suit their preferences and learning styles.

Multiple Means of Engagement

OneNote promotes engagement by providing features like collaboration, multimedia integration, and interactive elements. Students can collaborate in real-time, incorporate multimedia elements into their notes, and interact with content through links, tags, and search functionalities, enhancing their motivation and involvement in the learning process.

Multiple Means of Expression

OneNote offers a range of tools for creating and expressing ideas, such as typing, handwriting, drawing, and recording audio or video. This variety of options allows learners to choose the most effective means of demonstrating their understanding and expressing their thoughts.