What if some of the best technology for supporting neurodivergent students is already sitting inside the devices they use every day?
With AI changing so quickly, that's increasingly the case! But how can coaches, tutors, and teachers possibly keep up with all the latest technology when we already have so much else to stay on top of?
Well, I'm thrilled to say that one answer is: Know Joan Green!
Joan is a speech-language pathologist and assistive technology specialist who has spent 40 years helping people use technology to overcome barriers and become more independent.
In this episode of The Academic Coaching Podcast, Joan introduces me to a few surprisingly useful tools, including a free Chrome feature I immediately tried during our conversation!
But we also tackle some bigger questions: How do we know when technology is actually helping a student learn, rather than simply making the work easier? And how much do we, as coaches and educators, really need to know about technology ourselves?
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Bringing More Tech Expertise Into the Anti-Boring Learning Lab
One of the things I've learned from building the Anti-Boring Learning Lab is that I don't need to be the expert on everything. That's why we have a community!
For example, I know a LOT about helping students organize their papers, take better notes, and develop effective study strategies. But digital organization? That's an area where I still have plenty to learn!
Fortunately, we have lots of ways to stay on top of new technology in the Lab. Members generously share tools they've discovered and experimented with, and sometimes we even host 30-minute "Tech Talks," where members demonstrate their favorite tools so the rest of us can see them in action.
But I'm especially thrilled that Joan Green is bringing her expertise into the Lab!
On November 20,2026 she's joining us for a live, interactive training on Digital Tools to Organize Files, Notes & More. We'll explore digital note-taking, file organization, built-in accessibility features, and ways to help students create systems that actually work for their brains. And members will get to bring their own questions and student challenges for Joan to weigh in on.
Even better, Joan will also be contributing to one of our advanced micro-credentials, helping Lab members deepen their expertise beyond our foundational training.
This is one of my favorite things about the Anti-Boring Learning Lab. We bring together coaches and educators with different areas of expertise, learn from each other, and invite specialists like Joan into the conversation. None of us has to know everything, but together, we can keep getting better at helping students learn.
Questions This Episode Answers
What free technology tools can make reading easier for neurodivergent students?
Chrome Reading Mode is one of Joan's favorites! This free, built-in feature lets students simplify webpages, adjust fonts and colors, and listen to text read aloud.
Joan even walks me through using it during our conversation. All it takes is a right-click to get started!
How can live captions help students with ADHD or auditory processing challenges?
Live captions let students see spoken words as they hear them, which can make lectures and conversations easier to follow.
They're available on many everyday devices and platforms. But as Joan points out, some people find captions distracting. It's about discovering what works for each student.
Can AI help students study without doing the learning for them?
Joan recommends Google's NotebookLM, which can turn course materials into quizzes, flashcards, audio overviews, and mind maps.
These tools can encourage active learning, but they can also make it easy to skip the thinking. The key is helping students use AI to engage with information, not avoid learning it.
Should students combine digital study tools with handwriting and whiteboards?
Why not use both?
Joan and I explore how students might study with AI-generated quizzes, then step away from the screen and use a whiteboard to retrieve what they remember.
Digital and hands-on strategies can complement each other, especially when students choose them intentionally.
How can assistive technology build independence instead of dependence?
Joan describes students who still rely on parents to read assignments aloud, even in high school or college.
Text-to-speech can help them access materials independently.
Her approach involves two parallel goals: strengthening students' skills while using technology to reduce barriers.
Why identify learning barriers before recommending technology?
A student struggling with writing might have difficulty generating ideas, organizing thoughts, spelling, or physically writing.
Different barriers call for different solutions.
Joan encourages coaches to investigate the specific challenge and involve students in choosing tools they'll actually use.
What technology skills should every academic or executive function coach know?
You don't need to know every app!
Joan recommends understanding text-to-speech, speech-to-text, basic digital organization across common platforms, and AI literacy.
For more specialized needs, coaches can collaborate with technology experts rather than trying to become experts themselves.
About Joan Green
Joan Green, M.A., CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist, assistive technology specialist, author, and founder of Innovative Speech + Technology.
Now in her 40th year of practice, Joan helps people across the lifespan use technology to reduce barriers, improve organization and productivity, and build independence.
She is the founder of the Tech Life Inner Circle, a community where members explore practical technology solutions and receive ongoing guidance. Joan has also written four books, including Assistive Technology in Special Education, Third Edition.
Links + Resources
Connect with Joan Green
Explore the Tech Life Inner Circle.
Join the free IST Tech Savvy Solutions Facebook Group.
Connect with Joan Lipman Green on LinkedIn.
Follow Joan Lipman Green on Instagram.
Learn More About the Anti-Boring Learning Lab
Explore free coaching tools and resources.
Connect with Gretchen Wegner on LinkedIn.
Discover the Anti-Boring Learning Lab.
Listen to The Academic Coaching Podcast on your favorite platform.