Top Apps Presentations

Focus of the day, presentations of top 4 apps to support students with Executive Function disabilities, Learning Disabilities, Special Education needs, Reluctant Writers and Reluctant Readers. Click on each app to go to the iTunes store to check out their details.

Apps for Executive Function disabilities:                Apps for Learning Disabilities:

1. iRewardsApp                                                              Reading Comprehension
2. Worksystem                                                                7Notes Premium
3. Pictello                                                                        Tools4Students
4. Sockpuppets                                                                AppWriter US

Apps for Special Education:                                                Apps for Reluctant Readers:

1. Dragon Dictation                                                        Strip Designer
2. Settings                                                                       Pictello
3. Maps                                                                           Writer's Toolbox 
4. Math Tappers                                                              Instant Poetry

Apps for Reluctant Writers:

1. AudioBooks
2. Vbookz
3. Pictello
4. ABC Pocket Phonics

 Although these apps are designer with specific students in mind, I love that you can also use them with all your students. Everyone can learn and grow! All of the apps under the Special Education heading are free, unfortunately apps such as Pictello and AppWriter US are more costly but well worth the money because they are so versatile.

QR Codes and Reading Task Analysis

This morning we learned about QR codes (quick response codes). I had seen them before on cereal boxes and tickets but never thought much about them. Never realized what an invaluable tool they could be in the classroom. They would do wonders to increase student engagement because they allow you to place deeper interest engaging activities into a lesson. Some of the few things that they can be used for include:

• linking audio files, 
• linking to websites to include maps, definitions, related youtube videos, music
• linking non-fiction information to fiction stories
• adding pictures.

Students are using them for a purpose and not just playing. Unlimited things can be tied to the curriculum.

We also devoted a huge amount of class time talking about Reading Task Analysis and the hundreds to things that we habitually do when we read. Although we are still working through the process, it is give me an appreciation for just how complex the reading process is. I am now developing an awareness and appreciating how much assistive technology could support so many students. 

UDL- universal design for learning and is a great way to respond to individual learner differences. These guide educational practices; they provide flexibility in ways information can be presented to increase demonstration of knowledge and skill while maintaining engagement. With UDL, all students are challenged, supported and have high achievement expectations. Using an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch with appropriate apps are perfect fit to universal design for learning.

Disruptive technology: new technology, such as the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch, which unexpectedly displaces the customary technology. 

We tried Pic Collage to create mini-collages of things we like and then used Safari to make books.  Both apps have great potential in the classroom and will maintain high student engagement.  It can be used for: journaling, creating stories, biographies, social stories, making puzzles, map building/creating, cultural study for social studies, visual schedules, creating life cycles for science, categorizing and sorting, and building nets for 3-D solids.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bwbZfXBtF0

Advances in assistive technologies are rapidly allowing students with disabilities to communicate, grow, learn, create and share. Check out this video for a few of the possibilities: