About the Worksystem App

This is the general description of the app which I included in my previous post where I summarized the apps featured in the webinar I participated in. "Worksystem is a new, free app which is a text based visual schedule. It breaks down the day into manageable chunks. You can make a visual schedule for any individual. This app would be great for learning centre where you had to produce schedules or task strips for students in many different settings."

To dig a little deeper, here is some more insight into the app and its uses.

This app could be used in one of two ways. First, it could be used as a visual schedule to show a student what things, classes or activities are coming in a given day or other time frame. Children with Autism, often find it difficult to transition between tasks or are concerned with missing something that is coming on their schedule. This app would allow them to be aware of what is next and this could set their mind at ease. If they are in control, the transition becomes much more smooth. For thos estudents with executive functioning challenges, it guides them one step at a time as to what they need to do and where they need t be.

Secondly, Worksystem could be used like a traditional task strip. A task strip shows a student the individual steps needed to complete a task. For example, a task strip might indicate to colour a flower, cut it out with scissors, put name on it then glue it to the class poster. Thsis might be overwhelming if these instructions were given verbally or if they were not given at all. A task strip breaks the task into manageable chunks and is less stressful for children with Autism or anxiety, or executive functioning issues.

Below is a link giving more information about this powerful app

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/work-system-autism/id502219251?mt=8

This app is one of thousands of apps available for mobile devices such as iPads, iPod Touches and iPhones, which have become disruptive tecnologies. Disruptive technologies are innovative, creative and powerful technologies that are game changers. They change not only the existing technology but the entire market. They even create a new market that never even existed. Even more important than the actual tecnology is its application. iPads, iPod Touches and iPhones were not intended to be used in schools as educational tools. But because of all of these creative apps, they now have fantastic applications for students and teachers.They are changing assistive technology because they can do things other tools have never done. Not only that but they are replacing so many other things at a fraction of the cost. With an iPad, a student no longer needs a calculator, a timer, a word processor, a planner or calendar, a book, a pencil, a protractor a voice recorder, a text book a projector, a copier, a camera, and counless other items. It is changing the face of education. The amazing thing is that it is still young and it is exciting to imagine its use and application in even 5 years time.