Class Presentations of Webinar and Apps

Class Presentations on Webinars

Today our class gave presentations on the webinars we participated in, as part of our assistive technology course.

I was a member of the first group. We presented apps for students with Executive function (click on link for definition) difficulties. We created a blog to explain and demo some of the apps.Click the link below to connect to our blog.

Connect to our Blog here! 

 

Group 2 New Apps for LD

 What is LD

Technology can be the key to success for students with LD. The technology can be used at hme or at school.

Here are 4 apps for LD

Reading Comprehension can be used for different levels of reading and for reading groups.  It is versatile! It has speech selection as well and has comprehension questions too. It can be used as an assessment tool.


 

Mastering Sight Words is another app to help develop sight word vocabulary

7 Notes Premium app allows you to take notes without using pencil and paper. You can add images to the notes which is good for visual learners and to keep students engaged. It has word prediction, spell ceck, edit, and you can use a stylus.

Tools for Students supports students written output, organization, planning etc. It has graphic organizers and other tools for writing. It does not require wi-fi which is a bonus.Available for iPad only, not ipod Touch.

 

 

AppWriter US offers text to speech, word prediction, reads aloud and can use with other apps. It uses a new font for dyslexic students that modify letters in ways that make it easier to recognize and differentiate letters, making it easier for them to read. This app will help not only dyslexia but many other LD as well.

 

Group 3: Apps for Special Education 

Dragon Dictation is a speech to text app. You can speak and it types it out.

It replaces the need for a scribe. You can dictate notes for classes and assignments and can be used in all subjects. It gives students greater independence. They can even take exams.

 

Settings is an accessibility option on devices. It comes with all devices. It can read text, zoom, increase the size of the text, use high contrast, speak selection, assistive touch and a split keyboard.

Maps is a built in mapping application on all devices. It uses Google Maps. It is great for social studies teaching. It engages visual learners and students with visual-spatial challenges. You can tour different areas that students may not have seen. 

Math Tapper Apps are 7 different apps that are free. It is mostly engaging games that are fun and creates independence. It has self correction to guide learners and reinforces skills. It covers all strands and grade levels of math just by changing the settings. You could use it for centres and independent work.

All of these apps could be put on teacher websites.

Link to Group 3's Presentation

Group 4: Apps for Reluctant Writers

Strip Designer is a $2.99 app to create comic strips. It is a good idea generator and a motivator. It is also good for students with fine motor challenges as they don't have to write.

 

Pictello was presented in group number one but as you can see, it can be used for reluctant writers.

Writers Toolbox is good for teachers and students. It can be motivating for kids to develop a story, especially for reluctant writers.

 

It will help you build characters and scenarios etc. 

Instant Poetry is an app where you create poems by choosing a theme. It is good for generating ideas and finding word choice.

 

You can change the background and add pictures. Even students who are unmotivated would be intersted in creating poetry with this app.

Group 4: Apps for Reluctant Readers

 Audio Books and Interactive Books are interactive and fun. They have sounds and text can be read out loud

Story Builder is another app that allows you to create your own story. It is about language development.

Text to Speech apps such as Vbook Z or Stanza will read books aloud. It will highlight speech, change speed and read n different voices.There is an electronic voice  so there is little inflection.It can make any reading independent.

 

Pictello was presented in this group for reluctant readers. It was also presented in reluctant writers and Executive Functions presentations. 

ABC Pocket Phonics teaches letters and sounds and does it through games. You can use print or cursive letters.

 

Each app presented opens up my eyes to the possibility of applications and uses. I am excited to have an opportunity to us some of these apps in the future.