Class Library iOS App

This app recently came though my Facebook Timeline, and I was instantly intrigued.  Class Library is a simple app for cataloging and managing your classroom library!  I haven't been in school this week (it's a little cold here in Chicago!), so I haven't had a chance to try it out extensively, but it seems perfect for a classroom.  Once you sign in it gives you options for scanning or manually adding books to the database, and adding students.  You can easily check out or check in books to students, again either manually or by scanning them!

The app syncs across devices so after installing on my iPhone & my iPad I had access the library on both devices!!  This app is free this week (I'm assuming until 1/10/14), but it is typically only ($1.99, I think).  The website mentions that Android, Windows Phone & Web versions are coming soon!  I recommend checking out this app for your classroom!

Class Library (Universal, Free for a limited time)

Patrick

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#AppMondayTAS - Attainment's Read to Learn

Each week I will be featuring an app from BridgingApps.org.  These apps are features in the Bridging Apps newsletter each week and are reviewed by Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Special Education Teachers.  Come back each week for a new review.  If you’d like more information on how to use the BridgingApps.org website, or to find more app reviews, please click here.

Attainment's Read to Learn - $39.99 (iPad only)

Reviewer Comments

This app contains a library of books that addresses social and life skills. They are divided into 3 sections: Life Skills, Safety Skills and Focus on Feelings.

The app contains 85 unique stories, each with graded comprehension exercises. All text is highlighted as it is read, and the narration is very clear and easily understood. The reader can touch any word at any time to hear it pronounced. Definitions are also included with each word.

At the end of each story, comprehension exercises assess the reader’s understanding of each story. There are optional hints for the comprehension exercises. Test results are stored and can be printed. Optional automatic page reading and turning help readers who have difficulty navigating the app. The Read to Learn iPad App scans, and is accessible with one or two switches.

This app is heavily illustrated, but all illustrations are appropriate for children or adults. The stories are relevant to real life situations of most older children and adults.

We have used this app with children between the ages of 7 and 16 years old with the diagnoses of Autism spectrum disorders and ADHD. All of the children we have used this app with have enjoyed the app and willingly participated in the comprehension activities.

Mobile Devices

iPad

Embedded Skills

"wh" questions

ability to choose from multiple choices

attention span

auditory comprehension

decision-making

executive functioning skills

increase daily living skills

increase reasoning skills

problem solving

promoting independence

reading comprehnsion

social skills practice

scanning and selecting

switch use

Independent Traits

Education

Listening Skills

Problem Solving

Self Help

Social Skills

Assistive/Independent

Independent

iTunes Categories

Education

Books

BridgingApps Categories

BridgingApps Reviewed App

Foundation Skills

Life Skills

Social Skills

Disclaimer:

You may copy, modify format, distribute and perform the work(s), including app reviews and any data even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission provided that you: a) cite our research project and publications as follows: BridgingApps, a program of Easter Seals Greater Houston; b) agree that we make no warranties about the work(s) or data, and disclaim liability for all uses of the work(s) or data, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law; c) when using or citing the work(s) or data, you should not imply endorsement by us; and d) do not misrepresent the work or its content, or any part thereof, or present it any manner which would have the effect of disparaging BridgingApps, Easter Seals Greater Houston or any affiliated entity or person.

Patrick

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Twitter hashtags #edchat #spedchat #spedtech #assistivetech #Augcomm #SLPeeps #SLPchat

________________________________________________

GENERAL:
#FF - Follow Friday - Every Friday many tweeters share who their favorites are to follow.
________________________________________________ 
ACCESSIBILITY:
#a11y
#AxS
________________________________________________
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT):
#assistivetech - tweets related to assistive technology
#ATpeeps - tweets about and/or between professionals in the AT field
#SADcal - Strategy-A-Day calendar by @ATTIPScast
________________________________________________
Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC):
#augcomm - tweets about AAC
#AACresearch - research on AAC
#AACapps - apps for AAC
________________________________________________
APPS:
#edapp
#IEAR - I Education Apps Review - "A community effort to grade educational apps."
#EvidAPPchat
#AppFriday - Each Friday, Moms With Apps posts special discounts for several apps
________________________________________________
EDUCATION:
#edchat - every Tuesday at 12PM EST and 7PM EST.  For more details, visit the #edchat wiki.
#EdReach - tweets from EdReach - The Education Media Network
#EBP - evidence-based practices
#ECE - early childhood education
________________________________________________
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY:
#edtech - tweets about educational technology
#tichat - Twitter-based chat about technology integration every Thursday at 7PM CST
#ADE2011 - discussion by Apple Distinguished Educators
________________________________________________
MOBILE LEARNING:
#mlearning
#iPadEd
#sigml
#slide2learn

________________________________________________

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY:
#OTpeeps
#OTuesday
________________________________________________
SPECIAL EDUCATION:
#SpEd - special education
#spedchat - Twitter-based discussion every Tuesday at 8:30PM.  For more details, visit the #spedchat wiki.
#spedtech - recently new tag started by @SFecich for purpose of discussing the use of various technologies in special education.  Read my blog post about #spedtech.
#lifeskills
#tck - The Coffee Klatch
________________________________________________
SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY:
#SLTags: Speech & Language Twitter Hashtags Dictionary
#SLPeeps
#SLPChat - Twitter-based study group for speech-language pathologists/therapists.  See #SLPchat blog for more info.
#SLPapps - apps for speech-language pathology
________________________________________________

READERS:  Which Twitter hashtags do you follow?  Please share your favorite hashtags by commenting below.


-  Jeremy

"Assistive Technology Broadens Its Range" #edchat #spedchat #assistivetech

Source:  Ramin Rahimian for Education Week

An article published yesterday by Education Week discusses how assistive technology has become more mainstream than it use to be. The author uses the vibration option on mobile phones as well as Google's voice-activated searching as examples of how society as a whole benefits from assistive technology. 

Such features are the result of developers striving to design and refine tools so that they are accessible ALL - typical users as well as individuals with a wide range of disabilities.  The reason why developers began to consider the needs of ALL users - with regards to access and ability - is something that is familiar to us, the emergence of universal design for learning.  A number of assistive technology tools address both cognitive disabilities as well as physical limitations.  There is an increasing use of such tools by students with disabilities to access digital curriculum resources and participate in online, or virtual courses. 

...Experts recommend looking for ways that a single platform might accomodate the learning differences of a number of students with disabilities - but without losing sight of each individual's needs, and without assuming that two students with the same diagnosis will benefit equally from a single technology or tool.

The article continues with discussion of how professionals best connect, or match, students with the appropriate technology or tools.  Dan Leibowitz, a learning specialist in San Francisco, shares two questions he asks when considering an assistive technology tool, "Does it help students access information? And does it help students demonstrate their knowledge?"

What I took away as one of the key messages in this article was

While universal design is making assistive technologies useful to an ever-wider cross section of students with learning disabilities, individuals’ needs are paramount.

What does this mean for educators?  I think Heidi Silver-Pacuilla, former deputy director of the National Center for Technology Innovation, or NCTI, explained it well.

The mainstreaming movement means regular teachers are learning more about assistive technologies and applying the same technologies for their whole classrooms

This statement is interesting, as assistive technology has generally been perceived in the field of education to be related to special education and not a concern of general education teachers.  This is a significant and must needed change in terms of how the term "assistive technology" is perceived.

Unfortunately, not all are happy with the broadened range of assistive technology. The disability community worries this emerging trend could mean students with multiple or severe disabilities won’t get the tools they really need.

The author responds to this concern with what I thought was another key point:

Acquiring assistive technology tools is a multistep process that involves testing, and further study and coordination with a district assistive technology specialist. Many technology providers offer trial tests of their products, and educators can test-drive the various assistive technologies on display at education conferences.

Just because some assistive technology features and tools are becoming more mainstreamed does not mean the disability community and special education professionals should do away with the established best practices in considering and determining the most appropriate assistive technology solutions for students with multiple or severe disabilities.

This article also provides universal advice for schools with regards to selection of assistive technology tools:

• Do not overlook technologies or tools that are already available.
• School computers are likely to have some basic assistive technology tools built in at the platform level.
• Explore the accessibility features of software your school or district currently has installed on school computers, such as Microsoft Office.
• Consider comprehensive software packages that have many features
• Look software\tools that are easy to install and learn—for teachers and students alike.
• Products offering free or relatively inexpensive upgrades
• Finally, and perhaps most important, rely on research by education-technology groups like the Tech Matrix by NCTI.

-  Jeremy

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QR Codes in the Special Education classroom

If you are paying attention you'll start to notice these symbols appearing in a lot of places.  They are called QR Codes and have been around for a few years.  OK, so now you know what it is, what does it do?  If you happen to have a smartphone (iPhone, Android or Blackberry) and the right app (try i-nigma for iPhone or Quickmarks for Android) you can "read" this image, straight from your computer screen (go ahead try it, I'll wait)....

For those of you without smartphones...it's a link to my About.me page.  So what...why take a picture with a smartphone, what's the point?  Well, my point is that there is more to this little symbol than it seems.  Imagine being able to read this symbol using a webcam, most laptops have them these days, now imagine your class full of students going to the correct webpage without you having to help them!  Here's a screencast of what I'm talking about.  By making simple QR Code sheet, you can hold it up to the webcam and voila, instant website!




Ok, so how do you do it?  It's actually quite simple.  First find the site you want a code for, copy the site, then head to goo.gl, paste the site into the box and click shorten.  You'll see a list of the links you've shortened, click on details next to one.  On that page you'll see the your QR code in the top right corner, right click and select "save image as..."  Print it out and you're ready to use it or better yet, sync that picture to your iOS device and hold that image up to the webcam (it works really well)!

So the next think you need is a way to read the QR Codes.  The program I'm using is call QRReader - you can get the directions to download it here - QRReader Installation.  Once it's installed you can read any QR Code, just make sure it's well lit and you hold it straight.  It takes a little practice, but I'm sure most kids will get it pretty quickly!

This is one of those ideas that can be used in many different situations, but I really see it shining as a way for students who can't type to have access to their favorite websites.  Or instead of a teacher putting the link on board and then fixing the link on 5 different computers.  and I'm sure there are many more uses for them.  Good Luck!

Patrick


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Being an Elementary School Teacher

Teaching is a very interesting and rewarding calling. That being said, it's not for everyone. If you're looking for more information about teaching and what it might entail, then this book is for you. This book was recommended to me by one of the editors of citytowninfo.com. You can get your copy here: Being an Elementary School Teacher

I've had a chance to check out the book (it's free), and find that it offer's several interesting perspectives on teaching in an elementary school. There are 25 stories from all different kinds of teachers - special education, PE, music, etc... I found the it very thoughtful and useful information. It talks about the rewards, as well as the difficulties of teaching. I found it was very truthful and didn't hold back on what is hard about teaching. If you know someone who is considering teaching and might want some insight into the career, please share this with them. Or maybe you just need something to remind you why you still teach, or just want some inspiring stories. Whatever your reason, please check it out.

Being an Elementary School Teacher

Patrick

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They Might Be Giants - Science

I was reading about a new CD that will be coming out by They Might Be Giants. I'll admit I haven't listened to them in quite a while, but have always loved their music. So this CD is different and I actually think I'll get it! It's called Here Comes Science. In reading about this I found out that TMBG has started doing kids music (a great genre for them) and have 3 other CD/DVD combos - Here Come the 123's, Here Come the ABC's, and No!. Now they've added Here Comes Science to the mix.

Wired Magazines, GeekDad reviewed the CD/DVD combo here. And even includes a track list for the upcoming release. Danny over at The Whiteboard Blog talks about the CD as well, and give some ideas for songs that teach science concepts and are fun to listen to (think Particle Man!). I think this CD with included DVD will delight and educate many a child. It releases September 1, but you can pre-order on Amazon.com today!

Patrick

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20 Tech Tools and Resources for Special Education Students

Guest post from education writer Karen Schweitzer. Karen is the About.com Guide to Business School. She also writes for OnlineCollege.org, an accredited online college resource.

20 Tech Tools and Resources for Special Education Students

Finding tech tools and resources for special education students is a great way to increase student comprehension and classroom productivity. Here is a selection of 20 free tools for special education teachers and students.

Thunder - Thunder is a free downloadable screen reader. The software makes tests, quizzes, and books more accessible and understandable to students with reading difficulties.

LibriVox - LibriVox features a large assortment of free public domain audio books read by volunteers. The site is a great way for students with reading difficulties to explore poems, stories, and other literature.

Bookshare - Bookshare provides free audio books and periodicals to students with qualifying disabilities. The site is backed by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs.

Do-It - The University of Washington's Do-It program provides many different resources for special education students, including online math lessons, tutoring, explanations, and visual aids.

E-speaking.com - E-speaking.com offers downloadable speak recognition software for your computer. It allows students to use their voice instead of keystrokes to command their computer.

LAT Kids - This educational site for students with disabilities features several tools and resources that make life easier through technology. Resources include an online library, speech augmentative communications, and a smart instant messenger.

Mindomo - Mindomo offers free software for creating mind maps. This visualization method is an excellent way for students to formulate and organize ideas.

Visuwords - Visuwords features an online graphic dictionary for a visual demonstration of words and concepts.

KartOO - KartOO is a visual search engine that provides images of pages as well as text. Search results include news, images, web pages, and online references.

Interactives - This interactive education tool features strategies, content, and activities for teaching concepts that are difficult for some students to understand.

Quizlet - Quizlet is a free flashcard creation site for students who want to find or create flashcards of their own.

Do2Learn - Do2Learn is an activity site created for children with special needs. The site provides games, songs, communication activities, and print resources.

Education World - Education World provides many different resources and tools for teachers, including articles and lesson plans for assisting special education students.

MySchoolog - This free web app provides students with easy-to-use tools for organizing school life. Students can schedule weekly lessons, drag and drop lessons, and establish assignment reminders.

RFB&D - Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic provides several resources for learning through listening. The site also offers audio books for every subject and grade level for a fee.

Ghotit - This site features free assistive writing tools for special education students. Ghotit offers a spell checker, an online dictionary, and text to speech software.

BrainPOP - BrainPOP offers interactive games and learning tools for all subjects. This educational site works especially well for teachers who want to help special education students better understand difficult subjects.

Help Read - Help Read is free Internet and text reading software for students with dyslexia or reading difficulties. Once downloaded, this software reads the material on the screen for you.

Mindplay - This teaching site features resources and tools for students with ADHD/ADD, dyslexia, and other learning disabilities. Resources include reading assessments, games, downloads, and speaking lessons.

EdTechTalk - This education technology podcast discusses the benefits of technology in the classroom. EdTechTalk provides useful information for special education teachers who want to implement technology in the classroom.

Blog Carnival of Education

This week's Blog Carnival of Education is posted at Joanne Jacobs blog.  Please head over and take a look at all the great blogs and ideas!


Patrick

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Ways to Use Flip Cameras in the Classroom

Flip video cameras are cheap, easy to use, and taking education by storm. There are many great ways to use a Flip in the classroom. I myself have used them to create videos of the students doing simple tasks, and used as a video modeling tool. Take a look here at one persons ways to use Flip cameras in the classroom.

Patrick

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Blog Carnival of Education

The most recent edition of the Carnival of Education is available here at Rayray's Writing. I was lucky enough to have my blog mentioned in this blog carnival. There are many other great edublogs listed, check them out!


Patrick

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Thought on Communication

So instead of working on my lesson plans, planning for the first day back from break, I'm sitting on my couch writing a blog post. Why? I really don't know. I've been having thoughts about different things, and one of the main ones is how to integrate more communication into my classroom day. This is one of those things that took me a little while to understand as a teacher of students with significant cognitive disabilities.

In college I learned all about teaching reading to all students, theories, how to do so many things, but they never really touched on how important communication was to all of it. I can teach 10 students to recognize letters, but how will they use it if they can't communicate? This kind of realization is something that took my years to understand. I just hope that our new batch of special education teachers is able to grasp it much more quickly than I. Communication is everything to our students!

Patrick

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PHOTOsyms

Kate on TLWMSN posted an interesting program today called PHOTOsyms. This is a simple program designed to allow you to create communication boards using digital photos. Kate has several links to places that provide pictograms and such in her post if you need symbols.

I downloaded the program and tried it out. Make sure you take a look at the suggestions that Kate has, they help. I am using a Mac so I didn't need to copy my files to the My PHOTOsyms folder. It worked exactly as advertised, you can put photos into it, adjust their size, then add to a board. The board size is from 2 pictures up to 54 pictures. They can only be created in a grid format. The program is designed to run on Windows and Mac, and is a nice, free alternative for creating communication grids.

Patrick

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Guest Post - Talking SmartBoards & More

Hi Everyone,

I am proud to have a guest blogger today, Anne Marie from Talking Smartboards & More. Please enjoy her post below and visit her blog!

I was very honored when Patrick asked me to write a guest post on his wonderful blog as part of his 30 Days to a Better Blogger Challenge. On my blog Talking SMARTBoards & Much More I discuss my experiences incorporating the SMARTBoard (and other technologies) into a special education classroom. It has been a journey that has empowered my students to demonstrate abilities that had previously been hidden like a shadow at night- it's there, you just can't see it without a light. The SMARTBoard has been their light! A way for my students to succeed, to demonstrate their knowledge, to raise their self-esteem, to make a difference in their lives, to show others they can be challenged and succeed. Because of the interactivity of the SMARTBoard and the flexibility of the Notebook software I am able to design lessons that differentiate learning, adapt learning objectives and give my students a way to express their knowledge. Students that may not be able to complete typical, standard worksheets can manipulate objects on the SMARTBoard to address objectives and answer comprehension questions within the MA Curriculum Frameworks. Last year when we wrote poetry, discussed Romeo and Juliet, learned about MLK, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement and explored the 2008 Presidential election, just to name a few, each student was a true active participant.

Many of the software programs that I have used for years with my students, including Board Maker, Writing with Symbols and Intellitools partner well with the SMARTBoard. Using the SMARTBoard with web based interactive activities opens the door for so many students who experience difficulties manipulating the mouse. Participation is as easy as a touch of their finger. As a teacher, nothing makes my heart smile brighter than seeing that look of pride when a student accomplishes a goal that had otherwise eluded him/her. And as important, it also has allowed others to see the true potential my students possess-- to believe in them as I always have.

I would encourage everyone to explore the possibilities that a SMARTBoard can hold for all students. I know when I first started experimenting with the SMARTBoard I felt like one pebble in a stream of rocks. But I am here to tell you that it's ok to be that pebble because it only takes one pebble to change the flow of a stream.

Some of my "favorite" places to visit to obtain ideas about SMARTBoards and integrating technology are- Teachers Love SMARTBoards, SMARTBoard Revolution, The WhiteBoard Blog, No Limits 2 Learning, Free Technology for Teachers, The Inclusion Revolution- Technology in Special Education. When looking for interactive web based resources to use with the SMARTBoard I visit Thinkfinity, Johnnies Math Page, Sheppard Software, Topmarks, Instructional Technology-Lee Summit.