Listen & Learn with Podcasts! #a11y #assistivetech #spedtech #spedchat #slpchat

Are you wondering how you can access more professional development this school year?  Too busy to attend trainings, workshops or conferences?   Well, podcasts are great way to learn!  There are a number of good podcasts about accessibility, assistive technology, special education, speech language therapy, and technology.


Here is a list of podcasts that I have found not only informative but aslo entertaining!


Accessibility

1. The Mac-cessibility Round Table Podcast (iTunes) - explores the use of Apple products by individuals with disabilities, focusing on but not limited to, users with visual impairments.
   
   
2. AssistiveWare: Users in Control: A Fresh Perspective on Accessibility (iTunes) - This podcast offers an insightful look at how people with disabilities are empowered through the Mac OS X.
   
   
3. All With My iPhone (iTunes) - John Cory Ballard and voiceOver give audio tours of iOS apps.
   
   
4. Bind Cool Tech Podcast - The Blind Cool Tech Podcast provides interviews, brings you along on sound seeing tours, and discusses life and cool technology, especially technology that blind people can use.
   
   
5. SeroTalk - podcast & interactive blog on the accessible digital lifestyle, produced by Serotek, the Accessibility Anywhere people

Assistive Technology:

1. Assistive Technology In Public Schools (A.T.TIPScast) (iTunes) by Chris Bugaj - a podcast about using technology to help students meet their educational goals
- Facebook page
- @ATTIPScast on Twitter
- YouTube channel


2. EdCeptional (iTunes) - EdCeptional highlights access to learning for exceptional students of all abilities.
   
   
3. Assistive Technology Update (iTunes) - fast-paced weekly update for AT professionals and enthusiasts by INDATA
   
   
4. Tech Access Weekly (iTunes) - a podcast of unspecified length about accessible technology
   
   
5. AT Maine: The Assistive Technology Show (iTunes) - The Assistive Technology Show is a weekly round table-style forum devoted to discussing all things assistive technology, or technology related.
   
   
6. AssistiveWare: Assistive Technology Podcasts and Videos
   -  Exploring the Frontiers of Assistive Technology (iTunes) - This is a video podcast showing how people use assistive technology to communicate, express their creativity, play games and make so much more out of life. These videos show that there is no reason why people with physical, vision, speech or language impairments cannot use the same creative and educational software as every other Mac OS X user. There are a few episodes per year, each starring a different person.

Special Education:

1. The Coffee Klatch (iTunes) - A virtual cup of coffee for parents of special need children bringing you award-winning authors, expert psychiatrists, psychologists, & international renowned children's foundations.
   
   
2. Making Special Education Work (iTunes) by KPS4Parents - Podcasts regarding special education and how it affects families, taxpayers, and society at larget as well as how everyone can work together to deliver sound educational services to children with disabilities in a way that benefits society as a whole.
   
   
3. rethink autism (iTunes) - rethink autism shares several tips a month about how to teach children with autism in a way that is easy to understand and apply.
   
   
4. Special Needs Talk Radio - talk radio network with outstanding new broadcasts produced by The Coffee Klatch.
   
   
5. The IRIS Center PodCast (iTunes) - The IRIS Center offers special education resources and materials--validated instructional strategies, research-to-practice strategies, best practice strategies--for the effective inclusion and mainstreaming of students with disabilities. The Center provides resources for college and university faculty and professional development providers in the areas of accommodations; assessment; behavior; collaboration; differentiated instruction; disability; diversity; learning strategies; math; reading, literacy, and language arts; response to intervention (RTI); and school improvement. In addition, IRIS materials provide information on issues related to professional standards and SPP indicators. IRIS online modules, case studies, activities, and podcasts are available at no cost to all education professionals.

Speech Langauge Therapy:

1. ASHA Podcast - every 3 or 4 weeks, ASHA will feature an interview with a professional that is making news the field of speech-language pathology or audiology.
   
   
2. GeekSLP TV (iTunes) - GeekSLP, or Barbara Fernandes, does monthly video shows featuring reviews of iOS apps and accessories as well as discussion of various topics related to the use of technology in speech therapy.

Technology:

1. This Week in Technology (TWiT) (iTunes)
   -  iPad Today (iTunes) - Leo Laporte and Sarah Lane highlight the best apps, most helpful tools, coolest tricks, and essential news surrounding the iPad revolution.  This show is recorded live on Thursdays at 1:30PM PT/4:30PM ET on http://live.twit.tv.
   
   
2. MacReach (iTunes)  - hosted by Apple Distinguished Educator and mobile learning specialist, Meg Wilson, the MacReach podcast brings the most innovative contributors, integrative ideas, and cutting-edge classroom strategies to the forefront.  The show generally airs on Thursday nights.

For Students:

1. Night Light Stories - podcast featuring original children's stories told by the friendly glow of a child's night light.
   -  Facebook page
   
   
2. Billy Gorilly's Podcast for Kids (iTunes) - "The Billy Gorilly Show" is perfect for 3-6 year olds.  This entertaining show is designed to promote learning in 5 key areas: values, creativity, literacy, math, and science.   Free activity pages that kids can work on while they are listening are available to download at billygorilly.com.
   
   
3. Sesame Street Podcast (iTunes)

READERS:  Which podcasts do you listen to about the above topics?  If I have left a good podcast off this list, please share by commenting below.


-  Jeremy

Share this

Do you know somebody else who would find this post interesting or useful? Please forward it to them. Did somebody forward this post to you? Visit Teaching All Students and subscribe to receive posts for free. If you need a tutorial please visit this post: RSS Readers.

Apple iPad 2

Today Apple announced the release of the iPad 2 and they have made some changes!  The iPad 2 has a dual core processor (A5) and is 2 times faster than the original iPad.  It also has faster Graphics processing. Even with that speed increase they are able to keep the 10 hour battery life!  It is also thinner (8.8mm) and lighter (1.3 lbs.).

They have also added front and back cameras to the iPad 2.  The back camera can take 720p video and still photos, while the front camera is enabled for Facetime (and presumably Skype!).  They've also updated the Gyroscope, Compass and Accelerometer to be more accurate.  And last, and one of the most asked for features from teachers, the ability to mirror your iPad display on a TV!  Finally a way to show off apps.

I think Apple has some some great things with this version of the iPad.  I think adding the camera will add a ton of functionality to apps like Pictello, Proloquo2go, iCommunicate, and many, many others.  The smaller size and lighter weight will make it even more accessible to students.  They kept the price the same, the cheapest model - 16GB WiFi only is still $499.  I think it's a great upgrade and will make this an even better product!


Patrick


Share this
Do you know somebody else who would find this post interesting or useful? Please forward it to them. Did somebody forward this post to you? Visit Teaching All Students and subscribe to receive posts for free. If you need a tutorial please visit this post: RSS Readers

Apple Infographic

Research by Online Degrees.org

Here's an interesting inforgraphic on ways that Apple technology is affecting our lives.  Apple products have been game changers on many different fronts.  While there are arguments against using them exclusively (mostly due the the closed nature of the products), they have caused a revolution in how we access the internet and communicate with others, and have spurred many other companies to create similar products!

http://www.onlinedegrees.org/research/apple-education/




Patrick


Share this
Do you know somebody else who would find this post interesting or useful?  Please forward it to them.  Did somebody forward this post to you?  Visit Teaching All Students and subscribe to receive posts for free.  If you need a tutorial please visit this post: RSS Readers

Top 100 technology blogs for teachers

This blog has the honor of being included in the Top 100 technology blogs for teachers, but a new blog from OnlineDegrees.org.  A lot of the blogs I read on a regular basis are also included.  Take a moment to check out the list.

Patrick

Share this
Do you know somebody else who would find this post interesting or useful? Please forward it to them. Did somebody forward this post to you? Visit Teaching All Students and subscribe to receive posts for free. If you need a tutorial please visit this post: RSS Readers

Visual Guide to Cables

We all have tons of cables that we use on a daily basis.  If you are doing anything with AT in the classroom you are constantly plugging & unplugging, fiddling, and basically futzing!  Here's a great post with visuals of all the different types of cables.  It talks about computer cables, audio & video cables, with pictures as well as typical uses.  It's a great way to figure out where everything goes.

Visual Guide to Computer Cables & Connectors


Patrick

Share this
Do you know somebody else who would find this post interesting or useful? Please forward it to them. Did somebody forward this post to you? Visit Teaching All Students and subscribe to receive posts for free. If you need a tutorial please visit this post: RSS Readers

The Year of the Tablet

Around the geek community it's been much discussed that Apple will soon be releasing a new product. Dubbed "The Tablet" there are many rumors, and thoughts about what this device may be. The basics are this - the device would be either 7 or 10 inches, full color screen, 3G & Wi-Fi connectivity, a forward facing camera, and tons of other possible components. One of the best thoughts about the device is from the Daring Fireball. And check out This Week in Tech episode 228 (around 3 min they talk about the Tablet)

So these are all rumors, but some seem more plausible than others. Most of the rumors center around a 10 inch device, so about the size of a piece of paper. That's a great size to view books, magazines and textbooks. They also focus on the fact that publishers have been contacted by Apple execs to see if they would be interested in publishing on a device like this. The implications for AT are large. Imagine a device that could read text, re-size text, and include graphics, videos, and interactive content. A textbook would be something interactive, and could include content from all over the internet. Textbooks are usually out of date before come out and have no way to make them more accessible (see Joe's Non-Netbook) this device would create something that could be changed at any time.

Connectivity is what everyone is looking for in devices these days (just look at the rise of the iPhone, Droid, etc...) and more than likely a Tablet would include 3G cellular service. Personally I'd love to see 4G or WiMax (broadband speed access spread over an entire city), but not sure that's a possibility due to limited coverage (only available in about 20 cities around the country). Now imagine an always on internet connection combined with Alexicomtech. Now you have a portable communication device, that can be changed as a child grows. Combine that with the ability to access the internet, and you have an amazing AAC device for any student.

Another rumor that seems to be prevalent is a forward facing camera. This would allow a person to hold the device and look into a camera, making video conferencing very easy. Programs like Skype are great, but they are tied to laptops and desktop computers. The iPhone has a Skype app, but you are limited to voice calling. I can imagine using "The Tablet" device for students to sit at their desk and contact other students, professionals, or friends.

I am really excited by the possibilities that 2010 seems to be bringing. I'll be looking forward to seeing what Apple might do (apparently they have reserved a space at the end of Jan. for a product announcement) and will post once something is announced! It's going to be an interesting year!

Patrick

Share this

Do you know somebody else who would find this post interesting or useful? Please forward it to them. Did somebody forward this post to you? Visit Teaching All Students and subscribe to receive posts for free. If you need a tutorial please visit this post: RSS Readers

Twelve Essentials for Technology Integration

Richard Bryne over at Free Technology for Teachers has done it again! He's created an amazing resource for getting teachers started using Web2.0 Tools. Twelve Essentials for Technology Integration is a great resource for introducing Web2.0 to new teachers. Each website is listed with what it is, as well as ways to use it. Check it out today, and share it with someone new!

Patrick

Share this

Do you know somebody else who would find this post interesting or useful? Please forward it to them. Did somebody forward this post to you? Visit Teaching All Students and subscribe to receive posts for free. If you need a tutorial please visit this post: RSS Readers

This I Believe...

I'm a self-described NPR Junkie. I listen on the way to school and back home, on Saturdays I listen to Car Talk; Wait, Wait, don't tell me...; and This American Life. So it won't surprise you that I was intrigued by a series they did called This I Believe... The original series was done by Edward R Murrow in the 1950s, and it was resurrected by NPR. I heard many essays, and decided to try one myself.

This I Believe...

I believe that all children can learn, actually I believe all children do learn. They learn how to get what they want, they learn how to communicate, they learn lots of things we don't want them to learn. Now how they communicate, get what they want may not be words, but actions or the dreaded "behavior"! But sufficed to say, they communicate.

I believe that technology is a bridge to help all students. Technology is not the answer, but a piece of the puzzle. There are many tools to teach children, I personally use low-tech, mid-tech, and high-tech on a daily basis.

I believe independence is key. All students need to learn how to be as independent as possible to have any chance of success in our world today. Independence is a skill that all children should be working on from the moment they enter our school systems!

Patrick Black

You can read many more essays from the original Edward R. Murrow series or the NPR series here at This I Believe.


Share this

Do you know somebody else who would find this post interesting or useful? Please forward it to them. Did somebody forward this post to you? Visit Teaching All Students and subscribe to receive posts for free. If you need a tutorial please visit this post: RSS Readers