Create SMART Board lessons from home for FREE using SMART Notebook Express

With a recent update by SMART Technologies to the SMART Notebook Express tool, teachers can now CREATE new Notebook files on any computer that has web access WITHOUT having the SMART Notebook software installed. When you launch SMART Notebook Express you are presented with two choices: 1. Open an existing Notebook file or 2. Create a new Notebook file. I know that I will definitely find this new feature helpful when I want to create new SMART Notebook activities and might not be on my classroom computer or personal laptop, which have SMART Notebook software installed!

- Jeremy


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Stephen Wiltshire's Draw! Test your skills

Draw! Test your skills is a FREE, online drawing app from Stephen Wiltshire, an artist with autism who creates detailed cityscapes. The app only works with certain browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari). However, it is compatible with interactive whiteboards as well as iPad, iPhone, and Android devices!


- Jeremy


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Boxmeup

Boxmeup is a new website and app for Android that has some interesting applications in a classroom.  The basic idea of Boxemeup is that it allows you to create virtual "containers" and "lists" of items.  You can then assign the items to the containers.  While this is all done on the computer, but what makes it cool is that those virtual containers, can be real containers in your house, classroom or office.  Boxmeup creates a QR code to put on the physical container.  When you scan the code (using an Android app only at this time) it will tell you what is in the container.  You can also search for your items on the website and it will tell you what container they are inside.

I could see this app/website being used in a functional work environment.  It could help a student find items that they need to complete a job, giving them some independence.  You can also use in a school setting to help students remember where items are in the school, linking a location to the item.

Patrick

Thanks to Lifehacker for this information.


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Google Map Skills

Google maps has a few great features that help in teaching map skills to students of all disabilities.  Google still is the best (in my opinion) for getting directions, but they have a great feature called My Maps, which you can use to create your own customized maps.

Head to http://maps.google.com and log into your Google account.  You'll see a link on the left side for "My Places", click and then select create new map.  You can then find the area you'd like to work in and start placing pins on the map.  A great feature is that you can change the look of any push pin after you place it.  Just click on the pin in the edit screen and you have a large assortment of map type symbols.  Many of these symbols are perfect for teaching how to read a map, and use a legend.  Once you've placed them all you can print the map and the legend will print too.

As you can see from the map above I customized mine to include places in our downtown, and we used the map to take a walking trip.  It was a great way to familiarize ourself with the area!  I even added a compass rose to the map after printing so that we could talk about directions while walking.  Really adds to the community experience.


- Patrick

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SpeechTechie - GlogsterEDU week

Sean Sweeney, over at SpeechTechie, has a great series this week on GlogsterEDU.  If you have ever thought about trying out this web2.0 tool (which, if you don't know, is basically a electronic poster), this is the time to do it.  Sean will be posting screencasts of how to sign up for Glogster, use Glogster, and get the most out of it for your students!  Make sure to check back each day to see more info, or just add it to your RSS reader!  I know I'll be checking them out!


Patrick

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#AppMondayTAS - Webapps

Not all websites have apps for iOS.  While you may agree or disagree with this there are good reasons for not creating an a separate app.  One of the pros is that if you update the webapp, then it is available to everyone right away, and you don't have to sync your device to get that update.  One of the cons is that you have to have an internet connection to use them.  That being said, I thought that for today's AppMonday I'd talk about some webapps that you can use on your iOS device from your Safari Browser.

Gmail/Reader - One of the easiest ways to access your Gmail if from Safari.  Actually if you use the Google App it will just take you to Safari to access Gmail.  I find that the interface is easy to use and it works quickly.  I also read about 200 feeds in my Google reader, and find that using Reader from Safari to be very satisfying experience.

Tar Heel Reader - TarHeelReader.com is one of my favorite sites.  I've written about it here, here, here, here, & here.  I've used Tar Heel quite a lot on my computers, but just recently they've upgraded and you can access the books from your iOS device!  To use point Safari to http://tarheelreader.com, and search for a book.  Once you have a book open, make sure to select a voice, and start reading.  You need to touch the picture or text and it will read it to you.  It makes this website a very, very useful webapp.

Smories - Smories is a new webapp that I just posted about here.  They have wonderful stories, read by kids available to watch.  You can watch many of the stories on their website from your Safari browser.

Meegenius - Meegenius is another website that I've found recently.  It has children's books and it will read the books to you.  The website will also highlight the words as it reads.  It has both free and paid books (they range from $.99 to $2.99 per book) and you can access them through the webapp or a free Meegenius App.  The books will read through your safari browser (it does take a little while to load, and make sure to tap the words).

Just remember that to use any of the webapps in the post you have to be connected to the internet.  I'm sure there are a few more out there if you know of any good ones leave a comment below!

Patrick


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Smories - Stories for Kids, Read by Kids

Smories is a new site that features kids reading stories to other kids!  It's a simple concept and the folks at Smories have done a great job.  The site is easily navigated by clicking on any of the pictures on the front page or you can search for specific stories or types of stories by clicking the link at the top.  The site is based in the UK, so most of the narrators have an accent, but I didn't have any trouble understanding them.  Many of the stories are also from the UK, so I didn't recognize many of the stories or names of the characters.

Another great feature is the ability to view the stories on your iOS device!  The daily story is available as well as many others.  You must have an internet connection to use this webapp.  To access the Smories, use Safari on your iOS device & head to http://www.smories.com.

They have a link for submissions, and I think this would be a great way for kids to practice talking, reading and publishing, unfortunately they are closed at this time.  The stories are from unpublished authors, it would be nice to the text of these stories included somewhere on the site.

Smories is a fun site that most kids will love to listen too.

Thanks to Richard Byrne of Freetech4teachers for recommending this site!


Patrick


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Conceptua Math

Back in my Favorite Products post from ATIA I mentioned a new website called Conceptua Math.  I was so impressed by this product that I felt it deserved a post of it's own.  Conceptua Math is the creation of Arjan Khalsa, while the name might not be familiar, you probably know his work - Intellitools Classroom Suite.  He put a lot of research into Classroom Suite, really pumping up the math section, and has brought the same drive to Conceptua Math.  Arjan was also the inventor of the Intellitools keyboard, helped launch the Assistive Technology Industry Association, and was the CEO of Intellitools for 20 years.  His continuing support of Assistive Technology includes starting the non-profit AyudaTec, http://www.ayudatec.org, to provide targeted AT in Latin America.

So, now that you have some background, what is Conceptua Math - a web-based set of materials for teaching fractions.  I'm pretty sure there are quite a few of you looking at your screens rather strangely...why is a teacher of students with significant cognitive disabilities talking about fractions?  I thought the same thing so I talked with Arjan (for quite a while at his booth) and his explanation is quite simple (from the Conceptua Math Website):

Our goal is to build strong conceptual underpinnings in the complex area of fractions in order to provide a basis for comprehension in all of the topics that follow. We know that many students struggle with fractions through high school, and we want to help remedy that situation.


OK, so that makes sense, but again, why fractions...because it's just counting!  Really, when you come right down to it, making fractions is all about counting, and many of our students work on counting their entire life!  Why not also teach them fractions also (which if you've ever tried to cook are extremely frustrating!).

The beauty of this product is what you are able to do with it.  For free you can use 13 whole classroom instructional materials (Free Fraction Materials) - identifying fractions, adding & subtracting fractions, & comparing fractions to just name a few.  For a very reasonable price you can subscribe to the Premium Features like a full scope and sequence, instructional support & formative assessments.  Also included in the Premium features are independent practice activities for students.  The activities include text-to-speech for instructions, Instructional support to help students find the correct answer if they have trouble (not just telling them it's incorrect), and a formative assessment.  After the assessment is given students receive their results, the option to review what they missed and suggestions on how to continue (do another of the same type, practice with support or work on a preskill).  The Premium Features also include data collection.

Conceptua Math is reasonably priced:

For school and school district use: 

• Classroom Price: $100/year for up to 30 students.
• School Price: $600/year for up to 200 students.
• Volume Pricing: Conceptua Fractions costs $3/student per year in smaller quantities, and drops to $1.50/student per year in larger quantities. 

I am very impressed with this product, it is research supported and they have put a lot of thought into it.  While is not entire math curriculum, it is a great supplement to most programs.  Please check it out!

Patrick

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AT Smackdown - #ATIA2010

One of the best sessions of ATIA 2010 was an impromptu session set up by Karen Janowski (@karenjan), Brian Wocjik (@bwwojci) & Dave Hehoulin (@dehohulin), the AT Smackdown!  Basically anyone who attended got 2 minutes (or so...) to talk about any tool they wanted, take the computer and show it!  It was a lot of fun, and there were a lot of great tools shared.  We got a chance to record the session and the audio (should be posted by this evening) is going to part of a special A.T.Tipscast from Chris Bugaj (@attipscast).  You can get the audio by subscribing to his podcast in iTunes or by heading to the compendium blog - http://attipscast.wordpress.com.  I've also transcribed all the tips/tools below for everyone to check out.  Thanks to everyone who partipated!!


ATIA Smackdown - Fall 2010

Patrick Black (@teachntech00)

• Dropbox - http://dropbox.com
• syncs files across multiple computers/operating systems, requires small download & install

Karen Janowski (@karenjan)

• into the book - http://reading.ecb.org (temporarily down)
• Word Magnets - 

Dave Hohulin (@dehohulin)

• Evernote - http://evernote.com
• sync notes across multiple computers/operating systems
• works with all mobile devices
• can clip webpages with extensions for Chrome, Safari & Firefox

Sheri Lenzo

• Wordle - http://wordle.net
• clip text to wordle, and used to find key words from an article
• Glogster - http://edu.glogster.com
• online "poster" creator, can include photos and videos
• Google Forms - http://docs.google.com
• students typed into form to submit answers to questions about article

Brian Wojcik (@bwwojci)

• JISC Toolbar - http://www.techdis.ac.uk/index.php?p=1
• Text-To-Speech toolbar, installs in Firefox, Chrome or Safari, web-based
• look for install instructions in the middle of the page

Sarah Rose (http://holmesschoolrockstars.blogspot.com)

• Can assist dynamic keyboard - 
• http://www.canassist.ca/EN/main/programs/free-downloads/dynamic-keyboard.html?sredir=1
• The Dynamic Keyboard is an on-screen keyboard which allows you to type using your computer and an input device such as a joystick, trackball, mouse, single switch, among others.

Mary Bettlach

• Google Scribe - http://www.scribe.googlelabs.com/
• realtime word prediction
• Windows 7 Keyboard - http://www.microsoft.com/enable/training/windowsvista/osk.aspx
• also has realtime word prediction

Brian Wojcik (@bwwojci)

• Jing - http://www.techsmith.com/jing/
• small download & install, resides on your computer to clip screenshots or video

Patrick Black (@teachntech00)

• Diigo - http://diigo.com
• online bookmarks, extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Safari & Internet Explorer
• also has groups, and classroom accounts

Lynda Hartman

• Adobe - Adobe X Pro Student & Teacher edition - $119
• reader can read text aloud
• enable typewriter in a document, then typewriter can be used in Adobe Reader

Emily Isom & Patrick Black (@teachntech00)

• Prezi - http://prezi.com
• online presentation creator, also includes online collaboration

Dave Hohulin (@dehohulin)

• Sporcle - http://www.sporcle.com/
• mentally stimulating diversions - online quizzes
• can create your own

Brian Wojcik (@bwwojci)

• Clipmarks - http://clipmarks.com
• On Clipmarks.com, you can see clips of text, images or video about all sorts of topics that people find while surfing the web.

Karen Janowski (@karenjan)

• Google Image Search
• go to settings, under search settings, change to "Use strict Filtering"
• will filter out most explicit images

Patrick Black (@teachntech00)

• YouTube Safety Mode - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkI3e0P3S5E

Brian Wojcik (@bwwojci)

• Kidzui - http://www.kidzui.com/
• Google Docs - http://docs.google.com
• can set permissions of who can see the document - public, only people with link, private
• drawings - online drawing program
• Gaggle - https://www.gaggle.net/
• safe, online email for students
• NetTrekker - http://nettrekker.com
• safe search engine for students

Have fun checking out these great resources!

-  Patrick

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Guest Post - Free Tech 4 Teachers

Richard Byrne of Free Technology 4 Teachers have given me an opportunity to guest post on his blog while he is on his annual ice fishing trip.  Free Tech 4 Teachers is a great blog with lots of great information about websites and ways to use technology.  So please check out Richard's Blog and check out my guest post - Web2.0 & Students with Disabilities!  Free Technology 4 Teachers


Patrick


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#ATIA2010 - Orlando, Friday

I had intended to write each evening before going to sleep about the day I had had....as you can see that clearly did not happen!  As I got back to my room last evening, I need to get a few things finished with my own presentation - My Crazy Idea..., pack, and get a good night rest.  So I never got around to talking about Friday's presentations.  So here's what I thought.

I attended a great session Friday morning by Penny Reed & Gayl Bowser (both very active QIAT Leadership type people!).  They presented a great session about ways to work smarter, not harder by using web tools like - Blogs, Nings, & Wikis (hmmm...seem familiar!).  Some of the blogs they mention were Teaching Every Student, No Limits to Learning, & TLWMSN.  They also talked about the AT Help Desk they created to help teams diagnose the best way to fix problems - AT Help Desk.

I went to a great session by Libby Rush on how to teach writing!  While she had way to much material for a 1 hour session, she was thoroughly engaging and fun to watch!  There was a lot discussed and most of it is in my notes (but she talks really fast, and I can't type that fast!).  I'll do my best to try and put up a post soon about her ideas.

My favorite sessions were by last two.  First I saw Marie Duggan, a Mom-NOS (not otherwise specifed), of 6 kids, one with Autism!  She had filled her sons life with symbols, schedules, and communication.  I'm amazed at all the solutions she came up with.  When a problem arose they found a way to to help him.  I think what I was most impressed by was that she didn't just work on the problem, she worked on the WHY!  Then she worked on a way to help him understand!  An utterly amazing woman.  I wish she had had more time because we never got to hear about the new software she is working on.

Last, but certainly not least, was SMART Inclusion in the 21st Century:  Integrating SMARTBoards with AT.  A long title, but worth every second!  A SLP, Alexandra Dunn at a small school board in Ottawa, Canada decided that the best way to integrate their students with SCD in the general ed classrooms was through SMARTBoards!  The results were profound and AMAZING!  All students increased participation and showed skills they never had before.  Each SMARTBoard was used with BM, Classroom Suite, Notebook Software and they used it with all the students (not just the ones with IEP's!).  They had Airliners (think portable mouse), Intellikeys, and switches so that there was a lot of alternative access, just depending on what the student needed.  They even let some kids use their Bluetooth enabled devices to interact directly with the SMARTBoard!!!!!!  They have some research, and as soon as it is posted I will let you know.  This was some exciting stuff!


As you can see, I'm quite excited by my experience at ATIA.  It's always amazing to me how much it helps to go to conferences and meet with other professionals, it's just an electric atmosphere.  I have some information about today's sessions to post, and it will have to wait (I should be boarding momentarily).  Again, if you are interested in reading my notes from the sessions please feel free to check them out here - ATIA Notes.


Patrick


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My Crazy Idea...Presentation

It's feels like it's been a long time getting to this point, but today is my presentation at ATIA. I'm so excited and honored that they chose me to present. I'd like to offer everyone a chance to view it too! So here it is!!!

My Crazy Idea...-Web2.0 and Student-Centered Learning for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities



Patrick

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Online OCR

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Last week I shared that Google Docs is testing a feature that allows you to do OCR (optical character recognition) with .jpg, or .gif files. Today Lifehacker shared another great tool for this OnlineOCR

OnlineOCR allows you to create Word documents of common scanned images (.jpg, .gif, or .tiff). You can also upload .pdf files and convert them to Word documents. You can also create documents in .rtf, txt, and html files. The basic conversion is free, but they place limits on the size & number of pages (1 MB in size no more than 5 pages). You can create a free account and they expand the size to 20 MB, but still only 5 pages. You can purchase more pages for a small fee (30 pages for $3.00). I've not used the service yet, but it seems to be a great alternative for small OCR jobs you might want to complete.


Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons: xmacex

Patrick

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Animoto

Animoto is an online slideshow creator. It's a very simple tool that allows you to upload photos (or choose from your Flickr, Picasa, Facebook, Smugmug, or Photobucket), and set it to music. You can choose from a great selection of music they have or you can upload your own tracks. The best part is that's all you have to do! They take your photos and create the slideshow for you. The free account allows you to create 3 slideshows of up to 30 seconds in length. They also have free educator accounts where you can create as many slideshows as you want, and no limit on length. You can sign up here.

Another great feature is the iPhone/iPod Touch app. It's free to download and you can watch all the videos you created. You can even create videos using your video camera on the iPhone 3Gs. It's a great little app!

Patrick

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UDL - Multiple Means of Expression

Principle II. Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression    

Students differ in the ways that they can navigate a learning environment and express what they know. For example, individuals with significant motor disabilities (e.g. cerebral palsy), those who struggle with strategic and organizational abilities (executive function disorders, ADHD), those who have language barriers, and so forth approach learning tasks very differently. Some may be able to express themselves well in writing text but not oral speech, and vice versa. In reality, there is no one means of expression that will be optimal for all students; providing options for expression is essential.

There are so many tools available to students to use to express themselves.  Some of them are web2.0 tools, and some are available offline.  Some of these tools will overlap with all areas of UDL.  Check them out below:

Web2.0 Tools

• Voicethread - simple slide show creator allows students to share information auditorily as well as visually
• Glogster - online "poster" allows students to include videos, pictures, and text to express themselves
• Prezi - non-linear way to create a slideshow
• eyejot - simple website that allows you to use a webcam to save a video, then send it as an email
• Slideshare - create, upload and share slideshows
• Tarheelreader - Great story building website.  You can upload your own photos, or use their Flickr Searchable tool.  Once written, the book can be listened to by anyone.
• National Library of Manipulatives - virtual manipulatives for math
• Google Docs - free spreadsheet, word processing, and slideshow applications
• Vocaroo - record and share audio messages

Offline Tools

• Photostory 3 - Download and start creating photo slide shows. Windows Only
• Garageband - part of the Mac iLife Suite. Easily create podcasts, audio materials, and movies.

Got any other tools that you like to use? Share them in the comments section.


- Patrick

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UDL - Representation

Principle I. Provide Multiple Means of Representation   

Students differ in the ways that they perceive and comprehend information that is presented to them. For example, those with sensory disabilities (e.g., blindness or deafness); learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia); language or cultural differences, and so forth may all require different ways of approaching content. Others may simply grasp information better through visual or auditory means rather than printed text. In reality, there is no one means of representation that will be optimal for all students; providing options in representation is essential.

- CAST UDL Guidelines


There are several web2.0 resources that you can use to help provide Multiple Means of Representation. Let's take a look at a few of them:

• Prezi - A Powerpoint alternative, that allows you to embed pictures, videos, and audio files. It's unique interface creates a non-linear type presentation.
• Glogster - Glogster allows you to create a uniqute "poster" that combines text, audio, video, and photos.
• Webspiration - The online, free version of the popular Inspiration & Kidspiration program.
• Youtube or Teachertube - Easy to find videos on multiple topics. Yes I realize that Youtube is blocked in most schools, but it's still a great resource (and there are ways to download videos for offline viewing).
• Navify - Here's a review of this website that combines Wikipedia entries with Youtube videos. Navify review by Paul Hamilton of Free Resources from the Net for (Special) Education.

These are just a few that I've come across that can help with Multiple Means of Representation. Do you have any tools you like to use?


 - Patrick

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Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is quite the topic at many conferences and schools around the country.  While I don't admit to being an expert, I'd like to share some resources that help students be more successful.

CAST (one of the leaders in UDL implementation) defines UDL as:

"...a blueprint for creating flexible goals, methods, materials, and assessments that accommodate learner differences."  

There are 3 areas to consider when looking at UDL - Multiple Means of Representation, Multiple Means of Action and Expression, & Multiple Means of Engagement.  Over the next few posts, I'm going to share some of the web2.0 resources that can help you accomplish these things.


- Patrick

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MapTrot

Robert Byrne of Free Technology for Teachers shared a great site for maps, Maptrot.  It uses Google Maps, and allows you to input multiple points of interest.  For me, I can see using this with students to see where multiple points of a community based trip are located in relation to each other.   It can also be used as part of social science lessons. It's a very easy to use site.  Most maps can be created in less than 5 min.



Patrick


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UDL Spotlight

CAST has long been a supporter of technology, integrating students experiences, and UDL. Recently on their 25th Anniversary, they Launched the UDL Spotlight They will be featuring many different program, ideas, and such that reinforce the concept of UDL. Add them to your RSS reader and wait for the great ideas to come!


- Patrick

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Google Docs - for data collection

So I recently shared some ideas on how to use Google Docs to Collaborate with parents and related service providers. After setting this up, one of my instructional assistants said "couldn't we use that for data collection?" Hmmmm, well maybe...

I've been provided with a couple of iPod Touches in my classroom. I got to thinking, what if I paired the Touch with a Google form? Google makes it very easy to set up a simple form for survey's and such, and they link it to a spreadsheet to collect your data. I knew how to set this up, but would it work with the Touch. After sending the link to the Touch (by snycing the Safari bookmarks), and placing a link on the front screen of the Touch, we were set to try it.

Here's a link to the form that I created - Behavior Chart Example Form

And here's the link to the data sheet where the data will be collected - Behavior Chart Example

So, other than just for fun, what would I want to do this. Personally, I'm all for keeping digital copies, and not using paper. If you like to chart things, you don't have to transfer it from paper to your computer to create the chart. It's portable, a Touch is small enough to fit in a pocket and as long as you have Wi-Fi, you have access to your form. And lastly, it goes back to collaboration, but keeping it on Google Docs allows everyone to see the data. So far it's working great, but feel free to try it out for yourself!

Patrick

Photo courtesy of Flick Creative Commons: nickwheeleroz

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