Class 6

Well yesterday was our last class of Assistive Technology and what an awesome course it has been. I have taken plenty of courses and this is definitely one of my favorites. I learned a great deal about assistive technology in the classroom and how I can benefit from using an iPhone too for personal reasons!!

During our class we spent the day sharing our case studies we have been working on. It was interesting to see the different assistive technology used with the students. I have always taught in the elementary grades so it was nice to see some case studies completed with junior high students. I enjoyed the case study that used Raz-Kids website. Its great that she was able to include the whole class using this piece of technology, therefore allowing all students to benefit but also focusing on one student who specifically needed extra support. The i devices were a popular choice of assistive technology and works well with a wide range of children. We seen toddlers as well as school-aged children using these devices who quickly catch on to the touch features.

The case study presentations provided us with an outlook to see how different assistive technology can be used with students. I know for myself the case studies and also the course have made me more aware of what is available in terms of assistive technology for students. Not always is the technology readily available but its worth asking about.

Here is a wordle I created about words that come to my mind when I think of Assistive Technology.

Class 5

This class centered around the writing process. Throughout the day we looked at several video clips from http://www.misunderstoodmindsld.blogspot.com/. The videos introduced Nathan and Lauren. We watched as these two youngsters with a learning disability struggled in school. Over time, after visits with doctors and the teachers the two children were successful in school. After the first video clip we were asked to write a response to what we had just watched, but as we were handwriting we were to think about the steps involved in writing. Just like the reading process the writing process is very detailed.
Some steps and skills involved in the writing process:

• Pencil Grip (not as simple as one may think especially for some students)
• Fine Motor
• Coordination
• Recalling, short term memory, language knowledge
• Engaged in Task
• Sitting Position
• Sequencing
• Past Experiences
• Visual Planning
• Letter Formation
• Patterning of Letters

We also did a second response to the video but this time we typed instead of writing still thinking of the steps involved in the writing process. We discussed that many of the steps were the same as in handwriting but yet there is other components when using a keyboard to write. Using a keyboard eliminates the pencil, however students must be able to use their fingers to strike the correct keys.

This YouTube video shows some great pencil grips students can use.



Another YouTube video to watch about pencil skills and handwriting.

So after seeing the writing process and how difficult it is for some students we looked at ways to help students when they write. Word predictors like WordQ or Co-writer are designed to help students when writing. The student must be able to get the beginning sound down and then the program will help to determine what word you are looking for. Once the sentence is complete a period must be added for the sentence to be read and added to the Word document. There are also programs that use voice recognition to write was is said. Dragon Dictation is a popular one, which we looked at on the i-Pod touches. I thought it worked well; of course there had to be no background noise to record and then type correctly. I also learned that PowerPoint has the option of inserting a sound recording.

YouTube video on Co-writer

Our Favorite Apps

Our group, Carolyn, Joanne and I, came up with 10 of our favorite apps. Check them out as they are wonderful educational apps to use in the classroom or at home.

1. Word Domino – Free

This app is designed for children 6 years and older to assist in their vocabulary and reading skills. The game also helps to improve mental organization and scanning.

How The App is Used

The main purpose of the game is for children to build words with the proposed syllables. The game can be played using bubbles that float around the screen or just the classic version of matching two syllables together to make the word. There are three categories: wild animals, farm animals and musical instruments to choose from.

Who Benefits from this App

This app would benefit any student who is learning to spell. Also students who need extra support in reading would find this app useful. Students are able to put words together based on the syllables of the word. ESL students could also benefit from the use of this app, as it would help in their vocabulary and word building.

Why this App

This app is a free interactive game that engages students in forming words.

2. Phonics Tic Tac Toe – Free

This app is for children between the ages of 6 and 8 years. Using this app helps to develop better language skills through an interactive game that explores vowel sounds, syllables and beginning and ending sounds.

How The App is Used

The app is set up like the familiar tic tac toe game where the object of the game is to get three correct answers in a straight line. This app can be played by two or by one individual.

Who Benefits from this App

Students from various ages could find this app useful. Lower elementary as well as upper elementary students who are struggling with reading and or writing would benefit from using the app. The app can provide practice and review for students in older grades.

Why this App

This app is simple and easy to use and who doesn’t love a game of tic tac toe.

3. Beginning Sounds Sound Sorting - Free

This app teaches children to match words that share the same beginning sound.

How The App is Used

Students select, before beginning the game, three beginning sounds from pictures. The purpose of the game is for students to click and drag a picture to the matching beginning sounds.

Who Benefits from this App

This app would work well for young students learning how to spell and the beginning sounds of various words. Students with hearing impairments would find this app beneficial as each word is repeated as you touch it.

 Why this App

This app focuses on one of the foundations for learning to read and write. It is important that students learn the basics in literacy skills so they are able to continue to develop into successful readers and writers.

4. The Monster at the End of this Book

The Monster at the End of This Book allows children to immerse themselves in the classic Sesame Street Book. Join Grover as he tries his very best to tie down pages and build brick walls in order to keep readers away from the monster at the end of the book. The book comes alive to allow interactive play and touch-point animation. The Monster at the End of this Book is a fun reading experience for children and monsters of all ages!

Funny, furry features include:





• Lively, interactive animation that responds to your child’s touch
• Narration by lovable old Grover himself

--and tapping Grover makes him talk!
• Engaging activities that empower readers to decide how and when to    move the story forward

• Word highlighting to help build beginning reader skills


• Easy-to-follow parent tips

Cost: $3.99

5. Grammar Jammers Elementary Edition Grade 3-6

Grammar Jammers has catchy animated songs and rhymes that make learning grammar fun.  Grammar Jammers animations will have you tapping your toes to the beat while learning grammar usage and mechanics. Each animation unlocks a quiz. Answer all the quiz questions for all the Grammar Jammers topics and unlock an interactive reward. This app is also available in primary and early elementary. Grammar Jammers are perfect for use in classrooms or at home. 
 
Cost: $2.99

6. Skill Builder Spelling 

Skill Builder Spelling is a great app to help boost spelling skills. It allows up to 10 tests which you can edit it yourself.  It has 2 modes you can use to test your spelling:
- Classic: In this mode It shows you the current word but it disappears once you start typing.

-Jumbled: In this mode it scrambles up the current word and you have to unscramble it!

Cost: Free for a limited time

7. Times Table Fun lite

This is a FREE App that helps students practice in their 2,3,4 times table. You can upgrade to a full version that allows you to practice your facts from 1-10 for .99C. In both versions there are four options in which you can practice, play games, play a challenging fact memory pair game, and do a test to see what you have learned.

I would recommend this game for my students to practice their facts as it gives clear and accurate feedback on how they are progressing as they are learning their math facts. The graphics and games would not be considered “babyish” and given that I know my students are competitive they would enjoy playing these games.

8. Rory's Story Cubes

The game is described as having no right answers and players and as such are simply encouraged to “Don't think about it, just talk, the story will follow.” There are nine cubes that you are challenged to join together. You simply start with one cube and link them together to complete a story. If you are stuck and would like to see other sides of the cube you simply shake the iPod or touch a button at the bottom of the screen.

Although there is a cost involved ($1.99) I would definitely recommend this app as not only suitable for reluctant readers/writers, but also a fun party game. The pictures on the cubes are easy to view and it is just a lot of fun to shake and hear the cubes rattle. The possibilities seem endless when you play this game.

9. Candy Factory Educational Game

This is a FREE app that engages middle-grade students in working in various concepts related to fractions. There are three levels of play that ranges from teaching the part-whole concept of fractions to improper fractions. During the game students fill orders of various specifications given by clients.

I particularly like this game as it enforces the concept that the sizes of the pieces are relative to the whole; a difficult concept for students to truly understand. Often students look like they know what they are doing rather than truly appreciating the very tenets of the mathematical concept. Students are given feedback as they progress through this game.

10. The Social Express Lite

This is a FREE app that supports students with social or behavioural challenges. Through modelling, instruction, and problem solving opportunities students learn to cope with and regulate their own behaviour.

This is a particularly interesting app for me at this moment as I'm looking for resources and supports to help engage a number of students in my classroom who struggle daily with social and other challenges. (Released Nov.17/11)

                                                          

Class 4

During this class we had the opportunity to try out the app, ReelDirector on an i-Pod. In small groups our task was to create a 60 second commercial about assistive technology. So we began by searching the app on YouTube to find a tutorial. This was a bit challenging as there was no Wi-Fi and we were only able to access the Internet through smartphones. After experimenting around and watching the tutorial we decided on our idea and set out to use the app.

It was fun putting the commercial together as we were doing a "Wild West" theme to texting. Since we were demonstrating the technology of texting there was no need for voices in the video to get the message across. However, as we were editing the video and organizing clips we had difficulty trimming the video. With several attempts and re-watching the tutorial we finally figured it out. I see that this app would work well with older students and know that many would be eager to try it out.

Skills to assess this project based learning assignment would be:

• Speaking and Listening (communication skills)
• Research Skills
• Technology Skills
• Problem Solving Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Writing Skills
• Co-operational Skills

Class 3

Today's class was very exciting and lots of fun. The morning started off having groups share their "training sessions" on the various programs that help with reading and writing. Each program seems wonderful. It was nice to see that Natural Reader is available as a free demo. Our group shared the program WYNN. Throughout my exploration with WYNN I found it very easy to use, with its 4 rotating toolbars. Kursweil is very similar to WYNN and so I'm looking forward to next class when we all have the opportunity to try it out.

In the afternoon we had the chance to play around with i-Pod touches provided by our instructor. Oh what fun it was! I now know what will be on my Christmas list!! I have little experience with these devices so it was great just having the time to experiment with the i-Pods, checking out all the apps. Many of the apps were fantastic, but I have decided to mention a few here that I really enjoyed. The bubble popper was one of my favorites and is very addictive. That evening I had my husband install it on his i-Phone so he could try it out, and he too thought it was great. Cookie Doodle is an excellent app to have students follow directions, use measurements and even get to design their own cookie with sprinkles and icing. Sentence Builders is an app that would be very useful for students struggling with both reading and writing. And of course I couldn't forget Pictello. I can't say enough about how wonderful this app is and how valuable it can be in the classroom for all students.

PICTELLO 

5 Ways to Use Pictello with Students:

• Health Lesson - steps to show how to brush your teeth
• Morning Routine for special needs student - hang coat and backpack, take message bag to classroom, sit at desk and read book, stand for O Canada
• LA Journal writing - have students share a special moment
• Art Activity - steps to follow: first paint the picture, next add sparkles and feathers, then cut out, and last glue on construction paper.
• Math Activity - sequencing

Pictello can be used for a whole group activity where the teacher uses Pictello to demonstrate or the program could be used individually by students.





Apple Co-founder Steve Jobs Passes Away (October 5, 2011)

With the recent passing of Steve Jobs (co-founder of Apple) I thought it would be appropriate to include a tribute video from YouTube showing Apple's original launch of the iPod, iPhone and iPad. These devices have dramatically changed our world. They have become the new wave of technology and how we communicate.

Class 2

During our second class we shared our reading task analysis. It was interesting to see all the groups' perspective on the reading process. Many ideas were similar but the organization through the programs Inspiration or Kidspiration made each look different. Being a teacher it was great to actually examine the process a student goes through when reading. Knowing this now can be helpful when working with struggling readers. Check out my groups' Reading Task Analysis, posted earlier.

In the afternoon of class we were given the opportunity to search the net looking for interactive literacy websites that could be used with students in the classroom or at home. WOW, there are plenty of excellent sites available. I was floored with what is available to students, many free of charge. I really have never taken the time to look around the internet for specific literacy websites, so I was happy to receive that time in class to explore. I was familiar with Starfall and TumbleBooks and have frequently used both. However, in my search I came across a few others I would like to share here on my blog.

Into The Book  http://reading.ecb.org/
This site I thought was  wonderful. Into the Book teaches students about eight reading strategies (prior knowledge, making connections, questioning, visualizing, inferring, summarizing, evaluating and synthesizing) using interactive activities. Teachers can also access the site for related lessons and resources to use when teaching these strategies. For me when teaching students about these various strategies I often thought it would be great if I could incorporate a computer activity to assist in their learning, and this site does just that. All students in elementary school learning about these strategies would benefit from using this website, as well as students struggling with reading.

My StoryMaker  http://www.clpgh.org/kids/storymaker/embed.cfm 
Having students create their own personal stories is an activity we as teachers have all had our students do. But instead of having students write, My StoryMaker allows students to develop their own stories by picking characters, goal, setting, and pictures all completed like a book on the computer! It is amazing. The website is user-friendly and easy to navigate for young students. I would definitely use this in my classroom, especially for students who have difficulty writing or for students who struggle with developing ideas in story writing. However, this site would not be of interest for students in grades five and above, as the site seems designed for young children. The site also offers voice instructions for how to design your story. The downfall is that once the story is completed you are unable to have the voice re-read the story back to you. Despite this I think this a fabulous website that is worthwhile checking out.

Signed Stories  http://www.signedstories.com/index.cfm
This website offers a wide-selection of children's stories that are read in sign language. Of course persons with hearing problems would benefit the most from using this website, but all students can enjoy the stories as they are also read aloud as well. Students pick a book theme and from there select the story they want from picture titles. However, the stories offered are for students in the early elementary grades as there are no chapter books available. Signed Stories allows all children to be part of the story time experience. 

Assignment 1 - Reading Task Analysis

Class 1

Well the first class of assistive technology went well and I'm looking forward to learning more about assistive tech in the classroom. Before going to this class I considered myself to be a fairly technologically inclined individual, however I have since changed my opinion. There are so many great advancements being made in the technology field, which is excellent, but it does make it difficult to stay ahead of the changes. I guess my skills are pretty basic and relevant to just a simple computer. I don't own an itouch or "i" anything. This course will very beneficial to me and the students in my class.

So what is AT? In class we discussed that AT is about providing ACCESS to a task and improving performance for a student with a disability. It is a process that will change over time. AT is NOT IT(information technology). Sometimes the two, AT and IT are thought to be the same, but if one knows what the letters stand for you would know they are clearly different.

The videos we watched in class, of different students who use assistive technology devices, were wonderful stories demonstrating how valuable AT can be for students. The journey that Tyler has gone through is truly amazing. The AT that has been available to him has allowed him to accomplish many things that would not have been possible without the AT devices. It would be great if all students with a disablity could have this access to AT.

I have posted a YouTube video I found. The video shows that AT can be used among all grades and across all subject areas. I think the video points out that not all assistive technology has to complicated. For example the calculator on the laptop that speaks. Important to remember there are some basic tools that can be used as assistive technology to help students learn better.