Communication Apps

Today I watched the Elluminate tutorial about Communication Apps. After the tutorial, I found I was left with conflicting emotions. I was excited to know that app developers are creating amazing apps to support students and adults with speech language challenges. I was also horrified to see the prices of some of these apps. The people who require this support should not be additionally burdened with such high costs.

I plan on installing four free apps to check out: Chronological Age Calculator, Aphasia, Apraxia and iSign lite.  

I have also added a YouTube video showing a little boy being able to communicate very effectively with his iPad.
 

Toddler with apraxia eating his first Popsicle and talking using ipad wi...

Illuminating Elluminate!

Today I had the chance to view a few Elluminate sessions. One was "Apps for Children with Disabilities" and the other was "Apps in Action for Reluctant Readers". I was aware of some of the excellent apps, but I did learn about a few new ones. 

• I didn't realize that Starfall had an app for the iPad. I have the website with students on computers, but the opportunity to have them on the iPad is fantastic! 
• I tried out the Pictello app and found it extremely easy to use. I will definitely be using this app with students. 
• I didn't realize there was an app that works with Daisy. I want to investigate this specific app further next year with some students. 
• I tried the Image to Speech app and wasn't thrilled with the result. I might have to take pictures of documents with a better quality camera first to be able to have the app work to its full potential. 

Very exciting apps for all students!!!

iPad in the Classroom: 1st Graders use iPad/iOS Devices

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Apps, Apps, Apps!!!

Is isn't until you search for specific apps that you realize how many have been created in such a short period of time. I think the challenge is to choose wisely. There seem to be many sites popping up providing all sorts of opinions. But I agree with Barb Welsford, in that you must really try them out yourself in order to match them appropriately to a student. 

A few of the sites I have found to be helpful for choosing appropriate apps are:
www.bestappsforkids.com
www.apps4kids.com


There is a free app created for moms that provides some great information about which apps to choose for your child including: early literacy, music, math, science, special needs etc.

Mike Matas: A next-generation digital book | Video on TED.com

TED: Ideas Worth Spreading, is an excellent App for learning about current ideas, trends and initiatives. The link below is a TED talk from earlier in the year. The software developer is introducing the latest technology for digital books. Although the book's purpose is to inform, it will also engage the reader like never before. Take a look...

Mike Matas: A next-generation digital book | Video on TED.com

Another Great App!

Are you interested in learning? Then this app is for you! It is called RSA and it stands for the Royal Society of the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. Fantastic videos and podcasts are accessible through this app. I would advise that you check out the Animate videos first.