Read everything!

For people with print disabilities - finding the right tool to meet their needs is key. The Intel Reader may be that device for many consumers.

This device - which is about the size of a hand held video game - enables the user to take pictures of reading materials and have that turned into text. The text can then be spoken aloud for auditory support. There is the ability to enlarge the font for easier viewing. Consumers can also download electronic text and either read the material or convert it to mp3 files for listening.

Click HERE to view the video of the new Intel Reader

If you need to convert a large amount of materials into electronic formats (text books, etc.) - Intel has also created a Portable Capture Station. This station facilitates creation of electronic files.



The Intel Reader can be purchased for $1499 and the Capture Station can be purchased for $399.

Hopefully - we can get our hands on this device and give a more detailed report on the features of this device and the benefits for people with print disabilities. Stay Tuned!

Sample Livescribe Notes and Recording: AT for Writing

What is the Livescribe pen, and how can it be used? From the manufacturer's website:

"Livescribe’s Pulse™ smartpen is an intuitive, pen and paper solution that captures everything students write and hear in the classroom, and enables easy, on–demand access to that information, giving all students a simple and more effective way to receive, review, and retain what they’ve learned in class"

http://www.livescribe.com/

Here is a professional example of it in use. When doing a presentation to the Burlington County School Social Workers on AT that supports students who are using whole words, pictures, and need speech feedback, I had an audience member take notes using my livescribe pen (thanks, Dodie!). The note taker was sitting in the back of the room, but you can still make out the audio.

Livescribe in action! Click here.

To get the full effect, view it in Full Screen by clicking on the little orange arrow near the top of the handwritten notes page.

One thing from the NJEA Conference

Yesterday I attended the New Jersey Education Association's annual conference in Atlantic City. This was the second year that there was a Technology Intergration Showcase at the conference. If you want to see the list of presentations, check out this wiki.

One of the sessions, given by Lisa Thumann, was all about free internet resources that are available to anyone, and how educators can intergrate these tools into the classroom. One of my favorite websites that I was introduced to is Xtranormal.com. This is a free website where a user can make a movie.

I spent some time creating my own movie. It took me about 45 minutes to do. Check it out.

There was a lot of good information shared at the conference and I thought it was a day well spent.