Web 2.0 Wednesday! Livebinders

As part of our Web 2.0 Wednesday series, today we will highlight another webinar presented by our friends at Region 4 ESC in Texas.

Today's episode of 1001 Super Tools for Teachers focuses on Livebinders.

Listen to the recorded webinar by clicking HERE.

Download the handout by clicking HERE.


Don't forget to sign up for the live webinar today on Kerpoof.
October 26th @ 11:45 AM

Here is the link: http://www.esc4.net/udl

The Webinar is FREE so sign up today!

To The Cloud: Web 2.0 in the Classroom

Today I presented a session at the annual NJAET (New Jersey Association for Education Technology) conference entitled, "To The Cloud: Web 2.0 Tools in the Classroom".


The response was great (thanks to everyone in the session!) and for everyone who couldn't be there- follow the link below to my WIKI page to see what we covered.

To The Cloud: Web 2.0 Tools in the Classroom WIKI

The conference was well attended and there were some great sessions on Web 2.0 tools and iPads in Education. If you get a chance to attend in the future - don't miss it!

APP Attack! Intellipad

When I was preparing for an APP ATTACK presentation, I was on a mission to find an app that would allow me to create picture prompts, had word prediction, text to speech and customization keyboards. I figure if I was going to dream big I might as well as put all my expectations out there. I didn’t actually think that my list of expectations would be met however I had to search for the infamous needle in the haystack. I think I found a product that gives me what I was seeking for.

The app is called Intellipad. No it is not a tool put out by Intellitools (Cambium Learning). The product reminds me more Clicker 5 writing grids. You can customize the writing grids as a word wall for topic writing or create errorless sentences writing for students. The limit of options is limited only by your imagination. I like how this tool because it scaffolds the writing process for most students in your classroom. You can also add human speech to the grids you create.

The app has word prediction, spell check and text to speech which all can be turned off under settings within the app. The word prediction appears on top of the keyboard. It shows 4 words at a time. You cannot change the number of words that show. The word prediction does have speech. You have to have good fine motor to be able to press the speaker.

You can also create picture supported writing by importing a picture into the writing pad. The picture is justified to the left. You can import any photo from your photo gallery (taken or from the internet).

I was able to cut and paste text into the word processing piece and have the speech read the text. The speech is Acapela voices which are great voices. The speech is slower than 170 wpm I would guess that it is set about 140 wpm. There is no way to adjust the rate of speech. You do have 6 different voices to select from.

I must not forget that this app also has a way for users to share keyboards and notepads. This is extremely powerful if it is used as other share pieces are. You can have customized writing grids, keyboards and notepads at your fingertips.

There are some things that I would like to see changed. The word prediction and spell check are not phonetic based tools. The most common errors that students with disabilities make were not corrected. The font size is a fair size (12 point font) however I would like to see an option to increase the font size so individuals that need larger font can select the size they need. I would like to have grids be able to speak and not send. Not all students have the ability to read the words so I would like the student to be able to check before they select. I would love pictures to be able to be used for writing not just a writing prompt. This is the dangers of finding something close to what you are looking for. There are so many pieces that you still want.

At $19.00 it is on the expensive side of an app however it is worth it if you need to have all the options offered in this app. I haven’t come across an app like this.

Link to App Store: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/intellipad/id435865000?mt=8

Link to Company website: http://www.intellipadapp.com/index.html

Please let me know if you have any other suggestions for apps that allow you this much control and customization. I would love to see them.

Do you want to learn more about APPS?

Do you want to learn how to implement iPads in your school?

Contact us - we can help! Email - mmarotta@advopps.org

Thanks, Steve

Each morning, before diving into the mess on my desk, I usually cruise my blog roll – an odd mix of marketing, technology and disability related posts. All three spheres were reeling with the sad news of Steve Jobs’ death this morning. The unanimous sentiment from the bloggers with disabilities, “Thank you for making my life better.”

Just yesterday at Advancing Opportunities, we had a classroom full of teachers taking our App Attack workshop. With iPads in front of them, they were discovering the device’s accessibility features and practicing with apps that make life and learning more accessible for people with all types of disabilities.

Every measure of independence gained with an Apple product is a tribute to his visionary genius. We will be celebrating his life for a long, long time to come.

TLC Spotlight - RUBY Handheld Video Magnifier

RUBY Handheld Video Magnifier

 

For the many people who need help reading text and seeing details because of low vision, traditional magnifying glasses work only up to a point. The RUBY video magnifier takes handheld magnification to the next level and beyond. The RUBY’s 4.3-inch, full color, high brightness video screen makes it outstanding for reading bills, letters, checks, and receipts. It is so small and unobtrusive that it easily slips into a pocket or purse as the perfect traveling companion for visiting the grocery store, the pharmacy, the bank, the library, bookstore, restaurant, or anywhere else

RUBY features:

Flip out the convenient handle and use the RUBY like a conventional magnifying glass, holding it above a page or object – but see everything with enhanced contrast and NO DISTORTION.

Press the Freeze Frame button to capture an image and bring it close for comfortable reading - even change the magnification on the still image. This is ideal for reading labels of food products on high store or pantry shelves. Take the RUBY to the library or bookstore, and suddenly you can read the titles of books on arm-length-high rows. At the metro station, you can hold it flat to a wall-posted schedule board, push the Freeze Frame button, then bring the RUBY close and take your time carefully reading route information. You will find so many uses for the Freeze Frame feature.

Change the text and background colors individually to suit your most comfortable reading. The RUBY features full color mode and four enhanced contrast modes for reading: black text on a white background; white text on a black background; yellow text on a blue background; or yellow text on a black background.

Check out the RUBY in action...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXmVw1ZIsoI

What do you think? Do you want to TRY IT before you BUY IT? Then join our Technology Lending Center. Click here to join today!

Web 2.0 Wednesday! Tarheel Reader

As part of our Web 2.0 Wednesday series, today we will highlight another webinar presented by our friends at Region 4 ESC in Texas.

Today's episode of 1001 Super Tools for Teachers focuses on Tarheel Reader and PowerPoint.

Listen to the recorded webinar by clicking HERE.

Download the handout by clicking HERE.


Don't forget to sign up for the live webinar today on Kerpoof.
October 26th @ 11:45 AM

Here is the link: http://www.esc4.net/udl

The Webinar is FREE so sign up today!

APP Attack! ePUBs and iBooks

Today's post will highlight resources shared by Katie Krueger ( @KHirt )
Meg Wilson ( @iPodsibilities ) at EdCampNYC. These resources focus on ePub books and apps that allow you to create engaging materials for students of all abilities.

Let's Talk ePub and iBooks

Enjoy!