iPad as a Communication Device

Like the buds on my rosebushes, possibilities for using Apple’s new iPad as a communication device are starting to bloom. And they promise to get better and easier as more apps are created and tweaks are found. We have acquired a few iPads for our Technology Lending Center. Since they’ve come in, our staff has been exploring and experimenting.

Recently, I found an informative and insightful user review from Canadian writer and author Glenda Watson Hyatt. Her blog, Do It Myself Blog, regularly features excellent posts on accessibility issues and self-advocacy. Here she shares her initial review of the iPad as a communication device. Find out how she did using the Proloquo2Go app and the iPad's keyboard feature.

In a related note, Cory Bohon at MacLife shares a few money-saving tips and hacks you can do with the $29 iPad Camera Connection Kit.

Web 2.0 Wednesday! Gabcast

Do you want to create podcasts? How about audio content for your blog? Try Gabcast

According to their website:

"Gabcast.com is a podcasting and audioblogging platform that offers an easy way to create and distribute audio content. Most people will use a touch-tone telephone to make their recordings but we also provide worldwide access to the service through VoIP. Once you have made a recording and have published it, a newsfeed is immediately and automatically updated to alert subscribers to your channel."

Recording your audio material using Voice over IP is FREE, however if you want to use the telephone recording feature you must purchase minutes.

Do you want to hear an example? Check out this link to go to the 8th grade Spanish class recordings. Once you sign up, you can create your own channel to organize your recordings.

Check it out and let your voice be heard! Comments?? As always, feel free to leave them below.

Creating Presentations Just Got Easier

280 Slides is an incredible, free web app that makes creating and sharing presentations a snap. You do it right online, without having to buy or install presentation software. Best part is, it’s free. To save and store work, users need to register with a username and email address.

Some of 280 Slides cooler features include being able to import and export presentations from and as PowerPoint files. 280 Slides allows users to easily incorporate text and images. And users can search, upload and embed video right from sites like YouTube.

The look and feel of 280 Slides is smooth. Putting slides together is pretty intuitive. It lacks the charting capabilities you’ll find in PowerPoint, but works really well for creating multi-media presentations. Perfect for students!

Users can post their presentations right to SlideShare or have 280 Slides store them. 280 Slides will also give you a link so you can embed your work in websites elsewhere. It’s an excellent, free resource.

Web 2.0 Wednesday! Titan Pad

Have you wanted to collaborate on a project in real time over the Internet?

Try Titan Pad.

This free tool, which also requires no sign up, allows you to collaborate on a project without having to send different versions of a document back and forth. Each person can see the changes as they happen and each collaborator has their own color for text so you can keep track of contributions.

Once you create a work pad, simply invite other collaborators to join the space. Once you are done with your collaboration, you can export your information as an HTML file, TXT, Word, or even a PDF!

Do you have a project coming up that you need to collaborate remotely with team members? Use this tool and comment below.

AT Demo Center in Action! Today is last day

Do you want to know what you can see at the AT Demo Center? Check out the video below.




Today is your last chance to visit the Assistive Technology Center at the Abilities Expo!

We will be there from 11 AM - 4 PM. Hope to see you there!

Last Chance!! AT Demo Center

Tomorrow is your last chance to visit the Assistive Technology Center at the Abilities Expo!


Have you wanted to try something to see if it is right for you? Then come check out our Hands-on Demos. The knowledgeable staff of the AT center will be on hand to guide you through the features of an array of Assistive Technology devices.

What if you don't know what you want? Don't worry - come by and speak to a staff member. In addition to the devices on display, we can help you search the Internet for possible technology solutions.


We hope to see you tomorrow between 11 AM and 4PM!

Web 2.0 Wednesday! Spezify

Have you done a web search lately? How many results came up? 1 million, 2 million? What if you wanted to search for audio files, video files or pictures? Another search, right?

Why not try Spezify? This search engine presents results in a visual format. Check out the picture below - this is a search for the term "assistive technology".


This search result page shows web pages, pictures, Tweets and more. All in one page! Think about some of the learners you work with (both students and adults). Long text based lists of results may not be the best method of finding information for them. By using this tool, people with all learning styles can have quick access to information. Any screen item can be clicked on - taking the person directly to the website. In addition, the page can be dragged in any direction to show additional resources.

Try this out next time you need to do a web search. When you're done - come on back here and share your experience.