Utilizing Apple Mobile Devices as Assistive Technology to enhance performance with various students (i.e. Autism, Executive Functions, Learning Disabilities, Early Learning and Math).

In today's class we had the opportunity to view a webcast on different areas of assistive technology. Each group reported back on the top two or three apps from the lecture. My group was responsible for math apps. I have briefly highlighted the apps that were discussed and/or demoed in class.

Physical disabilities:

1. Write Pad – This is a write to text application. students can use finger or stylus to write (whichever is desirable to student). The program will translate diagrams, handwriting, shortcuts (circle date) into text. This is an excellent app for students unable to write with a traditional pencil or pen. 

2. Dragon dictation (Free) –Studetns are able to bypass the keyboard with this app. It is excellent for students unable to type. However, they have to be articulate in order to have the device pick up the language. It is a better choice for students with good language skills. It claims to be 3-5 times faster than typing. This app can only be successfully used if the student is able to have an idea, hold on to it and then dictate it. 

3. Touch Trainer – This app goes through different difficulty levels, so can be used for many different levels of ability. It is great for fine motor difficulties. The app helps students develop target selection. The screen can get smaller and smaller as selection becomes better.

Executive Functions:

1. Sock Puppets- This app is very useful for making up social stories. Users can talk into the device and the sock moves the mouth to say what you are saying (shows up on screen). This would be an excellent app for encourage students to talk. It could be used in readers theatre,  and to help students with speech delays to speak more. 

 

2. Shredder – This app would be fantastic for students with anger issues or anxiety over something. The user can type in negative thoughts onto the paper and put it in the paper shredder.  The app will then shred your thought. This will help students let go, cope and move on. 

3. Let Panic go – This app has no sound, so can be private in the middle of a class or any situation. This app will help a student if having a panic attack and will guide them through the feelings. The screen reads step by step instructions telling the student what to do. Great for students with anxiety, OCD.  This can help students get to the point where they can be self aware and calm themselves down (ie self regulate).

Early Learning:

1. Kiddie question ($2.99) - This app can be used to build up language and problem solving skills. The app asks questions, student answers out loud and then hit answer to see if they were right. This could be independent or a caregiver could have a discussion with children.

2. Bugs and Buttons ($3.00) - This app has pages of different activities. For example, pinch and grab to pick up bugs and put into jar - good for fine motor, finger isolation for  pre-writing skill. The app has great graphics and music, and a variety of fun games. Children can earn stamps for their scrapbook for reinforcement.

3. Jib Jab – This app can post faces of students into story. This would be a great way to encourage some students to read.

Communication:

1. Sign 4 me ($9.99) - This app allows the user to type in message and the character on screen will sign for you. This was designed to teach sign language but can also be used to communicate with hearing impaired. Can save phrases and comes with around 11500 banked words. 

2. Speech Tutor – This app is really cool. It shows the inside of a mouth and how the tongue moves between teeth and around mouth when forming words. Great for helping students learn how to make sounds.

Math:

1. Money count - We like this app because it was Canadian money. This would be useful for students having difficulty recognizing money. The pictures are sometimes showing both sides of the coin, so students would have to be able to recognize similar sizes as well. Users can choose to only count certain coins to make the app easier and more challenging. 

2. Symmetry Shuffle – This app allows users to slide, flip and turn a picture to fit on top of the other picture. When the user is correct, the picture will turn coloured. It is fun to use with appealing colours and picture choices. 

3. Number line – This app was great for students and sequencing numbers. Asks students to find a number on a number line and they touch the spot they think it belongs. 

Free Apps for special education:

1. Pocket Pond – This is an app for students who need calming. It shows a pond with calming colours and sounds. Users can add more things to the pond. It could be used for students during transitions if they need a few minutes to calm. 

2. Science 360 – for ipad only. This app has 100's of videos or still pictures on many different topics. It has no text, so it would be good for visual learners. There are many engineering and science topics. 

3.Touwrist –This app shows users a visual tours of panoramic views around the world. Anyone can take pictures and upload to site.