Day 3

Today each group viewed a different webinar of Barbs.  My group listened to "Physical Access to Mobile Devices."  We learned about many devices which allow people to access technology, such as mounting devices, stylus, joysticks, protective gear for technology, and various apps. The three apps we presented are:

Dragon Dictation – speech to text software in which you speak into the device (IPad, IPod) and it creates the text.  The downfall is the student must be able to articulate and pronounce their words well.  It is very sensitive to speech.  

Writepad - It recognizes various styles of handwriting and creates the text for the user.  You can also email this text afterwards.  You can use your finger or a stylus to write.  It is excellent for someone who has problems forming written letters, such as disgraphia.  One downfall is it doesn't perform some symbols, such as fractions.

Touch Trainer (6.99) – for early learners and individuals with intellectual disabilities.  Good for individuals with down syndrome or autism.  The app trains individuals to use technology by practicing fine motor skills in order to be able to use a touch screen.  It has engaging reinforcement and settings to select how many times the individual needs to practice.  You tap or swipe a specific area on the screen.  The screen eventually becomes smaller until it is the size needed to use a touch device.

Executive Functioning and Memory Group

Soft Puppets app- when an individual talks the app recognizes a voice and puppets on the screen move their mouths.  The sounds don't come out of the device, which is a downfall, however, it is very engaging.   Excellent app to use to reinforce social stories.



Shredder (99cents) – you can type your negative thoughts into the device and it shreds your bad thoughts.  This app helps relieve stress, or tension.  Maybe useful for an individual on the autism spectrum.

Let Panic Go (2.99) – good for panic attacks or any social breakdown.  It helps direct you on how to react and deal with the problem.

Early Learners Group

Kiddie Questions (2.99) – for building language, early vocabulary and problem solving skills.  You are asked the 5 W questions and the app prompts the user to answer the question.  You can decide which W questions you want the individual to work on.  It will also say (speak) the question.

Bugs and Buttons ($3) Students can practice math, and fine motor abilities, while using engaging activities and games.  It also has rewards you can learn.

JibJab Jr – You can take a picture with your camera and put it into the app.  It creates a story with the child in it.  Very engaging for early learners.

Communication Group

Sign 4 me (9.99) – created to teach sign language, but an excellent way to communicate with others by typing a message onto the screen and the character signs it.  Settings allow you to speed up the signing.  The character is also 3-D.

Speech Tutor – it shows people how to form your mouth and tongue to say a word.  You can change the view to see it.  It gives the description of the sound.

Math Group - apps for students having difficulty with math.  Mainly for elementary students, but good for anyone to practice math skills if they struggle with math.  Can ease the anxiety brought to students having difficulty with math.

Money Count – Canadian money which helps people learn to count money.  You can set difficulty level.

Symmetry Shuffle – teaches you how to slide, flip, turn, etc. figures.  Great introduction to geometry for junior high.

Number line (free app) – teaches students to estimate and use a number line.  Can email results to someone.

Apps in Special Education Group-setting up IPADs and tailoring to special needs.  Looked at students with special needs who need enhancing.

Pocket Pond (free)– calming app which can be used for anyone.  You can add anything to the calming pond for graphic appeal.

Science 360 - many different topics to explore, no text, but fun and engaging.

TourWrist – gives 360 tours of anything someone uploads.  You can move the IPAD around and it gives the tour of everything around the area you are viewing, as if you were actually in that place.  Great for students to explore places they have not seen.