Class 3

Barb began class by demonstrating the use of Apple TV via airplay which allows students to show a presentation using an iPad from their desk. Students who don't like to stand up in front of the class will enjoy using this technology.

Some of the great apps Barb shared with us were:

• Frog Dissection - An excellent science app showing students 3-D images, information on different frogs, the life cycle of a frog, videos and instructions on how to complete a dissection.

• Barefoot World Atlas - This app would be useful with any age group whether for a Social Studies activity or for a free exploration for younger students. The student uses their finger to travel around the globe where they will see illustrations that represent the people and culture.

• Back in Time - Allows users just as the title says, "Back in Time". The journey shows a timeline of various events dating back to The Big Bang. Wonderful images, videos and interesting facts are sure to capture the student.

• Britannica Kids Rainforest - This app is great for students who are learning about the rainforest. The various games such as puzzles and memory match would be enjoyed by young students.

During the morning part of class we were divided into small groups and set off to watch different webinars relating to assistive technology.

My partner and I watched the webinar, "Early Learners". There were many apps discussed in this webinar, but we had to choose only two to share with the rest of the class. I enjoyed all of them and can see that they all could be useful at some point with students. Also having a young son, many of these apps would be great for him. Learning about colors, shapes, letters and numbers, even though he is only 2 1/2 what a great way for him to play around.

Bugs and Buttons was one of the apps we picked. We both agreed it was an awesome app and wanted to share with our fellow classmates. The graphics were amazing and the games were really neat. One of our favorite games was the pinch and grab where the user uses their fingers to pinch the spider and put in the jar. This is just not a drag and drop motion it must be a two finger pinch to actually work. We thought this is great for students who need to work on fine motor skills. Some of the other games also work on fine motor skills too.

Bugs and Buttons Video:



Our second chose app was Kiddie Question. We liked this app as it could be used with all students to practise question building and to learn the different types of questions; who, what, when, where and why. If the student needs only assistance with one of these types of questions the settings can be changed to ask only those type of questions.

Kiddie Question Screenshot:

In the afternoon each group shared their favorite or interesting apps from the webinars viewed. Check them out!

Webinar #1: Physical Access to Mobile Devices
Apps: WritePad, TouchTrainer, DragonDictation

Webinar #2: Executive Functioning
Apps: SockPuppets, Shredder, LetPanicGo

Webinar #3: Communication
Apps: SpeechTutor, Sign4Me

Webinar #4: Math
Apps: MoneyCount, SymmetryShuffle, NumberLine


Webinar #5: Free Apps in Special Education
Apps: PocketPond, Science360, TourWrist