Upcoming Webinar on Multi-Tiered System of Supports

This session is very timely!  The presentation will share the work of The Multi-Tiered System of Supports Project at the University of South Florida.  This past summer they implemented the Technology & Learning Connections: AT & UDL Team (TLC Team). The team is responsible for the development of a Multi-Tiered Supports System Framework for technology that includes accessible instructional materials, assistive technology, instructional technology, UDL and virtual instruction/assessment.  For a complete listing of upcoming webinars and registration information, visit the ATIA website.

Audio Audio Audio!

THREE UPCOMING SESSIONS

1. Monday, 1/16 @ 3:15pm Register http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AudioJanuary162012REGISTRATION

2. Monday, 1/30 @ 3:15pm Register http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AudioJan302012REGISTRATION

3. Friday, 2/3 @ 3:15pm     Register http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AudioFeb32012REGISTRATION

Event Description: This session will cover everything from free tools for recording and manipulating audio in your classroom to converting digital text into mp3's, a little on podcasting, converting audio formats, creating audiobooks, and organizing all of your classroom Audio!

This session is hosted by PATINS Promoting Achievement through Technology and INstsruction for All Students

Upcoming Livescribe Webinars

Introductory 1 hour sessions for learning the basics:

• Configure the settings of a smartpen and check the status
• Identify the features and functions of a smartpen, headset, and dot paper
• Capture handwritten notes and record audio
• Play back audio using paper replay controls
• Use the Livescribe Desktop software to access, organize, and search notes
• Share educational applications of the Livescribe smartpen

Tue, Jan 17, 2012 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST

Tue, Feb 21, 2012 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST

Free Printable Activities

We found this Blog while searching for a fun way for a student with autism to learn about emotions.  The post title links to an Emotions Bingo game.  The creator lists some other fun ways to use this - cut it apart and make a Memory game, or Flash cards.  The Blogger is a very creative, crafty mom of a child with autism.
This is just one of many projects!  There's free printable jig saw puzzles, home school activities and classification games.  There's even free printable gift tags, recipe cards and wrapping paper!  Hey it's that time of year...
Happy Holidays!

New Scanning Keyboard App

A student start-up company, ASK Interfaces LLC @ U of M, has created an app and is looking for testers. They are hoping to release the android app before Christmas, and an iPad app in the future. It's a scanning keyboard that activates with any touch of the screen - no switches necessary.

Free Online Switch Activated Videos

During an eval a few weeks ago, a speech therapist mentioned that she uses free online switch activities with a student. She called it "Priory Woods". Click on the post title to check out these slide shows set to music that can be activated with switches or a touch screen. They are designed to help children understand and generalize cause & effect, and can be played online or downloaded to a mac or pc. If you work with students that use switches and love music, you'll be glad you found this site!

Priory Woods is a school for students with special needs in the UK.

21 Things for the 21st Century Educator: Technology Every Educator Should Know

"This project seeks to provide "Just in Time” training through an online interface for K-12 educators based on the National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS-T). These standards are the basic technology skills every educator should possess. In the process, educators will develop their own skills and discover what students need in order to meet the NETS for Students, as well as online course requirement."
What I like about it, even though I'm not participating in a formal way, is that I can learn about cool resources like Presentation Tools and Productivity Tools, whether I'm an educator or just interested in what's new with technology.  It's well organized and information is presented in a variety of ways.

Tobii's Sono Flex app gets high marks

It's been about a month since Tobii introduced their app for iDevices, Sono Flex, and it's been getting great reviews.  Released on October 7th, Sono Flex is one of the first apps developed by a communication device manufacturer.  I finally had a chance to try it today and found it to be extremely easy to customize.  It has over 50 pre-made context vocabularies, and customization is very user friendly.  It's available for PCs as well as dedicated speech devices running Tobii Communicator.

Windows 7 Tablet vs iPad

RJ Cooper has developed a system that's an alternative to the iPad for communication and switch users. It's simply a tablet PC with Windows 7, so any PC software can be installed and the entire device is switch accessible. Why choose Windows over an iPad? RJ has listed some valid considerations, here's an excerpt from his site:
1) If you're a switch user and want complete control over the device, the iPad simply won't allow total control by anything other than finger touch/swipe (or pointer that is 'electrified' as per my 'secret').
2) If you need joystick, or trackball, or head tracker, or eye control, or any other type of alternative input 'global' control (except for switch control *within* a switch-friendly app).
3) You don't want to mess with iTunes at all.
4) You must purchase programs (apps) by Purchase Order, not credit card.
5) You need access over the operating system and file system, menus, and other User Interace aspects.
6) If your user messes around with the Home button, thus exiting the app he/she is supposed to stay in.
7) If your user cannot slide the Slide To Unlock slider to get *into* their iPad (I make a nice training app for this called Slide 2 Unlock at the App Store.  If you're using my Bluetooth Switch Interface or Super-Switch, just clicking it will turn on your iPad and get past the Unlock screen :)
8) And most of all, your IT dept. simply doesn't want to deal with Apple or iPads.

Know any good apps?

We get asked this question almost daily.  There's a wealth of resources - blogs and websites you can find under the iDevice category here, or you can do your own searches.  How about having a great list in one place?  This post title links to the handouts from four MACUL iPad presentations on the MITS website.  First take a look at the handouts for choosing apps, App-Related Websites. Then check out the list of apps for Reading &Writing, Math & Science, and Communication & Visual Supports.

Of course, these lists aren't comprehensive, but a great place to start.  Remember, there's even apps to help you find other, related apps.  Check out Discovr for suggestions of apps similar to ones you like.

When you've had success with apps in education, please share your knowledge at Teacher Recommended iOS apps, a new project of MITS that seeks to match specific apps to learner challenges and content area.  Thanks to MITS and Peter Schaafsma for great iPad presentations.