Chrome Tools: Extensions & Apps for All Students

This PowerPoint is a compilation of some excellent Chrome apps & extensions available to everyone! A few are paid, but most are completely free and available at the Chrome Web Store. Click on the post title for the PowerPoint.

Local Classroom Technology Integration Specialists

Gaby's website

Justin's website

We find ourselves very fortunate here in the U.P.!  We have some awesome Instructional Technology Integration specialists to help us out with issues related to Google Chrome, iOS devices, Android, etc. Here's a few sites where you can find instructions (Justin's video tutorials) and resources (Gaby's Diigo collection). Justin works with Dickinson-Iron districts and Gaby can be found in Marquette-Alger districts. It's great to have these experts to rely on!

ChromeAT presented by Mike Marotta, ATP

Here's another resource put together by Mike Marotta who demystifies apps and extensions for Reading, Writing, Math, Learning and Visual Impairments.  

Seriously Shiny Chrome presented by Ron Houtman, Educational Technology Consultant, Kent ISD

Ron presented this session at Kent ISD's AssisTechKnow conference on October 9th. Check out these tips, apps and extensions like Readability, Cruxlight and SpeakIT.  

New Chrome AT Toolbox 2.0 Beta

Back in March, I posted about the Chrome AT Toolbox, a searchable collection of free or low-cost apps & extensions. Well, now it's even better and easier to use! With V2, the database has been rewritten and anyone can write reviews to Chrome apps & extensions. New reviews are posted automatically and the database is searchable with filters for Tasks and Keywords. For example, you can search by the Task Organization, and by Keyword Bookmarking to narrow results. The editors are hoping to start fresh with new reviews, and if you disagree with a review, you can share your perspective.

Keep this valuable resource in mind when you're looking for ideas - I know I will! Thank you to John Calvert and Mark Surabian for creating it.

QIAT Resource Bank - UDL Apps!

Have you been to the QIAT Resource Bank lately?  I was looking for a document and ran across this beautiful Placement of Core Apps Serving Learning for All!  Each of the three separate sections, Representation, Expression and Engagement, list apps in categories by student area of difficulty: LD reading, LD writing, LD executive functioning, physical, visual, hearing and communication.

If you're looking for educational app, I'd start here!  Thank you to Barbara Welsford, M.Ed., ATP, ADE for putting this together!

This is just one example of the excellent resources on the QIAT Resource Bank.  Check it out at http://indicators.knowbility.org/resource-bank.html

Chrome AT Toolbox

Google has many accessibility features built into the Chrome browser and many add-on Apps and Extensions.
What's the difference between an App and an Extension?  A web app is basically a website that runs within the browser and may not require any downloads.  Google Docs is an example of an app because it runs within the browser and doesn't require a download.  On the other hand, an extension affects something global on your browser.  Extensions are downloaded to modify your browser.
The Chrome Toolbox is a searchable collection of free or low cost apps and extensions that follow the user wherever there's an Internet connection.  The tools are attached to the user's profile and available when they're logged in to Chrome.  The collection focuses on alternative access and is searchable by specific task or disability profile.  Check it out!

Resource for Apps - both iOS and Android

On the never-ending quest for apps, I found this site that's proven very helpful. Of major importance is the inclusion of Android and Google apps, not just iOS. Seeing as I'm responsible for AT equipment purchasing on a budget, I'm looking at Android tablets since they are so economical. Yesterday's quote for an 8" Android tablet was just over half the cost of an iPad! So I started looking at Android apps and found this site. A recent post focuses on special education apps and lists 11 that are also available on iOS. Although the Bookshare app isn't one of them, I know there is a free Android Bookshare app, GoRead.

I'm working on a Purchase Order for an Android tablet and will post about it soon!

Keyboarding! The Number One Top Post on Common Core & Ed Tech Blog

This week, the Common Core Educational Technology Blog wrote about their all time most popular posts and believe it or not, Keyboarding was the number one post!

Here's some of the most popular sites to support keyboarding:
Typing Web a free, online typing tutor and keyboarding tutorial for all skill levels.  By registering (free) students can track their progress using their proven curriculum.

Key Hero Typing Test No login required, but you can, and save work.

Dance Mat Typing, one of the most fun ways to learn for kids.

FreeTypingGame.net has games, lessons, tests and lessons can be customized.

There's several more listed on the Common Core & Ed Tech post that you can get to by clicking this post title, plus it's interesting to read the comments and hear what others are using. 

Bookshare YouTube Channel!

If you're looking for a quick, easy tutorial for creating an individual account or using Bookshare's new Web Reader, check out Bookshare's YouTube channel. Videos are two - three minutes long and show step by step instructions. Just re-watch them anytime for a refresher! The link will also be added to the Bookshare section of our Blog.

Free Webinars on Accessible PDFs and more!

I recently found ADA Online Learning while researching information on accessible websites.  Several teachers have asked how to make PDF files accessible and here's two training opportunities to learn more.  

September 19th: Creating Accessible PDFs Part 1: Building Accessibility into Source Documents 

Session Objectives include how to apply styles and structure to Word and PowerPoint documents and how to set up accessibility options in PDF converters, such as Adobe Acrobat

November 21st: Advanced Accessible PDF Part 2: Tables, Forms and More!

ADA Online Learning has a wealth of archived webinars on the topic of accessibility, including how to use the website accessibility evaluation tool, WAVE at wave.webaim.org.  

New High Quality Accessible Graphing Calculator

The Orion TI-84 Plus Talking Graphing Calculator is functionally identical to the Texas Instrument TI-84 and fully accessible! A high quality synthesized voice reads text and symbol information that's displayed on the screen, as well as each key press.  Information can be reviewed without affecting calculation. A USB connection allows for both printing and embossing of graphs.
Features include:

• Easy for teachers to help with - LCD display and keypad functionality are identical to the standard TI-84 Plus
• Learning Mode for instantaneous key identification without interrupting operation
• Calculator functions have the benefit of decades of experience from TI, the world leader in calculators
• Full access to all menus, expressions, text, and symbols displayed on the screen
• Use the screen reader to review the screen without losing your place
• Superb synthesized speech quality with choice of voices, speech rates, and pitch
• Full access to graphs through speech output of coordinates and the innovative SonoGraph^TM, including differential sounds for negative regions and axis crossing points
• Unique haptic feedback for multi-modal visualization of graphs
• Listen using stereo earphones or built-in stereo speakers
• Ergonomically designed; Large, tactile, functionally zoned keys
• Each key is spoken when pressed
• Repeat facility to speak the display (or parts of it) at any time
• Scroll the history of calculations and quickly recall input/output
• High capacity rechargeable battery
• Battery or AC adapter operation; charge from a USB port
• Connect to your computer via USB cable to print or emboss graphs and other work (requires a printer or embosser)
• Expandable hardware accessories using USB port
• Fully upgradable via supplied USB cable
• Dimensions: 9.3 inches x 3.5 inches x 1 inch
• Included accessories: High quality stereo earphones for private use, AC adapter/charger, user manual
• One-year limited warranty
• "The Orion TI-84 Plus will be available through APH's Federal Quota Program and units will ship in time for the 2013-2014 school year."

Upper Peninsula MACUL Conference in Houghton!

Mark your calendars for this year's U.P. MACUL conference on Friday, April 26th in Houghton! MACUL (Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning) has hosted a U.P. conference for many years - it's affordable ($49) and close to most of the Region. The Call for Speakers deadline is April 12th and registration closes April 19th. Topics include:

• Google Apps in Education
• 21 Things for Students
• The Great Things You can do with Google Chrome
• 20 Minute PD for Busy Teachers
• iTunesU - Learn Anything, Anywhere, Anytime

This is just a sampling - click the post title for more information. See you there!

Free AAC Photo Printables, and Much More!

Like British Columbia has SETBC (Special Education Technology BC), the United Kingdom has SENICT (Special Education Needs Information Communication Technology). And like SETBC, SENICT has put together a wealth of resources, many that are free. I just came across their general website of resources that anyone can submit entries to. In addition, they have a site for the SEN Teacher with tons of free printables, downloads and weblinks where you'll find free AAC Photo Cards, Math Activity Printables, Literacy Activities Printables and much more. What's better than FREE? We tried out the AAC Photo Cards and our Speech therapists had good reviews. Worth spending time at, but be warned, you could be there awhile!

Free Voice Recognition (speech to text) in Chrome

Have you ever wanted to try voice recognition with a student but didn't want to purchase the software, or don't have a device to run the free app? With TalkTyper, dictation is free to anyone with a computer and Google Chrome, a free web browser. Speech input has been around for a long time and has certainly improved recently, especially the Nuance app, Dragon Dictation for iOS devices. Talktyper is different, it's a free service and a wonderful solution to those that don't have an Android phone, iPhone or iPad to work with.

Click on the post title to link to TalkTyper, then click the Microphone icon and begin speaking. It works best to dictate one sentence at a time. If the speech was recognized correctly, it will appear in red. To hear it, click on the Speaker icon. If your speech wasn't recognized correctly, click the Alternatives button to view other 'recognitions', (what it thinks you said) or just repeat the sentence again. If the text is okay, click the Okay button, and your text will be added to the box at the bottom.

When you're all done, click the Copy button and paste the text into a document, email, blog, or tweet! (If the copy button doesn't work for you, remember that the shortcut for copying is "Ctrl-C").  

Remember, TalkTyper is only available if using Google Chrome! To remove unwanted ads, install the Chrome extension Adblock Plus. Dictation is available in several languages too!

Texthelp Read&Write Google Chrome App

Texthelp, the company that brings us Read&Write Gold, has developed a Google Chrome app, Read&Write, with some useful accessibility features for Google Docs. I've added it, and it is available whenever I use Google Docs. Words are highlighted during text to speech and there are settings for different voices, speed and continuous reading options.

As you can see in the first image, it has a picture/symbol dictionary too. Other neat AT features include a built in word dictionary with speech feedback, ability to collect highlighted sections, a vocabulary tool and the fact finder feature that automatically does a Google search of the selected word.

This app is free and currently only works with Google Docs, although they have another web app for Read&Write Gold license holders with full web accessibility.

Free Switch Accessible Activities to Play Online or Download

This is just one of the many categories of switch, mouse and touchscreen accessible activities you can download from Ian Bean's website. A while back I posted about Priory Woods, a school for children with special needs in the UK, and their free online switch activated videos. Well it turns out that Ian Bean, the fellow that wrote the Switch Progression Road Map (see earlier post) was a teacher and website developer there. He went on to work for Inclusive TLC and now provides training and consulting around the world. I've spent most of the morning on his Facebook page where Ian posts on a daily basis. You may also be interested in his free monthly newsletter.

There's an app for that! But is it right for my student?

How many apps have you downloaded that you've only used once? An average of 26% of apps are only used once! With thousands of apps available for education alone, how can you sort through and find the right ones for your students? I just ran across this article that provides some great tips to help you decide if an app is appropriate before downloading or buying it. Besides the common sense tips like reading reviews and finding YouTube videos that show the app in action, here's some other thoughts to consider:

• Are additional in-app purchases necessary to make the app functional?
• Do advertising messages pop up during use?
• What privacy policies are connected to the app? Are you agreeing to share information with the developer?
• Before updating an app, check if the update is useful. Some updates remove important features that you may have depended on. 

There's plenty of sites that review apps and provide more on this topic. While writing this post I came across a Blog, Apps in Education, with a link to a Google doc that you can add to and re-share! It's a collaborative guide to what apps do what. Many thanks to all that have contributed!
 What apps do what ??? Collaborative classroom guide  - - -> PLEASE ADD YOUR IDEAS AND RE-SHARE!!

Using an iPad to Help Struggling Readers - OT's with Apps

I ran across this very useful site while reading about using an iPad with struggling readers on LinkedIn.  On a side note, LinkedIn has become one of my favorite resources for learning about new products.  I'm a member of two groups on LinkedIn, Assistive Technology Professionals and K12 Assistive Technology Professionals, both have excellent conversations which is where I found out about OT's with Apps.  If you're looking for information on either iPad or Android apps to help with OT intervention, try this site!

Kathy Schrock's Guide to Everything

Scan this QR code if you want to sign up for Kathy Schrock's periodic newsletter, or click on the post title to be directed to a one-stop, amazing resource for, as Kathy puts it, "Everything"!  If you work with technology in the schools, you'll agree.  Here you'll find technology resources for

• Apps
• Assessments & Rubrics
• Authentic Learning
• Bloomin' Apps
• Concept Mapping
• Connecting your Classroom
• Creating Classroom Web Pages

Well, you get the idea!  Thanks to Jane S. in the Copper Country for sharing this incredible resource!  Be prepared to stay awhile.