Money, Money, Money......

Hi Guys.
I am a little bit excited as I have just found two pretty cool apps. 

The first is iCAN Count Money New Zealand

Price: $1.29
This is a great NZ specific app for practising using money.

This is the app. I have been waiting for.  It's not going to replace actually using real money and visiting the shops but it's great to reinforce the skills and understanding.

Finally an app. that uses NZ coins and notes. 

I've altered the settings for my class so it just uses coins - you can also choose which coins you wish to use.

Super cool app - I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

The next app. is Operation Math:

 

 

Price: Free with addition equations only, or $5.29 for full version with basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
With a villain, Dr Odd, secret bases, and spy missions to complete, this award-winning app is very popular with students. It is designed for children aged 5-12.

I have just downloaded it for my class - just the free version as that basic addition is enough for my guys at the moment.

 

If you try them let me know what you think.

Christmas is coming!

Seasons Greetings!
It's never too early to get set for Christmas.  Lots of shops have their Christmas displays set up.  I had a wander through the tree section in Farmers a few days ago - very festive.  I love Christmas - I think I must be a big kid at heart.  Anyway - I thought I would look in  the App. store using the iPad to see what Xmas apps might be around.  I just put 'Christmas' into the search box and loads of stuff came up.  Loads of it was free. I have downloaded 10 apps with a range of activities - many of these involve numeracy, literacy, hand eye co-ordination.  There were loads of apps to choose from - I could have downloaded many more but I'll give these a try first.
These are the 10 I have selected for now:

Twas the Night before Jaspers Christmas (book):

 

          

Christmas Songs:

 

Christmas Fun (various games):

 

Christmas Jigsaw Puzzle:

 

25 days to Xmas - Advent Calender:

 

Christmas Tale (book):

 

Christmas Piano:

 

Toca Hair Salon - Christmas Gift (cutting and styling Santa's hair + beard):

 

Talking Santa:

 

Christmas tree Holiday:

 

I tried to include something for every student in my class with these choices.
There are hundreds to choose from - let me know if you decide to try any out.  I'll let you know how my class get on with the apps above.

 

Songify

I was researching apps. which may help one particular student with his expressive language and have discovered this.  It sounds FAB!  I am going to give it a whirl and let you know how I get on..........watch this space.......

 

Songify

App Name/Publisher: Songify by the Gregory brothers of Khush Inc.

Description: Perfect for iPhone, iTouch, iPad or Android this FREE and easy to use app allows you to turn speech into song. Simply “tap to record” and voila, Songify turns your speech into awesome musical vocals set to upbeat tracks. Totally cool, right!? Don't like the default track that comes with the app? No problem! The app boasts a variety of tracks you can mix and re-mix your new song for $1 per track. You can even save your recording and email it as an mp4 file to Facebook, Twitter or Gmail.

Applications for Music Therapy: Although I have used this app with clients to focus on breath support, articulation and discussing social concepts, Songify can also address expressive language, following directions, and creativity. Just the other day I had one client talk about what he had for breakfast and another talk about her feelings for a close friend. What a great expressive tool!

Applications Outside of Music Therapy: Great for addressing speech and language goals and an excellent motivational tool for addressing behavioral goals like following directions and impulse control.

Songify is loads of fun for addressing all kinds of therapeutic goals, but really, it is a fun app for everyone in the family. Download this FREE app for your kids and students today!

Reviewed by: Bonnie Hayhurst, MT-BC

Music Therapist and owner of http://groovygarfoose.com

Dexteria

Had a bit of a search of reviews for the Dexteria app.  Loads - mostly mixed reviews.

Here is one such review:

http://www.therapyapp411.com/2012/05/dexteria.html

As the app is cheap I may get it to give it a try.

App Connect - September 2012

Hi there everyone,

This link will take you to the September 2012 issue of App Connect:

http://assistive.dtsl.co.nz/files/App%20Connect%20September.pdf

I'm quite liking the look of the 'Dexteria' app - will research it a bit more - could be useful for several students in my class.

Check this out - something to try..............

Good Keen Librarian: iPads - E-Learning Staff Meeting

one for the iPadders

This message is for my iPad trial group at school (the iPadders): Well Guys, We have done really well so far on our iPad journey. All iPads up and running.  Apps downloaded and in use.  The issue now is on managing a group of iPads.  Various methods looked at - the iPad group at school is just deciding on which method we will go for for buying and managing our apps - watch this space.

Blobble Write - letter formation app.

Hi Guys,

I have just discovered a new letter formation app. - it seems really good - an improvement on the three previous letter formation apps I tested.  It just seems more user friendly - anyway - it's a free app. so why don't you test it out and let me know your thoughts.


For more info - click here.

iPad Protectors - Cases

Here are couple of iPad cases that have had good reviews - what do you think.
Anyone got any good/bad examples of iPad cases to share?

/iBallz-Original-Shock-Absorbing-Harness

Fisher-Price-Laugh-Learn-Apptivity-Case

iPad gives voice to kids with autism

Check out this link:

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/14/tech/gaming-gadgets/ipad-autism/index.html?eref=rss_health

What do you think?

iPad app. to aid communication for non-verbal students

This is a link to an app. that I'm just trying with one of my students.
I've only just downloaded it today and had a very quick try but the student concerned really liked it.
I have downloaded the free version - Tobii Sona Flex Lite.
I am not sure if you only get a limited time useage with the Lite version - as it did start 'saying' to me - that it was the free version.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Tobii Sona Flex

N.B. The full version costs $124.99 !!!

iPads for students with Autism

Check out this Fox News item - I'm particularly interested in the Tobii Sonar Flex app. mentioned.  I've just started using a 'paper' version of this with a couple of my students- well something similar - so I definitely want to check this out.  I'll let you know how I get on.


http://video.foxnews.com/v/1643346152001/ipad-apps-unlocking-communication-with-autistic-students/

iPad Stand

Looks great - from YooBee in Newmarket, Auckland.
Not sure cost - will see if I can find out.

Apps for Students with Autism

Check out the link below for loads of brief reviews on apps to use with students with autism.
Also further links to other useful sites.

http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/autism-apps

Apps for Autism - from TV show 60mins (USA)

Check out this You Tube Clip taken from the TV show '60 Minutes' (USA) - all about Autism and the iPad:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_8b7PgnNQQ

Workshop 4 (from Mobile Devices in Classroom Conference)

Here are my (very brief) notes from the final workshop I attended at the conference.

This session was led by Gilda Harfod and Karina Williams of Summerland Primary. - iPads for literacy with junior students.

First we looked at Magnetic ABC.  Basic use for spelling.  Great motivator, kids keep focussed.  Like a whiteboard without the mess - no lost pen lids, tissues, etc.

Next we looked at Word Magic - I liked this - have since used it with one of the students in my class for basic spelling.

Looked at Little Speller First Words - bit like Clicker 5(?) - didn't get chance to have a proper look at this one - but I will check it out.

Sock puppets - these puppets copy what you say -  great to encourage kids to talk.


Also to finish here is a link to one of the speakers blogs who I didn't get chance to hear speak on the day - Allanah King:
http://allanahk.edublogs.org/2011/11/19/ipad-sharing-3-apps-to-support-children-with-very-special-needs/

Cause and Effect type apps.

Request from Carol:
"Letter formation a bit above my guys (most of them anyway). I need more cause and effect type apps (like that cool music one on Debra's blog). Any more suggestions?"

Apps from DTSL Assistive Technology

Steph shared this link:

http://assistive.dtsl.co.nz/category/128-applications.aspx?pageindex=1

Several apps. worth a look at.

Cheers Steph.

Thick stylus

Well the stylus pens I ordered off Daily Do still haven't arrived and now I've just spotted these:

http://www.studioneat.com/products/cosmonaut

Think they'd be great for some of our kids - what do you think?  I might invest in one.

Letter Formation Apps:

Hi Guys,
I'm working on letter formation with one of my students.  I thought I would download three apps. and see how the student got on with them.
These are the 3 apps:

1. abc:

2.  ABC Tracing:

3.  Little Writer:

Has anyone tried any of these.  Have you tried any other letter formation apps?
I'll let you know how I get on with these three but in the meantime please let me know if you have any other info on apps. for letter formation.

Thanks.

kids!!!

Nothing to do with iPads but a fun read:

http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/04/17/the-real-50-things-to-do-before-you-are-12/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cuk%7Cdl6%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D105707

Workshop 3 (from Mobile Devices in Classroom Conference)

The third workshop I attended during the Conference was:

"iPads to support the learning of children with special needs"
by Megan Matia and Sue Grenfell of Summerland Primary.

Loads to take in here!!  Information overload - brain clogged!!! - but all awesomely fascinating and valuable.

My notes/copied info from session:

Research:

Some research has shown that the

special needs students who have

benefitted from the use of the touch

screen iPads, include those with autism,

attention deficit disorder(ADD), dyslexia

and auditory processing issues.

Research in this area is vast and ongoing.

Autism and iPads:

Below are 5 basic skills which autistic children learn by

playing games and puzzles on their iPad:

 Social skills

 Fine motor skills

 Language and communication skills

 Sensory skills

 Stress reduction

 Mark Coppin, the Assistive Technology Director at the

Anne Carlsen Center in Jamestown, North Dakota

says that the iPad is used in their special education

programs for autistic children; the hands-on design of

the iPad interface is much simpler for autistic children

to use than a keyboard and monitor.

Here are 10 popular iTunes apps which are marketed towards parents and educators of children with autism:

 Proloquo2Go Highly recommended for kids and adults with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome,developmental disabilities, apraxia, ALS, stroke or traumatic brain injury, this app-turned-AAC device utilizes colorful stick-figure illustrations and features an up-to-date vocabulary, text-to-speech voices and automatic conjugations.

 Grace This innovative app allows special-needs children to communicate through complete sentences by

linking together colorful images and symbols in this fully customizable application.

 iCommunicate for iPad Create pictures, flashcards, storyboards, routines, visual schedules and recordcustom audio in any language with this versatile program; incorporates pictures from your camera orGoogle images. Helps to teach social skills for children with autism.

 First Then Visual Schedule Ease transitioning for children with developmental delays such as Autism Spectrum Disorders by introducing this easy-to-customize scheduler into your special-needs curriculum.

 iConverse An inexpensive program designed for iPhone and iPod touch, this app functions as a picture exchange communication system (PECS) for autistic children and autistic adults alike, as well as others with communicative disabilities.

 AutismExpress This free app displays basic facial expressions in a way which is comical and instructional; excellent for children who have difficulty understanding emotions.

 stories2learn Illustrate your own social stories for children with autism, using pictures, text and audio with this customizable program geared towards enriching the curricula of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

 MyTalk Mobile The MyTalk Mobile is an AAC device for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch; it also boasts the “My Talk Workspace,” which saves all info on a backup file in case of device crashing.

 TapToTalk Make your own AAC albums with this app, currently including a library of 2,000 pics. Children can tap on each image to hear fun audio.

 iComm Children who have cerebral palsy or autism will appreciate this fundamental communication system; iComm is an affordable alternative to many of the pricier communication devices.

P.s the stories2learn - looked pretty good - so will investigate when I have time : )

Other Apps and information:

 Autism Apps is a free app which gives a

comprehensive list of apps that are being

used with and by people diagnosed with

autism, Down syndrome and other special

needs.

 Youtube video: search ‘iPad Apps for

Autistic and Nonverbal Children’

Interesting sites:

http://www.b12patch.com/blog/autism/10-great-ipad-apps-for-autistic-children/ 

http://www.squidoo.com/ipad-for-autism 

http://www.blogher.com/ipad-nearmiracle-my-son-autism 

http://kidsmattercanada.com/index.php/articles-of-interest/418-2/

http://www.gadgetsdna.com/10-revolutionary-ipad-apps-to-help-autisticchildren/ 

5522/    

 

Workshop 2 (from mobile devices in classroom conference)

These are my notes from the second workshop I attended from the conference.

Workshop: iPads for Art - Janet Shephered - Summerland Primary.

Janet is a visual arts specialist accross Years 1-3.

She stressed that the iPads are another tool for her to work with - she still likes the 'dirty stuff' ie paint, clay, etc.

First we were shown the app. 'Live Sketch' - helpful with fine motor skills and helps kids to focus. 

(I thought this might be a bit tricky for my students???)


Next we were shown the app. 'Art Rage' - (I liked this one).

You can take a photo (or use a previously taken one) and trace over it. 

Good for self portraits, learning facial features
Janet said she often gave kids 'stylus' pens to use with this app.

Sorry - didn't take many notes during this session - too busy 'doing' - but check 'em out and see what you think.

103 ways to use iPads in the classroom

Might try a few of these -

https://docs.google.com/present/view?id=dhfbbtz5_3fqzp42qn&ncl=true

Wheres my pens!!!

My stylus pens have not yet arrived - (purchased a while ago from 'Daily Do')!

A few peeps are having trouble adding comments to the blogs - not sure what's going on - will investigate - watch this space........

Workshop 1

Right - this evening I shall start with information from the first workshop from the conference I attended last week - Mobile Devices in the Classroom.

The first workshop was given by Cameron Lockie - Principal from Kaipara Flats School.  It was titled 'iTouch Learning @Kaipara Flats School - Come hear the journey we have taken introducing iPod touches and iPads into our learning programmes, the mistakes, the successes, how we manage the devices, what we have learnt and where to next.

Cameron said he got the iPads and iPods for his school by applying for grants from 'pub' funding.  He also got money from this source to purchase Sony TV's.  He did apply to other sources too but kept going until he was successful.

The school is going to gradually phase out desktops and replace with the teachers choice of an iPad or laptop.

Cameron said to us that he was happy for us to ring and arrange a visit to his school to see the iPads in action.

Cameron stressed that the iPads are NOT replacing anything.  All other programmes are still in place.  They are an additional tool for teachers.

Kids can often be seen working in 2's and 3's around an iPad - co-operation, collaboration, language sharing, turn taking.

They ENGAGE students.

They enhance instruction.

They increase motivation.

They accomodate multiple learning styles.

Can be taken anywher.

Expands learning beyond the classroom.

Ease of use - intuitive - little pre-training required.

The school is now working out how to share info on each others iPads and getting info off the device and put onto the server.

Use of folders - put in apps they don't want kids to use, make topic foldrs.A good app. is Cuebrain (?) - for letter formation.

Each teacher has their own individual iTunes account - this prevents "gate-keeping" by senior staff.



Well there it is folks - let me know what you think.

Etch-a-sketch v iPad

Mmmm - might invest in a couple of Etch-a-sketches.

iPads for kids with Down's Syndrome

Just browsing the net - saw this article - quite interesting.
http://voxxi.com/free-ipad-apps-for-special-needs-children/

Stylus pens

I have just ordered two stylus pens from 'Daily Do' for use on iPads.  I had a go with one on the conference (see previous blog). 

Immediately these two thoughts came into my head: 1 - they will get lost and 2 - the rubber end will get chewed off. 

However they were quite fun to use but I didn't think I would buy some.  Anyway this morning I spotted 2 for $10 on Daily Do and thought for that price I'll give them a try - no great loss if they do go AWOL.

So I am waiting excitedly (yes I know I need to get out more) for the package of pens to arrive.  I will then let you know how I get on with them and/or how long it is before they go missing.

Mobile Devices in Classrooms

On Thursday 19 April I attended a conference "Mobile Devices in Classrooms'. I wasn't quite sure how it was going to go but I came home very inspired. There is so much to blog about that I am going to take it slowly over several updates for you.

Anyway the conference was at Albany High School - wow- very cool school building by the way. Mind you I did manage to get myself locked in the car park. This school has a multi-story car park (Yes I know - wow!). I managed to park on level 2 instead of level 1 as requested. I don't really know how I managed it but apparantly I must have followed someone in who had a swipe card. When I went to get my car at the end of the day I couldn't find it! (I was looking in level 1). Anyway to cut a long story short I was eventually released by a lovely chap with a fob. That'll teach me for not concentrating while parking.

I attended 4 sessions over the day. There was a wide variety of sessions to choose from so I missed out on loads of stuff that I would like to have gone along to. Apparantly they are hoping to run another of these conferences so hopefully I could go along again and go along to some of the 'missed' talks (hint, hint - just in case my Principal is reading this).

The four sessions I attended were:
iTouch learning @ Kaipara Flats School.
iPad apps for Art.
iPad apps to support the learning of children with special needs. iPads for literacy with junior students.

Also while I think about it - morning tea was fab - freshly baked scones with fruit compote (very posh) and fresh cream (or yoghurt for the health freaks).

Well I shall be off now. As I am back to school tomorrow after the Easter break I need to get my shut eye so I am ready for it in the morning. Watch this space for the next bit of feedback from the conference.

Learning now.

Blogs like this are a great way to learn.

Twitter

Follow @acornapps1 Use this link to follow Acorn Apps on Twitter.

Tablets

Hi everyone,

Just saw Bobbie in the mall (I was kid free so grabbed the opportunity to browse the shops).  Anyway - Bobbie has bought a 'tablet' which she says is really cool.  I seized the opportunity to tell Bobbie about our blog,  She is going to let us know via the blog how she gets on with the tablet - lots of the apps are available for both her thingy (sorry can't remember what type it was) and iPads.  So even more info will be winging our way soon.

Has anyone tried the iPads with their students yet.  If yes - how did you get on?

I have given the kids a go and they loved them.  I just downloaded a variety of apps to start with not knowing if they would be any good or not.  These ranged from apps involving characters I know particular students love (e.g. Toy Story) to maths games e.g. hungry fish and dot to dot.  Also loads of other apps as well.

Initially I just let the kids 'play'.  They all seemed quite keen even the students who are usually hard to engage got involved.

One thing I really liked initially was to see kids sitting at the iPad and sharing/interacting/laughing together - it all seemed much easier than on a desk top computer.

I could go on for ever but I'll go and finish my cuppa now before it gets cold - oh just before I go - I used the iPad for videoing a student for the 4min video we have to do for our objective.  So easy - no wires,  no booking a video, no downloading, etc - just point and go : )

Bye for now - need to wash down my apple turnover.

Hee, hee - this is awesome!

Saw this on a mobile device conference I attended - it is so good!! It was included in a presentation given by Cameron Lockie (Principal, Kaipara Flats School).

Check this out

Cool clip - Thanks to Sue Grenfell, Summerland School for emailing me the link.

Starting Off

Hi Folks,

I did a bit of fundraising to get an iPad and along with a number of iPads purchased by the school - I now have 2 iPads for use in my classroom.

I've started this blog as a way of sharing my journey in discovering iPads and how I can use them at school. Five other teachers across the school also have iPads and I have been given the task of seeing how this goes - to see if the school should purchase more iPads.

So why do I think I deserve a blog?

I thought an easy way to share my views of certain apps and also any training/courses I attend or any other info would be to make a blog. That way all the staff at my school, who were given an iPad to trial with their class, could see what I have written easily (that's if they want to!). Also it would be easy for my principal to see what I've been up to.

Another reason as this is a work in progress (learning enquiry - my principal will like that) it is a nifty way of just recording my thoughts as I fumble my way through.

So watch this space - and feel free to leave a comment if you wish!

p.s. I am not going to use student names to protect confidentiality. If you are a teacher from my school (you know who you are) leaving a comment please would you do the same. Of course feel free to use the school email to ask me any questions about individual students or of course you could always use the old fashioned way of chatting to me when we bump into each other : )

p.p.s. This blog is for anyone interested in using apps with students who have special needs - not just staff from my school so please feel free to add any comments/questions etc. It will all help.

p.p.s.s. I'm new to blogging too so go easy on me : )