ZoomReader Promo Code


Below is the second ZoomReader promo code. To learn more about ZoomReader click here. To win the app enter the code into iTunes. The first person to enter the code will win the $19.99 ZoomReader app. Once one person enters the code it will no longer work.

FNTMLYWNY6LN
You have read this article $19.99 / 24 / 5mp / ai squared / assistive technolgy / at app / blind / dyslexia / free / great / iphone 4 / iphone 5 / Magnifier / market / OCR / promo code / promo codes / technology / tips / zoomreader with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/zoomreader-promo-code.html. Thanks!

ZoomReader Promo Code


Below is the first of two promo codes for ZoomReader. To learn more about ZoomReader click here. To use the code enter it into the redeem section of iTunes. The first person to enter the code will win ZoomReader. Once one person enters the code it will no longer work. If you do not win this code check back later for another code. ZoomReader is $19.99 in the app store.

9AHJKYELA6E4

You have read this article $19.99 / 24 / 5mp / ai squared / assistive technolgy / at app / blind / dyslexia / free / great / iphone 4 / iphone 5 / Magnifier / market / OCR / promo code / promo codes / technology / tips / zoomreader with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/zoomreader-promo-code_28.html. Thanks!

ZoomReader Giveaway!


ZoomReader is an fantastic OCR and magnifier app for iPhone 4. To read all about ZoomReader click here. Two promo codes will be posted to the blog within the next 24 hours. Keep checking back for the code because the first person to enter the code into iTunes will win. If you do not win the first code check back for the last code latter. ZoomReader is a $19.99 in the app store. 

You have read this article $19.99 / 24 / 5mp / ai squared / assistive technolgy / at app / blind / dyslexia / free / great / iphone 4 / iphone 5 / Magnifier / market / OCR / promo code / promo codes / technology / tips / zoomreader with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/zoomreader-giveaway.html. Thanks!

App Store List of Special Education Apps


A new category added to the iTunes store shows off special education apps for many differnet learners. The apps are sorted by categories including communication, hearing, vision, literacy and more. The list can help teachers and students find applications to fit their needs easily. To find the list go to the app store and then click on education apps, finally click on the special education image seen above. The apps included in the list are only the tip of the iceberg for special education apps in the app store. If you do not find an app to fit your needs keep looking. Click here for another list of assistive technology apps for iOS. For more assistive technology apps click read more below.






Learning Ally Audio 










ZoomReader










Merriam-Webster










Blio App









Dragon Go!










Trimit










iBooks
You have read this article app store / apple / Apps / assistive technology / at / blind / deaf / dyslexia / free / giveaway / iTunes / list / promo codes / Special Education / zoomreader with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/app-store-list-of-special-education-apps.html. Thanks!

Intel Reader Vs. ZoomReader



The Intel Reader and ZoomReader can both help people read. Both OCR printed text and then read the text aloud. The ZoomReader has more features then the Intel Reader. In my test the ZoomReader app recognized and read the text faster then the Intel Reader. To download the ZoomReader app click here. Watch the video above for more information.
You have read this article blind / blindness / comparison / dyslexia / giveaway / great app / intel reader / iphone 4 / OCR / promo codes / text / text-to-speech / zoomreader with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/intel-reader-vs-zoomreader.html. Thanks!

Long Division and Long Multiplication Apps Help Math Students (Giveaway)



The Long Division and Long Multiplication apps for iOS walk students through math concepts step by step. The apps help students master new concepts and improve on old skills.  Both apps are $1.99 in the iTunes App store. Long Division iTunes link. Long Multiplication iTunes link.  These apps are only two in a series of 18 math help apps. The other apps can be found here. If you or someone you know needs help learning a math concept these apps are a great resource.

Check back on this blog within the 24 hours for promo codes for free copies of Long Multiplication and Long Division. The reader who enters the codes into iTunes first will win a free copy. The are three promo codes for each app so if you miss the first one check back latter for another chance.
You have read this article 18 apps / app store / apple / Apps / assistive technolgy / assistive technology apps / contest / free / giveaway / Google / iOS / iTunes / math help / promo codes / redeem / step by step / tips / tricks with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/long-division-and-long-multiplication.html. Thanks!

ZoomReader Review (Giveaway)


ZoomReader is a combination of a text-to-speech reader, OCR (optical character recognition) reader and zoom magnifier. The app is compatible with the iPhone 4. ZoomReader can help people with many disabilities and challenges including low vision, blindness and dyslexia. The app uses the iPhone 4's camera to magnify printed text up to four times its original size to allow people with low vision to better see the text. ZoomReader can also change the contrast when the iPhone is held over the text to make it easier to read. ZoomReader also includes a lighting fast OCR feature that converts printed text into electronic text that can be read aloud. If you are unfamiliar with OCR click here. Once the text is converted to a digital format it can be read aloud by an included text-to-speech voice.

One tip for improving the OCR quality is to turn on the camera flash. You can also add new text-to-speech voices for $2.99. The app has many customization options that allow you to change the appearance of the reading experience. Another killer feature is the voice activation powered by Nuance. To turn on speech activation touch the microphone in the top left. The voice activation feature allows you to take pictures and zoom in on text with the sound of your voice. For example you can say "take picture" to snap a picture of a document. To learn more about Nuance's accurate speech-to-text engine click here. The ZoomReader app is perfect for people with low vision, dyslexia or blindness. The app is $19.99 in the iTunes app store.

Two lucky winners can win this app for free by checking back on this site for giveaway information and promo codes. Watch my video review above for a demonstration. Click read more below to see screen shots and how to videos. Do not forget to check the Assistive Technology Blog in the next few days for giveaway details.









You have read this article app / assistive technology / fast / free / giveaway / intel reader / intel reader alternative / iTunes / low vision / OCR / ocr app / promo codes / speech recognition / speech-to-text / text-to-speech / zoom reader / zoomreader with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/zoomreader-review-giveaway.html. Thanks!

Vibrating Alarm Clocks Help the Hearing Impaired


Alarms are very important to wake people up. People with hearing impairments can not hear when the alarm goes off. Luckily there are vibrating alarm clocks to wake hearing up people with hearing impairments. There are many models of vibrating alarm clocks at a variety of prices. One option is the Shake-N-Wake vibrating alarm clock which is worn on the wrist. The clock and vibrator are all small enough to wear on your wrist. The Shake-N-Wake alarm clock is $19.99. There are many other options for people who need vibrating alarm clocks. To shop for more click here.    


You have read this article alarm clocks / assistive technolgy / at / cheap / clocks / deaf / disability / free / hearing impairment / help / shake-n-wake / tech / technology / tips / vibrating alarm clock / wake up with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/vibrating-alarm-clocks-help-hearing.html. Thanks!

ScreenChomping Math Metacognition

Problem solving is becoming the focus of many math educators. In fact, the new Common Core State Standards for Mathematical Practice put this strategy front and center. However, many math programs don't seem to have much embedded problem solving practice - and even when it is present, it often seems lacking. What to do?

Of course! iPads!

ScreenChomp is a free app that allows students to record what they write on a virtual whiteboard and also captures their narration as they "draw." Utilizing this app, I have begun giving students challenging math situations and asking them to use the ScreenChomp whiteboard as scratch paper while narrating their thinking aloud. As they fumble through misconceptions, or sail to a solution, their thinking journey is captured.

I then ask students to switch iPads with either an at-level partner, or a scaffolded support partner. They each view their partner's metacognition and respond. The students tried this out last week and again today and are really enjoying it. Said one student, "Wow! It's like being in his head!"

I am now considering developing a rubric or guide to support students as they create their visual/audio think aloud videos as well as analyze their classmate's thinking.


You have read this article Apps / Assessment / iPad / Math / Metacognition with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/screenchomping-math-metacognition.html. Thanks!

Using Encryption in Microsoft Word



Some students may need tests and quizzes in an electronic format for various needs. Teachers may be hesitant to distribute tests and quizzes ahead of time because of academic integrity concerns. With Microsoft Word you can encrypt tests and quizzes and securely distribute them to students who need electronic documents. With an encryption document  the student is unable to open the document without knowing a code. The teacher could email a student an encrypted document for a test the next day. Then on the day of the test the teacher could simply give the student the code to unlock the test. This ensures students will not have access to tests and quizzes before hand, but also ensures that the test will be ready and available so the student who needs the electronic version gets it at the same time as all of the other students.  To learn more watch the video above. For more Microsoft Word tricks click here and here
You have read this article accessibility / assistive technology / blind / disability / documents / electronic / email / encryption / flash drive / microsoft word / MS / student. / word with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/using-encryption-in-microsoft-word.html. Thanks!

Kurzweil Bubble Notes



Bubble notes is a great feature in Kurzweil 3000. Bubble notes allows teachers to easily assess students. Bubble notes also helps students easily complete tests and quizzes. To insert a bubble note go to tools, then notes, and then bubble notes. When a student reads up to a bubble note it will automatically open and be read aloud. Bubble notes can have multiple choice, true or false, matching and open ended questions Once a student completes the assessment the teacher can extract the student's answers to easily grade the student's answer. Bubble notes can make tests and quizzes easier for students and teachers. Watch the video above for more information. For more Kurzweil tips and tricks click here, here and here.
You have read this article apple / assistive technolgy / at / blind / bubble notes / dyslexia / free / Google / help / kurzweil / kurzweil 3000 / kurzweil 3000 v12 / quizzes / teachers / tests / tips / tricks / windows 7 / youtube with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/kurzweil-bubble-notes.html. Thanks!

Kurzweil 3000 Online Tips



The above video is a short example of how to use online downloading in Kurzweil 3000 version 12. Online downloading allows users to download content from many sources directly into Kurzweil. Kurzweil allows users to download books Project Gutenberg, Bookshare and many more. To use online book downloading go to the online menu and then select search for books. Once you search for and download the book go to file and then open to start reading the book. This method of downloading books directly into Kurzweil allows you to quickly access books from many sources. To watch this video with YourTube click here. To learn more about YourTube click here.
You have read this article apple / blindness / bookshare / dyslexia. / kurzweil / kurzweil 3000 / online / tip / tips and trick / v12 version 12 / yourtube with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/kurzweil-3000-online-tips.html. Thanks!

Braille iPad Case


The iPad has many accessibility features built into the software. iOS includes VoiceOver, white on black and zoom. To learn more about iOS accessibility click here, here and here. A new concept case has a built in refreshable Braille display. The Braille display is very thin and does not add much wight. To learn more about thin refreshable Braille displays click here. The Braille display covers half of the screen for non-sighted users this is not a problem. The Braille iPad case is not for sale as of this post. To see more images of the Braille iPad case click read more below.
   



You have read this article accessibility / apple / apple inc. ios 5 / assistive technolgy / blindness / Bluetooth / braille ipad / case / fast / features / images / iOS / iPad / light / low vision / refreshable braille display / thin / VoiceOver with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/braille-ipad-case.html. Thanks!

iOS 5 Reminders App Will Help Everyone

Apple next operating system upgrade for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch will include a new app called Reminders. iOS 5 is set to be released this fall. To learn more about the accessibility features in iOS 5 click here and here. The Reminders app will is a to-do list that notify you when you have something to do. Within the app you can make a to-do list and set it to remind you to complete the task at a particular date and time. The app can also remind you to do something when you leave or enter a location. For example you could set a reminder to alert you to pick up the eggs after work. The new reminder app in iOS 5 will help many people remember tasks through out the day. Apple explains the Reminders app on apple.com as,
"Next time you think to yourself, “Don’t forget to...,” just pull out your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and jot it down. Reminders lets you organize your life in to-do lists — complete with due dates and locations. Say you need to remember to pick up milk during your next grocery trip. Since Reminders can be location based, you’ll get an alert as soon as you pull into the supermarket parking lot. Reminders also works with iCal, Outlook, and iCloud, so changes you make update automatically on all your devices and calendars."
The Reminders app is not available on the app store and is only available for iOS 5. Click read more below to see more images and a video of the Reminders app.






You have read this article add / adhd / app / apple / assistive technolgy / at / blindness / disability / distraction / free / gps / iOS 5 / iPad / iPhone / iPod touch / location / location based reminders / memory / reminders / technology with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/ios-5-reminders-app-will-help-everyone.html. Thanks!

Learning Ally Audio App Updated


Today, Learning Ally (formally RFB&D) released a substantial upgrade to their iOS app. Learning Ally Audio is available for $19.99 on the iTunes app store. The app allows Learning Ally members to download audio books directly to their iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad. If you are unfamiliar with Learning Ally click here. To be eligible you must have a qualifying disability. To learn about becoming a member click here. Downloading an audio book is simple and involves transferring the audio file to the app via iTunes. Once you've downloaded a book you can listen to it on the go with your iOS device. The app allows users to navigate the audio book by section or page number, bookmark important sections and speed up the speaking rate. The new update includes new features that make listening easier. One of the new features is the ability to jump to any page in the book. Another handy new feature allows playback to continue even when the screen is locked. Yet another new feature remembers where in the book you left off and starts playing from that point the next time you open the app. The Learning Ally Audio app is a must have for reading Learning Ally audio books on the go.

Learning Ally also announced in a press release that this fall they will support text as well as human narration. Learning Ally’s President and CEO, Andrew Friedman said,
"Looking ahead, the Learning Ally Audio app will include text to speech functionality, enabling learners to enjoy the best of both worlds: human narration as well as text content of their books and reading materials." 
Click read more below to see screen shots of the updated app.






You have read this article app / at / audio books / blind / daisy / Daisy book / disability / dyslexia / free / human voice / iOS / iPad / iPhone / iPod touch / iTunes / Learning Ally / navigation / on the go / Reading / RFBD with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/learning-ally-audio-app-updated.html. Thanks!

Whetting Your APPetite Vol.8 - Not All Apps are Created Equal

Another question I am often asked is: What are the top apps to buy for [math, reading, writing, science, social science, etc...]? My response is always, no matter the content in question: Creation Apps.

What do I mean by this?

I've found that often teachers get hung up on the "best math game app" or the "best phonics app". Truth be told, the most amazing fractions game, states facts quiz app or phonics app can only be stretched so far - perhaps one or two units (admittedly a bit longer for a good phonics app in primary).

However a good creation app... wow, those pay dividends. Consider a simple free app such as ScreenChomp. This bad boy is a simple screen recording app, yet offers so much. Consider just a few of the endless uses in your classrooms:

- Students solve math problems and narrate their thinking
- Students create math problems and narrate their thinking
- Students create video lessons a la Khan Academy in all subjects
- Students write stories and narrate them
- Students practice fluency by reading a story while a partner illustrates the mind movie that is created (thus practicing listening comprehension / visualization skills)

7/4/12 Update: Try Educreations - a great app that does much of what Screenchomp does, but with better features and versatility!

One of my new favorite apps is neu.Annotate PDF - also the best price around, FREE. This handy app allows students to annotate PDFs with drawings, stamps and photos. It has a palm guard to recognize students' palms if they rest their hands on the glass and is incredibly easy to use. Imagine uploading a form, PDF version of your workbooks, PDF version of your worksheet, etc. and having your students use this application to complete it? Imagine all the paper you can save!

7/4/12 Update: Try PaperPortNotes - Also free, but more features than neu.Annotate PDF.

And how about our good friend Keynote? For those of you unfamiliar this is a the Apple version of Microsoft's mainstay PowerPoint. Not only can kids animate slides to show their thinking, they can share research, create persuasive writing presentations, and share results of a science lab. This app is especially interesting as you can add video to the slides. In the theme of revolutionizing, not just replacing old teaching/learning practices, students can now share a video of their results with classmates instead of just describing it on a sheet of notebook paper.

Collaborative Whiteboard Apps are also fantastic ways to revolutionize student interaction in your classroom. This website features five free options for great collaborative whiteboards on your iPad and explains them far better than I could. I've been awestruck as I've witnessed my students collaborate on a shared writing space from across the classroom - or even between classroom walls when students were being pulled out for specialized services. Thank you, technology.

There are many more amazing creation apps out there. I will continue to explores these in future Whetting Your APPetite volumes, and welcome readers to share their favorites in the comments section.

And let's not forget web-based programming. Who needs apps all? In an age where schools are floundering for funds to hire teachers and purchase curricula, we need every penny we can save. Edmodo and Schoology are two (competing) amazing websites (some previously mentioned in this blog), that can allow your students to create and collaborate. I have yet to determine which I prefer, but have heard strong positive feelings from colleagues about both.

So I leave you with this: consider the bang for your buck as you purchase apps. Will that measurement app really be used all year? Do you really want to spend $1.99 x 32 devices to buy it? Or would you rather spend $0.00 x 32 devices for a creation app that will push your kids to higher (Bloom's!) levels throughout your school year? Consider....
You have read this article Apps / device management / iPad with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/whetting-your-appetite-vol8-not-all.html. Thanks!

Assistive Technology Blog Podcast Now on iTunes


Today, Assistive Technolgy Blog Podcast became available on the iTunes store. The podcast contains a short summary of every article posted to bdmtech.blogspot.com The new Podcast is an easy way to keep up with the blog while on the go or away from the computer. The Assistive Technology Blog still has exclusive video, images and reviews. Subscribe to the Podcast and you will get the next episode while you sleep. To download the Podcast for free click here.
You have read this article apple / assistive technology blog podcast / at / download / free / Google / iOS / iPad / iPhone / iphone 4 / ipod / iPod touch / iTunes / kurzweil / odiogo / podcast / save money / save time / tricks with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/assistive-technology-blog-podcast-now.html. Thanks!

Merriam-Webster Voice Activated Dictionary


Using a dictionary can be very difficult if you do not know how to spell the word you are looking for. The free Merriam-Webster app for iOS and Android solves this problem. The app allows the users to speak their search into their device just with their voice. The speech recognition is very accurate and speedy. Voice activation allows users to search for word that they can not spell. In addition to voice search, the app includes a pronunciation button which allows you to hear the correct pronunciation of a word. The app uses Nuance's speech recognition engine for voice activation. To download the free Android app click here. To download the free iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad app click here.

To learn more about other apps with Nuance speech recognition click here. To learn about accessibility features in iOS 5 click here and here.
You have read this article android / apple / free / Google / htc / intergration / ios 4 / iOS 5 / iPad / iphone 4 / iPod touch / Nuance / school / sony / speech recognition / thunder bolt / voice dictionary with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/merriam-webster-voice-activated.html. Thanks!

A Sync-y Situation…


We are now 5 school days into our year and going strong. On Thursday I received a call in my classroom from the iPad deployment folks: our iPad bundles were being delivered on Friday. I held the phone up to my class and they cheered ecstatically. The man said it was the best moment of his week.
Friday morning the iPads came right on schedule and two wonderful consultants set up our 4 new bundles (adding to our current set of 32 iPad 1's). After school I sat down with my 32 shiny new iPad 2’s, my Bretford PowerSync Cart and a got ready to make some magic.
Three hours later, no magic.
What happened? Well, I didn’t realize a few things:
1)   Always read the owners manual first. (See picture, below.)
2)   See #1- Had I done this, I would have known that all of the iPads have to be registered and set up individually the first time you sync.
3)   App folders, though painstakingly created by me for the first iPad, do not automatically get synced to all of the remaining iPads.
So, fast-forward to today. I woke up ready to rectify the situation. How do I solve the majority of my problems? Google. After a quick web search I found a remedy to this folders issue.
I went to school with a mug of tea, my husband and my newly-Googled knowledge ready to go. Two hours later I had the carts ready to roll for students. Here is what I did:
1)   Registered and configured each iPad per the instructions in the Bretford Manual.
2)   Created folders, set up my dock and modified sync settings on one iPad
3)   Created a back up of this iPad by right-clicking (control-click on a Mac) on the iPad device in the left column of iTunes.
4)   Allowed all of the other 29 iPads (the Bretford PowerSync Cart syncs 30 iPads at a time) to sync and download all of the apps (purchased via the Volume Purchase Program. See this great blog for more info on VPP).
5)   After they had synced and all apps were loaded I manually (yes, one at a time), right clicked on each iPad and selected “Restore from Back Up". This took about 5 seconds per device.
6)   Selected the back up I just created with the first iPad
7)   Voila – all of my iPads’ apps are now organized into identical folders, with identical docks and settings!
Now that I’ve gone through this somewhat laborious process once, I will not have to do it again. I can let the sync cart do its magic and sync updates to all of my devices at once. As I update movies, apps, songs and other content, it will simply add it on to the set-up I've already created. Hooray!
Note: I believe this is another way to do this using the iPhone Config Utility that is much more tech savvy (I believe how large companies or school districts would do this), but that's beyond my Google-able knowledge. When the contractors delivered our iPads they had a pre-set home screen, internet settings and apps set up per a downloaded "image." However, for us on the school level, who can't contract to larger companies to do this, I believe the method described above will work well. If anyone else has a quicker way, please post below in comments! Thanks! :)
You have read this article Apps / device management / Google / Google Tools / iPad / syncing with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/a-sync-y-situation.html. Thanks!

Dyslexie Font Helps Dyslexics Read



A new font claims to make reading easier for dyslexics. The font is named Dyslexie and is not yet available to users outside the Netherlands. Dyslexie makes small changes to letters that make reading easier for dyslexics. The font makes letters more recognizable then standard fonts. Dyslexie is currently in use at a small number of schools. The makers of Dyslexie say,
"This font is especially designed for people with dyslexia. When they use it, they make fewer errors while they are reading. It makes reading easier for them and it takes less effort."
A research study at the University of Twente showed,
"That people with dyslexia made fewer reading errors when they use the dyslexia font compared to using standard font."
To learn more about Dyslexie click here.
You have read this article computer / dyslexia / dyslexics / dyslexie / font / great tool / helps / improves reading / school with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/dyslexie-font-helps-dyslexics-read.html. Thanks!

Control Your Computer With No Hands



For people with limited uses of their hands using a mouse can be difficult if not impossible. People who do not have hands or who are paralyzed can not use a mouse. Camera Mouse solves this problem. Camera Mouse is a free application for Windows computers. Camera Mouse uses a web camera to track the users head and move the mouse on the screen. Camera Mouse requires small head movements to move the mouse around the screen with out using their hands. To click with Camera Mouse the users blinks their left eye for a left click and blinks their right eye for a right click. To download Camera Mouse click here. Camera Mouse makes Windows computers accessible for users that can not use a mouse.

You have read this article assistive technology / at / camera mouse / eye tracking / free / free software / head tracking / physical disability / universal access / using a mouse / windows 7 / windows vista / windows xp with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/control-your-computer-with-no-hands.html. Thanks!

iOS Refreshable Braille Display Support



iOS has support for refreshable Braille displays. A Braille display allows a blind user to access the device. Refreshable Braille displays are compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. The Braille displays connect to your iOS device via Bluetooth. The pairing process is simple and quick. When the Braille display is connected to the device the Braille display can control the VoiceOver cursor on the display. The VoiceOver cursor can be used to select and read items on the screen.. Braille display compatibility allows blind users to access the information of their iOS device. For a list of compatible Bluetooth Braille displays click here. Watch the above video to learn more.
You have read this article accessibility / apple / blind / blindness / Bluetooth / braille / braille display / iOS / ios 4 / iOS 5 / iPad / iPhone / iPod touch / universal access with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/ios-refreshable-braille-display-support.html. Thanks!

Digital Librarian is a One Stop Shop For Digital Publications


Digital Librarian is a list of free online material sorted by category. Digital Librarian includes resources from around the web. When you click on a topic that interests you a long list of websites comes up. Digital Librarian is perfect for research projects. Once you have found an article you would like to read you can use a text-to-speech program to read it to you. Digital Librarian helps you find digital content quickly and easily. For more on digital library content click here.
You have read this article at / blind / digital content / digital librarian / disability / dyslexia / free websites / good site / Google / list / research / www with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/digital-librarian-is-one-stop-shop-for.html. Thanks!

New Year, New Role, New vPLC

This year our school has the great fortune to be expanding from 32 iPads to 160. Within our AUSL school network there are an additional two other schools that are a part of the CPS iPad expansion wave. As a result, my role this year is changing from sole iPad practitioner to iPad facilitator, coordinator and coach. While I will still be able to experiment, explore, refine and reflect on technology integration with one period of 4th/5th math a day, I will now have some "release time" to support teachers new to this terrain.

A total of 9 teachers at my school will be utilizing iPads to evolve their classroom landscape, with additional teachers at two of our sister schools. We all exist within a larger Chicago Public School PLC of several dozen schools. So the question became - how to manage our learning community? As with most schools, considering all of the teams, committees and PD meetings, it is quite difficult to find time and space to come together.

So I thought to myself, why not use technology for a TechEd PLC? Therefore we created a Google Site to manage announcements, schedules, attachments, app request Google forms, etc and embedded a blogger site to manage our PLC conversations. After just a week, I can already feel that this was a good choice. The members of our PLC are not only contributing to this blog, but they are being open and honest with their excitement and fears, commenting and sharing with others, and engaging in the reflective process -- all before a single device has entered their classrooms.

As we continue in this process, we hope not only use this space to air concerns, victories and questions, but also to post videos of our instruction, photographs of students engaging with the technology, examples of student work and teacher resources. Our Site and Blog will not only be a forum for discussion and sharing, but will eventually also stand as evidence of our learning, growth and successes.

Wish us luck!
You have read this article Google / Google Tools / Grants / iPad / iPad Resources / PLC with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/new-year-new-role-new-vplc.html. Thanks!

iOS 5 to Include Hearing Aid Mode


Yesterday, Apple released iOS 5 beta 5 to developers. One of the new features is hearing aid mode. Hearing aid mode will allow the iPhone to work better with hearing aids. In order to activate the setting in iOS 5 go to setting then general and then accessibility. iOS 5 is expected to be released in the fall to the general public. To learn more about the many iOS 5 accessibility options click here.

You have read this article apple / deaf / hard of hearing / hearing / hearing aid / iOS 5 / ios 5 beta 5 hidden feature / iPhone / phone hearing aid mode / secret with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/ios-5-to-include-hearing-aid-mode.html. Thanks!

iTunes U Helps Students


iTunes U is a free service that helps anyone who wants to learn. iTunes U allows any user to download lectures and PowerPoints from some K-12 schools and many collages and universities. To download a class lecture from iTunes U, search for the topic or school you are looking for in iTunes. iTunes U is great for collage students who want to watch lectures again. iTunes U allows you to watch your lectures on a Mac, PC, iPod, iPhone or iPad. iTunes U can also help people learn about a new topic without going to a physical classroom. iTunes U is simple for both the institution and the student. Apple descrbies iTunes you as,
"iTunes U brings the power of the iTunes Store to education, making it simple to distribute information to your students and faculty — or to lifelong learners all over the world. With an iTunes U site, your institution has a single home for all the digital content created or curated by educators, which can then be easily downloaded and viewed on any Mac, PC, iPod, or iPhone."
 iTunes U can help any student excel with its wide ranging topic areas and content uploaded by schools. Apple  explains iTunes U's universal access,
"iTunes U can be a powerful and accessible learning tool for students with disabilities. For the vision-impaired, iTunes U works with VoiceOver, the built-in screen reader on the Mac, as well as with compatible screen readers on PCs. iTunes U also allows for learning with iPod and iPhone, which offer features to help vision-impaired students find the information they need (using VoiceOver on iPhone and iPod touch, and spoken feedback on iPod nano and iPod shuffle). And for students with physical or motor-skills needs, iTunes U brings the classroom to them, so they can learn at their own pace and in a more comfortable environment."
To try iTunes U go to the iTunes store on any computer or iOS device. To read Apple's iTunes U web page click here To see more pictures of iTunes U click read more.
          


You have read this article accessibility / adhd / app / apple in education / assistive technology / at / blind / dyslexia / free / free collage classes / iPad / iPhone / ipod / iTunes / iTunes U / lectures / mac / PC / universal access with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/itunes-u-helps-students.html. Thanks!

Speech Recognition Extensions For Chrome


 The Chrome browser by Google is well liked by many users. To download Chrome click here. Now there are many extensions that allow you to speech your text into any webpage. This feature is enabled for Google search by default in Chrome. To read more about Google voice search click here. With an extension such as Voice Search you can add voice search to any text box on any page. To download the Voice Search extension click here. Voice input is very helpful for people who have trouble spelling or for people who have trouble using the keyboard. To watch a video about Google voice search click read more below.

   


You have read this article apple / assistive technology / bad speller / Chrome / download / dyslexia / extension / free / Google / mac / mac os x lion / PC / speech button / speech recognition / speech-to-text / spelling / voice input / windows with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/speech-recognition-extensions-for-chrome.html. Thanks!

ChromeShades Helps Web Developers Make Accessible Websites

ChromeShades is an extension on the Chrome Web Store. ChromeShades helps website developers make accessible websites by taking out all visual elements and displaying the webpage as a screen reader or Braille display would recognize the page. ChromeShades helps web developers recognize accessibility problems with their site. Chrome frame is free on the Chrome Web Store.

If you have found any accessibility problems with this site please leave a comment including where the problem occurred and what browsers you were using.   




You have read this article assistive technology / blind / braille display / Chrome / chrome accessibility / chromeshades / free / free tool / Google / screen reader / web developer with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/chromeshades-helps-web-developers-make.html. Thanks!

Ultra-Thin Braille Displays Coming Soon



Braille is a system of raised dots that makes up the alphabet. Braille is the way that people with low vision and who are blind read text. Braille books are very thick and heavy compared to their print counterparts. Currently Braille users are using refreshable Braille displays to read Braille. A refreshable Braille display uses small dots that pop up in the appropriate place to make a Braille letter. Currently refreshable Braille displays are large and bulky. Now Someya Labs in Japan has found a way to shrink the refreshable Braille down to credit card size. The new displays have a 24 character display that can fit into your wallet or pocket. The new display dubbed "sheet Braille display" is not on the market as of this post. With this new smaller Braille display Braille users will be able to easily take it with them wherever they go. Click read more below  or to watch/listen to  a video about the new display.

     





You have read this article accessibility / accessible youtube / assistive technology / blind / braille / braille display / credit card sized / labs / sheet braille display / thin braille display with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/ultra-thin-braille-displays-coming-soon.html. Thanks!

Guest Blogger on LaunchPad Toys!

Hi friends and visitors! I wrote a piece on Toontastic and my plans to utilize it in my class this year. It is featured on the Launchpad Toys website. Thanks to Andy Russell for featuring me on the Launchpad blog!

You have read this article with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/guest-blogger-on-launchpad-toys.html. Thanks!

Skype for iPad Now Available



Skype, the most popular video chat service just released a Skype for iPad. The app supports video calls on the iPad 2 over Wi-Fi and 3G data. To download the app click here. With Skype you can chat with other users using many other devices. Skype supports iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Android, Windows and Mac OS X. The Skype calls are free but data rates do apply while using 3G. Video chat services such as Skype are useful for people who are are deaf. Deaf users of Skype can sign within the video chat in order to communicate. With more video chat options communication between users is becoming easier for all users.

Besides Skype there are many other options for video chat. Facebook recently announced video calling from within the Facebook site. Apple also has FaceTime for users of its iPad 2, iPhone 4, iPod Touch 4th generation and Mac computers. FaceTime will be able to work over 3G in iOS 5 which is coming out this fall. Click here to learn more about iOS 5.

With new options for video chatting, remote communication is becoming easier for deaf users. Click read more below to see a video of Facebook video chat and FaceTime.
Facebook Video Chat



FaceTime




You have read this article accessibility / american sign language / app store / asl / communication / cross platform / deaf / facetime / iOS 5 / iTunes / skype / skype for android / skype for ipad / video chat with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/skype-for-ipad-now-available.html. Thanks!

Android Voice Search



Android phones are becoming more and more popular. Android phones do not have built-in accessibility features like the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. iOS devices have many built-in accessibility features but Android phones do not. One feature that Android phones do include is voice input. With voice input you can touch the microphone next to the space bar and speak your text. A similar feature is a available with Google Chrome (click here). Voice input is a helpful feature for people who struggle to spell or have physical disabilities that makes typing difficult. You can access voice input wherever there is a keyboard on Android by pressing the microphone button next to the space bar. iOS does not have system wide voice input but it is rumored to be coming in the upcoming iOS 5 this fall. If you have an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch you can use the Dragon Go! app to get similar features.   
You have read this article accessibility / android / assistive technology / at / Dragon / dyslexia / gingerbread / Google / how to use android voice search / iPhone / nexus x / physical disability / thunder bolt / voice input with the title August 2011. You can bookmark this page URL https://fieldecho.blogspot.com/2011/08/android-voice-search.html. Thanks!