Scan to Pictures

 by R. J. Cooper and Associates, Inc.

For years at our school, we've been fortunate to have access to many of R. J. Cooper's specially designed software titles, tailored to the individualized needs of our students.  If you haven't checked out their expansion into the world of apps yet, well then you're in for a treat! It may be the first time you come across such an accessible app.

Scanning is a computer user's input alternative to using a mouse or, in the case of the iPad, direct selecting with an index finger tap.  Choices or icons are scanned one at a time, often with an auditory cue, and when the intended selection is highlighted, a switch activates the selection.  The switch is positioned at a spot on the users body that can be consistently targeted.  There are a variety of scanning types: one-switch, two-switch, auditory scan, scan groups, to name several of the common types.  This type of input is useful for individuals who have physical limitations.  While the app is designed for switch input (sold separately), Scan to Pictures does allow interaction anywhere on the iPad screen to serve as an activation. 

Scan to Pictures has a pre-made activities that you can try, but the power in the app comes from the customizable features.  Word picture, label, and consequent can all be customized.  Furthermore, selections can be presented as just a picture, just text, or text and picture together.  Auditory scan can be enabled or disabled.  Creating a custom scanning activity is relatively simple, though the design interface is a little confusing.  Once you learn where everything is located (you record the label name in a different spot than where you type the name, etc.), creating an activity can take less than ten minutes.


R. J. Cooper markets Scan to Pictures as an AAC training program.  It can be incorporated into lessons as a way to develop the vocabulary of learners with special learning and access needs.  This isn't an activity that you'd set a student up with and then walk away, though.  While it does provide a learner with a way to express an idea, the student still needs a communication partner to receive that idea.

There are two versions: paid ($4.99) and lite (free).



 https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scan-to-pictures/id511891960?mt=8

Be sure to check out the whole lineup of R. J. Cooper iOS apps: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/rj-cooper-associates-inc./id412790299

MyScript Calculator

by Vision Objects

MyScript Calculator by Vision Objects converts handwriting into mathmatical symbols and numbers.  A few trials with this app reveals that it does a really good job at recognizing a variety of symbols, even what may be considered sloppy handwriting.  Drawing a line through a symbol or digit that you don't want will remove it right away.

At the heart of this app is its need to balance the equation.  Therefore, anything a user does to the left of the equal sign will be balanced to the right (and vice versa).  When it expects another number, it provides a light gray question mark that the user can write directly over. 

 

This calculator can be used in the classroom in conjuction with counters/manipulatives to demonstrate mathematical concepts.  One student remarked that she liked it because it gave her the answer, but it was evident that her conceptual understanding of how and why multiplication works was increasing.

 

MyScript Calculator can do some pretty advanced mathematics, but I rate it a must-have for the basics that it does: recognizing handwriting and balancing equations.

 

 



 not the best video, but I was teaching and filming at the same time! Thanks for understanding.  :)

 

 

Explain Everything

by MorrisCooke

Explain Everything is the digital equivalent of scrap paper that you use to quickly sketch a diagram when you're trying to explain an abstract concept.  What your scrap paper can't do, however, is what makes Explain Everything such a powerful tool.  As one reviewer on the AppStore explains, it's like having a mini interactive whiteboard with you during lessons.

This app lets you create or import digital content that can be manipulated, annotated, and explained through a voice recorder.  Explain Everything provides repeated engagement and exposure to any subject or activity.  A variety of tools let the user draw lines, highlight important areas, or type in text. 

 

Here are just a few uses for Explain Everything in the classroom:

• annotate a map, such as the school floorplan, a bus route, or the setting of a story
• use it as a slate to practice handwriting while recording the cues for the letter sounds. For example c, cake, /k/
• self-monitor articulation or reading fluency
• import a document created elsewhere and verbally summarize it using the annotation tools for emphasis

Explain Everything is a definite must-have for all classrooms, from the youngest learners to the most experienced teachers.  $2.99.

 

2/27/13 

Here's a great comparison between this app and a similar one, Educreations: http://chronicle.com/blogs/profhacker/ipad-screencasting-educreations-and-explain-everything/38662



Inspiration Maps

by Inspiration Software, Inc.

Inspiration Maps was the featured app at the October building meeting.  This is the iPad version of the popular desktop concept mapper, Inspiration.

Concept mapping makes use of position and space to convey relationships, connections, and hierarchy.  What makes this app so powerful is the blending of digital features with the portability of a pencil and a notebook.

Our favorite feature is the ability to change a cell shape using the camera function on the iPad.  Now a concrete representation of a real-world concept can be included in a map.  Examples include pictures from a story, real life items that are being categorized, or part to whole relationships for complex items.

We rate Inspiration Maps a must-have for all classrooms.  Critical thinking by students begins with teachers modeling the thinking.