Day Fourteen: The End of an Era

Today was my final class, and it was held in the Elluminate Live classroom. This is such a wonderful option, compared to the traditional classroom setting, as it allows me to participate from home, without spending the time and money to travel over an hour to campus. I wish other courses took advantage of this feature!

In our final class, I had the opportunity to view my classmates' blogs on the writing process and assistive technologies. It was great to get a quick overview on the features my peers had chosen to include, and I will provide the links below, as well as some short comments and feedback. I will certainly want to revisit these sites, as they provide a wealth of information.

http://processofriting.blogspot.com/
Sacha
After exploring this Blog, I can say that I appreciate the specific program adaptations and the links to current research. This blog has A LOT of videos.

http://assistivegroup.blogspot.com/
Mark, Angela, and Stephanie
My favourite thing about this Blog is the video entitled, What is Sensory Processing? My one suggestion would be that the information provided on the sidebar (ex. software, programs, apps etc...) have links provided so visitors can simply click for more information.

http://krista-julie.blogspot.com/
Krista and Julie
I thought the text to speech gadget on the top right of the page was a creative addition. I also really like the multitude of information on cerebral palsy and the writing process. I attempted the: "Try it yourself: Experience a graphomotor difficulty" activity, but was unable to get it to work.

http://supportingthewritingprocess.blogspot.com/
Shelley, Catherine, and Paul
This is a fabulous Blog, and I was overwhelmed with the amount of information and material. If you only have time to explore one site, I would suggest beginning here. I thought the Xtranormal introductory video was great, and I hope to use this in my classroom.

http://harleyjessome.blogspot.com/
Barbara
Barbara provided a link to the PBS production entitled, "Misunderstood Minds", which I also recommend checking out. I also thought the Digital Storytelling with Strip Design looked really interesting (I really do need to look into purchasing an iPod...).

http://eneaveswriting.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth and Darlene
Two features I liked on this Blog were the list of video tutorial links on the side, as well as the video bar on the bottom. This layout was very user friendly.

http://helenhimsl.blogspot.com/
Helen
This was certainly a lot of work for one person - wow! My only "criticism" would be to watch the language. As we are professionals, I think ensuring the proper use of punctuation and grammar is important for a writing blog (maybe I'm just old fashion).

http://atjmj.blogspot.com/
Again, here is the link to my and my partners' blog. Perhaps I have saved the best for last...?

Thank you for reading; until next time...

Day Thirteen: The death of Ebony

Today I had to say good bye to not only my classmates, but also Ebony. I killed her memory, so the parting would be less painful for her, but I'm still reeling from the loss. If only Christmas gifts were appropriate to give/receive in July! Yesterday, I loved being able to check my email and coordinate a dinner party with friends during our conference breaks, as my laptop is very heavy and I had made the decision NOT to bring it along!

I should address the fact, as it will be a glaring omission, that I was unable to comment on my classmates' blogs. However, I have been reading their work, and have attempted to comment from Acadia, from home, following instructions of my peers and instructions from helpful friends... all without success. However, to "prove" I have read their work, I will "summarize" a few:

Janna: Wednesday, 13 July 2011 – I too love the PocketPond app! It’s helpful not only for “agitated students” but also for those frustrated with waiting in line ;)

Sacha: Sunday, July 17, 2011 – This does sound like a very interesting read. I find we are strongly discouraged from having a person Facebook page as teachers, but I’d never thought of using this program for educational purposes to engage our reluctant readers.

Paul: Tuesday, 19 July 2011 – I’m sure you will miss the iPod touch on the plane, but did I remember you saying you bought an iPod Nano? How does this compare? I’m looking into different Apple options now...

I also took Barb's advice and started on this year's Christmas card: what do you think?



Finally, I added a couple of new gadgets: a rhyming application (as this is supposed to be an educational blog afterall) and a cute puppy application... just because I love puppies.

Until next time...

Today, my classmates and I attended a Summer Institute on Social Justice and Education at Acadia University. We were instructed to create a "Wordle" on our experiences, and what we took away from the speakers. I have done three wordles - one for each of the three speakers, and one on my Blog itself.

1. Dr. Pat Thomson
title="Wordle: Pat Thomson"> src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/3857853/Pat_Thomson"
alt="Wordle: Pat Thomson"
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2. Dr. Kevin Alderson
title="Wordle: Kevin Alderson"> src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/3857873/Kevin_Alderson"
alt="Wordle: Kevin Alderson"
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3. Dr. S. Nombuso Dlamini
title="Wordle: Nombuso Dlamini"> src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/3857879/Nombuso_Dlamini"
alt="Wordle: Nombuso Dlamini"
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4. MY Blog
title="Wordle: Meggie's Blog"> src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/3857864/Meggie%27s_Blog"
alt="Wordle: Meggie's Blog"
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Day Eleven:

I am working a lot of my "other" blog, and don't want to give a lot away, so I thought I would share some of the resources my professor has shared with the class, as well as another good find.

Item number one is a video called Sharpening up on Pencil Skills and it focuses on Pencil Grip, Positioning, and Handwriting. The presenter stresses just how complex the physical aspect of writing can be, and says that poor handwriting is the reason why most students are referred to occupational therapists. One part I found very interesting were the Pencil Olympics (like the "sprint" and "baton twirl") - I feel that competitive itch.


Item two is another video that shows assistive technologies are considered low tech. For example, there is a circular foam grip and slip on writing aids, and some of these look like grippers you can buy at Dollarama. There is also a writing bird, which seems to function like a computer mouse, and a tool called a pen again and a fingertip pen. We will be including these in our blog.


Item three is a website called 50 Best Blogs for Special Education Teachers.
http://www.onlineuniversities.com/blog/2009/12/50-best-blogs-for-special-ed-teachers/
This website says the Blogs will, "provide tips and strategies, focus on assistive technology, explore specific learning challenges, share information about news, policy, and law, and more from other educators working in the field of Special Education". Sites 11 - 21 will all help you, "keep up with the latest technological advances and learn how others have incorporated technology in their teaching".

Ebony came in very handy today when I had to wait over half an hour to meet a friend for supper - I played Simon Says, completed a couple word search puzzles, and created two MadLib puzzles.

Day Ten: It's All Adding Up

I have eluded to the fact that my cell phone is prehistoric, BUT it does include features such as a calculator and calendar. However, I found I never used these features, because it was a hassle to maneuver the settings. On the iPod, this is much easier with the onscreen touch. For example, my husband and I went to The Home Depot to price paver stones to build a garden wall. It was so helpful to have my iPod to calculate total prices and compare various products. I was then able to take pictures of the different stones and bring them to the house to better visualize a final product. I only have a few days left with my "baby", and it will be hard to lose her (I've decided "her" name is Ebony).

I have been busy working on another blog (I feel like an adulterer) with a couple of my peers on the writing process. This will be a joint effort among Joelle, Janna, and myself (hence the name: Assistive Technology Janna Meggie Joelle...) but we have not yet posted our work. However, the link is:
http://atjmj.blogspot.com/
One place in which I have found some of my inspiration is Jamie Renouf's website:
http://ssrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/jrenouf/howtos.htm
There are links to various assistive technology applications that are successful right within our own province, and I encourage you to check it out!

Another source of knowledge is Don Johnson's website:
http://www.donjohnston.com/
*Don't confuse this Don Johnson with the rugged Miami Vice Don Johnson (see picture).
This website directs the viewer to various assistive technologies, developed by this impressive enterprise, to help those struggling with the writing (and/or reading) process.
You'll have to check back to see the final product in a few days!

Day Nine: Writing Right

This morning, we went through the writing process. I had some idea of how complex this process was, but was still surprised by all the components involved. For example, before one actually begins physically writing, they must attend to the task, visualize their ideas, employ various metacognitive skills, use lower level mechanical skills (pencil grasp) etc... I was exhausted and overwhelmed just learning about this process, and I wasn't even completing the tasks! Usually when we think about the "writing process" many of these components are left out; check out the pictures I've posted, and compare the glaring omissions.
Our task will now be to complete a Blog that outlines the writing process and the assistive technologies available to help those who struggle with this process. Our professor has two links that illustrate an example of what this assignment will entail:

http://lowtechatgic1157a4.blogspot.com/
http://writingatbwelsford.blogspot.com
You may notice that I have added links for each of my classmates' blogs; feel free to explore.

Today, I had time in between classes, and I played a word search game I bought for $0.99. I find my small fingers are still a bit clumsy when it comes to "circling" the word, so I usually just put a line through the word.
I also downloaded the Pocket Pond app... how can something so simple be so engaging and addictive! I love the fact that the fish respond to your touch (which ripples the surface of the water).

Day Eight: Return to the classroom

Today, I watched my classmates present their top three apps. I was very surprised to see such a wide array of apps that I had not yet discovered; naively, I thought I had exhausted the literacy apps available on iTunes. I appreciated seeing the various aspects of the reading process on which my peers focused, related to their personal or professional lives. There was of course some overlap, but I also found some new apps, which I downloaded. I’ll focus on some new, free apps:

ABC Letter Tracing – free writing practice; focuses on finite skills.
Alphabooks – teaches sight words, focuses on letter recognition; visually highlights.
SmallTalk Phonemes: this is perfect for SLPs as it shows how each letter in the alphabet is pronounced by showing a picture of the mouth.
Reading Log Kids – students can log up to 60 books and keep track of all the book details.
Pocket Pond – this is great for a reluctant reader to transition them into the activity.
Relaxing sounds of nature – this can help relieve anxiety, or transition a student into a new task, or it can even signal the end of an activity.
iWriteWords – fun, engaging app that shows the user how to write each letter, in order.
3D words – user locates three letter words under time restraints.
Spell That! – teachers can add words to the app and record the pronunciation.

Also, I had already downloaded a whiteboard app, but didn’t know there was an option to collaborate with others (very cool).

I also enjoyed the discussions surrounding the use of assistive technologies to conduct research. As well, these technologies have the potential to reduce the impact of global warming and cut down on costs and save jobs! I hope there are educators from the HRSB reading this blog...

Day Seven: Final app ratings

Today in class, my partner and I developed a curriculum package for the reading, “Time Travel”. Although I had been trained on using Kurzweil many years ago, I had not had a chance to practice what I had learned, and I was amazed at how easy it was to input sticky notes, add a voice memo, and create bubble notes. My students had only used the program to have text read to them, but I plan to demonstrate to teachers how simple the program is to use, and I hope some of them will now feel comfortable using the features to better adapt their coursework for their struggling readers. Also, I used my iPod in a couple of new ways today. First, I created a note in which I typed up a grocery list and brought this to the store with me. I also set the alarm, as I was staying at the family cottage alone, without a clock.

13. ACB Phonics: This app has three different options. I feel the most useful is the Animal Flashcards game. The setting starts with the letter "A" and shows a picture of an "ape", and displays the letters that make up the word: "a" "p" and "e". When you click on a letter, it tells you the name of the letter AND says the sound this letter makes. The only thing I don't like about this app is that the letters are already in the correct order. You can also play "Animal Match", which requires the user to select one of three words to match the picture on the screen. The final application is Balloon pop which has 8 letters on the screen. The voice instructs you to select a particular letter, for example, "touch the letter h as in horse". This app would be appropriate for improving ones phonological awareness, and would help users hone in on their listening skills.

14. Bob Books: This is one of my favourite books as it is very interactive and a great teaching tool. The books are interactive and animated, and require the user to spell certain words in order for the pictures to be coloured. When you click on a letter, the voice makes the sound associated with that letter, and once the letters have been place in the proper order, the word is read in its entirety. In level 1, gravity essentially helps the letters fall into the appropriate place, but in level two, you have to put the letters in the right order. Note that both of these settings have the correct order of the letters in light grey print down below. However, by the time you hit level three, all the hints are gone, and level four even has extra letters that aren't used in the spelling. I like that the game "grows" with the user, and that it is an interactive book. This app could be used by very young or emergent readers to help them develop their phonological awareness, but also later moves into more advanced spelling. It will also work to engage reluctant readers who have trouble focusing on the task at hand.

15. Little Reader Four Letter Words: This app is simple - match the picture to the correct spelling. However, there are lots of options that can be adjusted quickly and easily in the settings option. For example, for early readers, one can select only two different pictures and provide verbal clues that pronounce the words aloud. As the child advances, you can have up to four different pictures/word matches, and you can turn off the verbal clues so that the words are not spoken. This app is a good match for developing ones mental lexicon.

16. MeeGenius: This app is similar to other ebooks that are read aloud. The things I like about this app are: it is primarily fables with lessons embedded, it has crisp clear pictures, the voice is animated yet reads at a slower pace than most, the words are individually highlighted as the text is read (just like Kurzweil), and it's free (you do of course have the option of purchasing more books for about $1.99 each). This app would be enjoyed by young readers, especially those with attention difficulties who have trouble focusing on a task as it is engaging.

17. Play Words: This app was free, so I do not feel a great loss (besides the space it occupies on my iPod), as it does not seem all that useful. In the first option (Picture Blast) you click on a picture of a bear, with the word written below, and the voice says "bear". Then, when you click the other option on the screen (the answer tab), again the voice says "bear". I lost interest in about 3 seconds. In the second option (Word Match) there is a picture of a plane and the voice says "plane" and you have to select the correct spelling from four options, which include "spade", "drum", "square" and of course, "plane". Some of the words seemed very advanced and unrelated, and I'm not quite sure what this really teaches or tests. The third game (Lost Letter) is the only game in which I could see some merit. The screen displays a picture of a hill and the word "hil__" below and the user must choose between the block letters "K", "X", "O", and "L". This app may have the potential to help the user improve their spelling or increase their vocabulary, but both of those links may be a bit of a stretch!

18. Reading Skill Magic Reading: This app has three different skill levels to help children learn the very basics of reading. Blending is recommended as the first skill to introduce to the user, which takes individual letter sounds and "blends" them into a word - there is even a video to demonstrate this task. You can then select the type of word (ex. "a words" or "u words" or "shuffle" to include them all). In this app, no letters are displayed. Instead, there are empty boxes to represent the number of different sounds that make up the picture. When the user clicks on the boxes, in order, each sound is pronounced, and then the word is spoken together. Next, it is recommended that the user move into segmenting, in which the sounds (not the names) of letters are used. Therefore, the user is expected to use the picture clues to say the parts of the words aloud. Finally, there is a reading option in which the picture is hidden (to discourage guessing) and the user reads the word without assistance (but can tap to check their work). This app begins by developing auditory reading and then moves onto developing their phonemic awareness and even helps with spelling.

19. Magnifying glass: This app easily enlarges text so that it is more accessible to those with visual impairments. I can see how this would be useful for students who do not want to appear different or “not cool” by carrying around a large, chunky magnifying glass to help them read.

20. Best Word Searches: As the name implies, this is a word search app (for only $0.99). This app can easily provide hours of entertainment, and is simple to use. Students can help increase their vocabulary and improve their spelling by using this app.

Day Six: "Krazy" for Kurzweil

Today, for the first time since embarking on this course, I feel in charge and on pace. While I was a Literacy Support Teacher in a Junior High, I received training on using Kurzweil, and although I have not used the program much in the high school at which I am currently employed, I retained most of the information. However, the bubble notes were new to me, and I find this a truly exciting option in terms of creating assessments directly within the document. I did not know one could change the dictionary and create word lists, and I can see how this feature would now be much more accessible to a number of students. Finally, I only learned one could write in the program after watching the video I posted a couple of days ago, and the tutorial provided positive and negative aspects of this option (for example, the poor word prediction feature).
On a positive note, I successfully downloaded Kurzweil (it only took as many tries as the version number) and am excited to try it out in class tomorrow.
Today I downloaded an app called Chirp! Canada. I can choose my specific location (Maritimes) and a list of common birds appears, with their names and a clear pictures. I can click on the picture and hear upwards of forty seconds of recorded bird calls made by that particular species. This is not exactly what I was looking for, but it's the closest app I could find, as many other programs were for the UK and other countries.
Finally, I hope you enjoy the changes I made to my page: an option to search my Blog, a poll (be sure to answer the survey), and I updated my profile. The picture I chose is me sandboarding in Namibia a few years ago.

The Weekend

I was at the cottage this weekend (without internet), but still used my iPod touch, and managed to do some additional searching and editing when I returned home.
I attended a "spa day" at a friend's home this weekend (be sure to check out my new highlights and pedicure in class next week) where I met a woman who asked me about the iPod touch when I had it out. I explained to her the course in which I was enrolled and she shared with me that she has a six year old daughter who is a reluctant reader. I spent the next fifteen minutes showing her all the apps on my device to her astonishment and delight, BUT to the dismay of her eldest sister who was there with her own iPod touch, as she soon realized little sis is now going to have access to her iPod!
My husband and I went to check on the progress of our house on Friday, and I took lots of pictures on my iPod. We then attended a large anniversary party that evening, and at the request of those attending, I passed around my iPod and shared the pictures; everyone caught on very quickly!
When I was at the cottage, I took the dog for a walk and brought along my iPod. I took audio recordings of numerous bird calls, and hope to find an app that will help me identify these illusive creatures.
Each night before bed I like to complete a Sudoku, but since my book was at home, I played the "Simon Says" app on my iPod instead. As a heads up, the program is NOT very forgiving - one mistake and game over :(
With all this recording of what I've done with my device, in an attempt to reach my goal of "50 ways to use your iPod Touch", I felt the urge to add a link for the song below (it's been on my mind!).


I've checked out the recommended websites, and found the following link to be the most interesting/applicable.
http://www.starfall.com/
This website provides games and activites to help teach children to read with phonics. There are books with word banks, and fun activities (see 2. Learn to read). They also have an app, which is available for $2.99.

As well, the Nova Scotia Department of Education has a website related to assistive technology in the classroom, which can be found at:
http://www.ednet.ns.ca/index.php?t=sub_pages&cat=591
*Note, not all links work*
However, the link:
http://www.nsnet.org/atc/
provides a list of terms, background information, and describes what assistive technology is all about.
Another interesting link is The Special Ecuation Technology British Columbia site: http://www.setbc.org/
There is so much on this site from case studies (under recent news) to demonstrations of various technologies.

Day Five: Watching Videos and Searching Links

Today I feel brave enough to try and add videos and links into my Blog. I am attempting to do this while my husband is using my iPod to read the Super Human Resources comic book I downloaded for him, as he works in the Human Resource field.



The video above is, interestingly enough, made by a graduate student completing Education courses (thank you Barbara for NOT requiring us to do this!). In the video, the student shows various uses for the iPad, as well as some facts and figures about the device. What I found interesting about this video was that it showed three programs that are very similar to Microsoft programs, but obviously much more accessible (when you consider the alternative of lugging aruond a laptop). The first is Keynote, which is similar to PowerPoint, the second is Pages, which is basically Word, and the third is Numbers, which is a lot like Excel.



The video above is all about Kurzweil, and although it may seem a bit premature, as we are learning about this technology next week, it does give a bit of an overview that hightlights the strengths of this program. The video showcases a Middle School classroom in which Kurzweil is used with or for all students, not just reluctant readers. All students learn to use the highlighting and extracting text feature, and improve their organization skills. The teacher said he is able to get through more material and run a more efficient classroom.

http://www.apple.com/education/ipad/

Check out the link above for ideas on how to use the iPad in the classroom (thanks Apple).

Day Four: Wild for Webinars

Today I watched my first AND second webinars. I viewed one entitled, "Apps in Action for Reluctant Readers", and another entitled, "Apps in Action for Multiple Disabilities". The thing I appreciated most about these Elluminate lessons was that I could see the apps in action, before making the decision to purchase. Previously, I had been relying heavily on the consumer ratings, but have found those to be unreliable. There are many new apps I will now explore, but since the iTunes store is not allowing me to download apps right now (I'm not sure if this is a common glitch or something specific to my computer), I'm going to describe five additional apps I downloaded previously and have been exploring.

6. Comic +: I like this app because it gives the user free access to a wide array of comic books. Users should note however that there is an adult advisory warning, as I image some of the graphic novels could be geared towards a more mature audience. However, I downloaded "Alice in Wonderland" for free, and have been reading through that. I was never into comic books as a child, but have since found a niche that is not just superheroes and villains, which I quite enjoy. This app would be great for reluctant readers who are intimidated by large amounts of text, and who benefit from visual supports. I can see this app engaging students with ADD who have trouble focusing on the task at hand.

7. Word Domino: I find this app exciting, and a bit addicting myself! There are three different levels, and my mind starts to race when I select the highest level. However, for our reluctant readers, level one would be the most appropriate. In this setting, there are different parts of words in eight separate boxes: four beginnings and four endings. You must begin by selecting a box, and then chose the appropriate ending that matches. There is also a timer, which adds to my own competitive spirit. This app would assist with word recognition and improve spelling, and would be of benefit for students looking to work on their phonological awareness.

8. HeartLand Word of the Day: This is a different kind of app, and it reminds me of the "word a day" calendars I used to buy. Each day, there is a new word to learn, and you always have the option of returning to the previous day's word. The app gives the theme and meaning of the word, as well as an example. This app is for anyone looking to build their vocabulary and help improve their literal comprehension when reading.

9. Quick Reader: I have always wanted to be able to read faster, and have often marveled at how quickly some of my peers can fly through novels. I completed the first test using Aesop's fables and discovered that I read 372 words per minutes. However, I'll admit that I was perhaps "breezing through" more quickly than I might other more challenging texts, but I now have a benchmark from which I can go forth. When I actually tried the speed reader function, in which the text was highlighted in chunks, I found this very disjointed, and it was difficult to stay within the coloured boxes. I did not really retain anything I had read, but perhaps this will come with more practice. I believe this app will be beneficial for those wishing to improve their speed in order to become more productive readers. For those reluctant readers who don't want to even start a text because they know it will "take forever", gaining the confidence and know how to read efficiently could be a real asset.

10. Pocket White Board: This is a paid app, but I believe it could have very powerful applications for the classroom. Essentially, the screen is a white board, and there is a selection of coloured markers (as well as an eraser) at the bottom of the screen. The user writes/draws on the board using their finger, and you can see an example at the top of this post. Many reluctant readers are hesitant to participate in the classroom setting, but this would enable them to engage with what it taking place on the board at their desks. For example, if the class was creating a brainstorm on a topic, the user could do so from their own seat. This is beneficial if the student has trouble holding and manipulating a marker, or even if they are nervous of making a spelling error in front of the class. This could then be emailed to the teacher. I will note that this app would likely be much more easily manipulated from an iPad instead of an iTouch.

11. The Lettermen Books: I can't help but smile when I open these books! A story is read aloud (in a friendly, exciting voice) and the pictures are wonderful - in each case, it shows animated/character letters spelling out a key word and acting out the word! For example, if the key word on the page is "dig", it shows D, I, and G characters (in order) with shovels moving dirt! This is a perfect app for engaging reluctant readers who have difficult attending to a task. It helps build ones mental lexicon by visually showing the graphemes and reinforcing the alphabetic principle. Still smiling :)

12. Translate!: This app would be valuable tool for ESL students. It allows the user to type a word in one of over fifty different languages, and then translate it directly below (again, in one of the languages indicated). It is very easy to use - simply scroll through the flag/country name to your language of choice, and type using the keyboard. This app would also be very useful if one was traveling because even if you could not pronounce the words, you could show the screen to the person you were attempting to communicate with!

Until next time... happy "apping" (yes, I did just change a noun into a verb!)

Day Three: Shopping Trip... Without Crossing the Border!

*This post was intended to be added yesterday, but I encountered a problem..."

Today was a first - I was required to spend three hours shopping (albeit most of my products were free) in a classroom setting. I quickly learned that acquiring free apps, versus paid apps, was much like getting a free tank top (made of less material) instead of paying for a sweater. Sometimes you want a tank top, and sometimes this is sufficient, but other times a tank top doesn't cut it, and it's worth shelling out the extra dough for a finer (or warmer) product that offers you more.

Since I do not have time tonight to detail all of my app finds (and that would be a rather long post), I will start with a few, and add more over the next few days.

1. Scrabble app: This app allows the user to play Scrabble with a random opponent online, or with a friend. Some neat features include:

• The option to see the best word available


• The choice to shuffle around your letters so that you can better visualize words


• A dictionary to check your words


• A list of two letter words

This app would assist an individual with developing their mental lexicon when other environmental factors may have been lacking in childhood. It can help increase vocabulary and even develop phonemic awareness because users have to take parts of existing words and use them to construct new words.

2. Mad Libs app: This app requires the user to enter different types of words based on written cues, such as a plural noun or an adjective. These words are then put into a paragraph (I completed a rather humorous example that I will attempt to post). This app would allow the user to improve their phonemic awareness and would likely ensure more successful attention to the literary task.

3. ABC Braille Translator: I paid for this app, and it is one I am unimpressed by. The main screen has a list of every letter in the alphabet and by selecting a letter, the user is taken to a screen that shows the six circle "pattern" with shaded dots to represented the raised text that would be used to write in Braille. However, this application would be useful only for someone without a visual impairment who wishes to create a Braille text, or to decipher a Braille text. Because the dots are not raised, it would be of no assistance to an individual with a visual impairment.

4. Bubble Words: Using this app, the user matches one of a half dozen or so words floating in bubbles that rhymes with a displayed picture. This would improve awareness of rhyming, which is part of the phonemic awareness aspect of reading. Although it may seem like a simple game, it is rather advanced; the word that must be rhymed is not written out, and so the user will have to have a strong phonological awareness and understand the ending syllable that makes up the picture, and match this sound to a written word in a bubble.

5. Comic Touch: This app is an exciting feature that allows the user to create their own comics using pictures they have taken. This requires the user to plan and organize, if they are to develop their own stories. Depending on the assignment or requirements of the task, the individual may have a unique opportunity to create a dialogue in which they further their comprehension of an event in history they read/learned about in Social Studies (for example) by reflecting and making connections (putting themselves in the story) or by making inferences (creating thought bubbles).

In addition to my shopping and exploration, I also used my I-POD touch in the car (NOT while driving of course). I wanted to listen to The Vinyl Cafe Podcast I had subscribed to, but didn't have a way to do so through the car's speakers. Since the volume output from the I-POD itself is very quiet, I wedged the I-POD under my bra strap so that it rested on my shoulder and played directly into my ear. I had a bit of a sore neck when I got home, but a professional massage fixed that! Lastly, I set up my I-POD touch to show me the weather for Halifax with a simple click of a button, and I am now excitedly planning to head to the cottage for my long weekend!

Day Two: Inspired by Inspiration

Today my partner and I created a graphic organizer using Inspiration to map the reading process. We began first by trying to get our ideas down on paper, but this program certainly allowed for a more polished product. Using Sousa's chapter for inspiration, we chose to elaborate on the biological processes involved in hearing, seeing, and speaking, and am I interested to see if any other groups focused on these elements.
I also became more comfortable with the I-POD touch today, and reached a level of "excitement" in which I demonstrated my tech-savy skills for my husband. I downloaded the
Google app and used this to search for The Chronicle Herald and read the paper before class in the SUB - this was much easier than dragging out and booting up my laptop, or attempting to carry around a paper!

The Teacher Becomes the Student

Day One: An Introduction to Technology (Again...)

How can it be a mere three years since I completed my last degree? I feel very much out of touch with the world of technology (I still find comfort with my flip phone circa 2008 after all) and am a little overwhelmed. However, I fought the urge to "forget" my I-POD touch in the SUB, and have since learned a great deal.

• No matter how long you hold down the square bottom on the front of the I-POD, the device will NOT turn on



• The device is convinced it is January 1970, and although I've tried countless times unsuccessfully to reset my calendar, I now find it amusing the device believes it is in a time during which I-PODS were not even invented



• You may have more "apps" than you may think; by swoshing (I doubt that is the proper term) your screen to the side, you can find even more attractive icons



• The fact above was pointed out by a peer in my class, so having an I-POD and not knowing how to use it is a great way to meet friends



• When taking a video, sound WILL be recorded



• Elaborating on the note above, when filming oneself, it is best to hold the device at eye level to avoid double chins, and a close up of ones nose hairs



• Perhaps somewhat unrelated, I also learned that there are many "dead-zones" on campus, which makes using my newly downloaded "DailyBurn" app rarely difficult

Returning to the classroom was also a bit of an unfamiliar experience. I realized how easily distracted I can become... whether it's watching the weather outdoors, monitoring the download progress of Kurzweil, or listening to conversations in the hall. However, I did find the videos describing the workings of the brain, eye and ear fascinating (I did major in Biology after all). I also learned what assistive technology IS (independent access to a task designed to improve performance) and what it IS NOT ("IT"). Finally, I was forced to really break down how I read, and realized how much of this process is ingrained and routine for me, and that it may be hard to dissect my prior knowledge.