RTC Session 4 - SEN and iPads

Thank you for those that attended our Apple Regional Training Centre Event for iPads and SEN

If you missed it why not register to the website and get automatic updates or just to check when the next session is http://JerseyRTC.com

Sometimes it's not always about the Apps, the iPad has some fantastic built in and underrated features. The most important for SEN students are the accessibility features...

Accessibility Features

Guided Access -  is only available if you have updated to iOS6 (highly recommended anyway). It allows for apps to be locked and disables the home button. VERY USEFUL if you share your iPad with students as it stops them from browsing your personal files. Also great for students who are 'easily distracted' by the temptation of other apps.

Voice Over - For students that have poor sight Voice Over speaks the options available

Zoom - This is one of the most useful features used by our students. When switched on you can triple tap with three fingers and choose the zoom level of the screen.

Inverted Colours - For students who do not like white backgrounds with black text his allows for easier reading.

Speak Selection - A fantastic tool for students that struggle with reading. You can select a word or page and have the iPad read it back to you at whatever pace you want with whatever dialect you want. This is not restricted to iBooks but works in most apps.

My example how to use the features

Don't trust me however, one of our students has made their own website describing the features. As a student that is at the 'coal face' of these issues I think she understands it better than I ever could.

http://jaydalexingram.wix.com/appleofmyi#!for-the-visually-impaired/cm95

Why not have a look at her whole website

http://jaydalexingram.wix.com/appleofmyi

Reading Assistance

Camera Magnification - Using the inbuilt camera you can pinch and zoom to see greater detail. Students no longer have to be dragged to the front of every class to see the board. Very liberating for the students involved. Often staff ask for the images to be emailed to them for their own records or for sharing on VLE's, Blogs or Wiki's

Scan to PDF - Storing key information is not always great in the photo album. You can convert images (including photos of text) into PDF documents that can be saved into collection in iBooks for better organisation.

Cam Scanner (Free) - There is a paid version but it is basically the same as the free except you don't have to put up with small ads. I use the free version



Speaking in iBooks - As mentioned above you can select whole sections of text and have the iPad read it back to you. It can also be set to highlight the text as it reads, when you slow the speed down this can be a great reading aid


iAnnotate £6.99
I use this to write on PDF documents but it has a zoom feature that allows students to complete worksheets (convert to PDF and email ir leave on VLE) at their own scale 

Auto Stitch £1.49
This allows for multiple images to be stiched together producing one higher quality image with greater detail. This can be used for great scenery or more practically in the classroom a board or display

360 Panorama £0.69
This is a bit of fun but allows students or teachers to take 360 degree views of special places of interest that students that can not access can view in a fun way

Click on the image for the 360 view

Kindle (Free)
This allows students to read eBooks with their own choice of text size and I invert the background to black with white text for an easier read

Writing Assistance 

Recorder £1.49

I use this to recorder to record voice notes for my students coursework. I start the recording and go to their current work in a shared Dropbox account and as I read the CW I dictate my feedback. It can also be used to record lessons for later review

Using Dictation on the iPad
I find that I can use dictation for large essays or reports on the iPad. I can record my thoughts while looking at work or notes. The dictation is good but needs wifi and a proof read afterwards. The icon can be found every time the keyboard is viewable. Great for students with writing issues. 

Wireless Keyboard or Dock - For students that do not like the inbuilt keyboard you can use a wireless keyboard for a greater tactile experience or for faster typing. I like these all in one cases:

You can get these or the official keyboard docks online or at your local retailer. 

Story telling apps - These can be used instead of essays. Creative writing in the form of video, cartoon or collage can be a great way of allowing students that struggle with reading or writing to get their ideas down in their own way.

Toontastic Free
This app allows students to get really creative. Even though is is aimed at younger students (pre loaded with cartoons) you can import pictures and more secondary orientated material. 

Morfo booth
£0.69 (free version available)
So many ways in which this could be used. Story telling will never be the same.


Hearing Assistance 


Making Video Intros
£2.99
As discussed it can be a great change of pace to start with a video....

Today Voice Notes£1.49I use this tool to give feedback to students on essay work as it is quicker to give more thorough notes than typed. The students have said that they like this as it is easier to follow. The students can be emailed directly from the app and listened to on any computer. 

AudioNote

£2.99

Good for taking notes at meetings. The typed notes are highlighted in time with the recorded audio. It was also mentioned that it would be useful for observations. 

When taking recordings microphone placement is key. If you can't get close buy some cheap microphones and extensions to help. Here are some I bought on Amazon (The microphone extension is specific as it needs 4 poles)

Microphone - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001MNX9WK/ref=wms_ohs_product
Extension - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007ZLNPJK/ref=wms_ohs_product

Organisation

Routines - The iPad is great for keeping students organised and there are various apps to keep you in line

Timers - Use the inbuilt clocks app to set timers and alarms throughout the day

Simple Mind

FREE

For those that like using mind maps this is a great tool. If you want to share the notes you can either pay for the upgrade or use the iPads screen capture (home button and power at the same time) to add the page to your photo album 

Calendars - Used to set your schedule for the week, including homework deadlines. You can set up to two reminders for the in built calendar events. A great way to keep on track. It is also possible to share a calendar with a student so that you can check or add events that have been forgotten.

Note Taking - There is a note taking app built in or more advanced options in the app store. Storing notes in the cloud is a great way of backing them up

InClass

Free

I simply don't know how/why this app is free. It is the only note taking app (and I've tried a few!) that incorporates TEXT, AUDIO, PICTURES & VIDEO. Easy to use and has a calendar for homeworks. Great app.

eBooks - You can request a PDF version of textbooks for some students or look in the iBooks library for some great alternatives

Scanning Books - With the permission of the publisher there are circumstances where you are allowed to scan the book for a student.

Foundation Stage Profiles

In the primary sector Photos, Audio, Video can be great ways to collect evidence

aNote

£2.49

Great tool for gathering evidence of students work. I take photos of students work and make notes so that I have evidence of progress without having to take book back in. Also great for when students lose books.

Also the InClass app above does a similar job but is the only one to store video. It is free so may trump aNote

I hope this helps with an idea how to use the iPad for SEN 

Thanks for taking your valuable time to read this.

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