The afternoon was spent in a very enjoyable app exploration with iPod touches. I was interested in seeing what the iTunes store had for AT in relation to language acquisition and motivational apps for reading. As an owner of an iPhone for the past three years, I am quite familiar with apps but not familiar with the types of apps we were looking for today. I easily could have spent more time exploring the newer iPod and iTunes store as there are more interactive features than ever on the various apps. Listed are some of the apps our group identified to be among our favorites:
I Like Books. Free on iPod 3G - 37 Picture books for Kids in 1 App.
Suitable for young readers. Has three options:
Read To Me - The text is read out loud - words are highlighted
Read By Myself - no automatic text reading but when word is touched it is pronounced
Auto Play - reads out loud and turns pages
Other features include: add your own voice- record the entire story in mummies or daddy's voice, word highlights - click on any word and hear it being read out loud, and picture highlights - turn on/off the ability to click on picture highlights to make the story either more immersive or less distracting.
abcPocket Phonics Lite: letter sounds & writing + first words Free (Paid Version $2.99)
Suitable for young readers- aimed at preschool kids and those aged up to seven years.
The free version of pocket phonics lite gives users the chance to try before they buy. The full version offers sections that address letter sounds, letter writing, and 170st words.
The user selects from different games- letter sounds, writing & word games. It helps children learn to read by understanding the sounds that letters make - (phonics). It teaches letter writing by visually demonstrating how to write each letter. Children can practice writing by tracing the letter with their finger. This app also teaches how to sound out and spell over 170 frequently used words. There are also customizable settings; one can choose lower case, uppercase, or cursive letters. This is a very visually appealing app that has also won awards. And how to scan all the time at the front and in an
Strip designer $2.99
Appropriate for students of all ages. This is a fun app that lets students create a comic strip/graphic novel. Pictures for the strip can be taken from your iPhone or iPad and inserted into the story. There are many templates to choose from and text balloons or speech bubbles can be added. Students can add their own words or words can be chosen from included vocabulary. Additionally, there is a sliding toolbar included that adds further functionality. This app offers a fun way for students to engage with printed language. Also an option to publish, share by email etc.
Other interesting and useful app discussed included:
SentenceBuilder
StoryBuilder - SLP's use them
Functional skills
FW animals
Shakespere in Bits series - ipod
