Blog Post 12

Blog Post 12

iPad Usage for the Blind"

I have chosen to research, “iPad usage for the blind.” Apple has made tremendous stride with making sure the visually impaired and blind have access to using the iPad device. After, viewing the video, “iPad usage for the blind”, I have learned a lot about how exactly a blind person effectively navigates a iPad. Wesly Marjeus is the Access Specialist for the National Federation for the Blind. Marjeus teaches about the different devices that Apple has installed in their devices for the blind. Marjeus explains a unique service called VoiceOver. VoiceOver basically reads everything that is on the screen of the iPad.VoiceOver not only reads what’s on the screen but, also reads books to the user as well. VoiceOver helps the user to effectively navigate the iPad.

Hand gestures are just as important as the VoiceOver service. Hand gestures can be given as a demand over the VoiceOver service. Hand gestures are used to move or remove certain icons,apps, etc.

Andreashead

Andreas Head shares some basic information about the services that Apple has for the visually impaired. For instance, Refreshable Braille Display is a electronic device that enables the user to write or text while using the iPad. The buttons on the device are Braille and, the device can act as a mouse while connected to the device. Another cool feature is called Bluetooth Keys. The Bluetooth keys connects with the iPad and controls the VoiceOver service as well. The user should be knowledgeable of locating certain important keys to effectively navigate the device. There are a number of assistive technologies that are available for educators to use inside of the classroom. These are just a few to name a lot. Technology is making a powerful stance to all rims of it’s users.


Alex Grow Contribution

Edudemic.com

www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu- To Siri, With Love is an interesting blog post. It tells a story of a 13 year old boy with autism that asks Siri questions about everyday life and his personal interests. What a cool way to use technology. It got me thinking about the different ways Siri could be used in the classroom.

www.assistivetek.blogspot.com-This blog has a lot of great ideas on it. It mentions IPEVO Whiteboard or the Belking Stage app. These two things can help during science class to capture and annotate what the students capture under a microscope. It also mentions Boogie Board. This is a small board the size of an iphone that would be good for taking notes during class or answering questions like we used to do on smart boards. Adobe Presenter is a great tool to use in classroom. This is a great thing to use when you want to include text and pictures in a presentation or quiz during class. This could also be used when doing PBL. One of my favorite things that I found on this blog is the Belkin Tablet Stage. This is a tool that turns your ordinary ipad into a document, camera, and presentation system. This is a great way to get your monies worth out of an Ipad purchased for your classroom. Speaking of Ipad, they are mentioned everywhere on this blog. Ipad is a really neat tool to use when teching. It lets the students independently do work and play learning games on the apps that adhere to the lesson being taught. Great source!

Teachhub.com

http://www.teachhub.com/12-easy-ways-use-technology-your-classroom-even-technophobic-teachers

This was a really cool read. Not only does it give you different technology you can use in the classroom, it also gives you different ways you can use it and how it helps the children. Powerpoint is a very common tool. In the post it mentions ways you can use Powerpoint as a game show review. I think that would be a really cool thing to use powerpoint for. It also mentions blogs and twitter as being a good source of technology in the classroom. Blogs can be used instead of diaries. Blogs are also helpful to see how well the students have progressed overtime. Twitter can be used as a discussion or for a summary of material. Creating a class webpage is a tool that can also be used in the classroom. It also mentions that students can create a film on a computer. This is a great way to implememnt PBL. Doing this and having the kids present the films, are a good way to use 

technology. 

Shayla McCovery's Contribution

,Teaching a Mom What Her Deaf/Blind Child is learning on the iPad is video of a teacher giving instruction to a parent on how to work an Ipad if they were deaf or blind. The teacher says, the parent should place his/her hand across the icon and each one she would click, a voice over will say the icon’s names out loud. The parent would also have to use four fingers and turn it like a knob to be able to turn it into typing mode. Standard typing is when you are moving your fingers across the screen and the voice over says the letters out loud. Once you double tap, it will appear on the note pad. Most people prefer the touch typing mode. You are still in typing mode, where you move your fingers across the screen and voice over reads out the letters to you. Instead of double tapping a letter, you should hold the letter down and lift your finger, the letter will appear on the note pad. 
The alternative source she looked up was: NCLD, Assistive technology can help students with many different learning disabilities. The assistive technology can help them become more independent through school and throughout life. Technology has apps to help students with Dysgraphia and Writing skills. For example, the video I watched was able to explain everything out loud. This app can make the writing process a little bit easier and fun. Another assistive piece of technology would be a keyboard with built in accessibility on standard computer.