MakingConnections

Online Picture Books Read Aloud shows pages, highlights words, reads text aloud kids can pause the reading otherwise pages turn automatically

"Nothing lowers the age bar or makes interface invisible like touch capability. Hopefully the iPad will represent the best from both our old Touch Window and the Koala Pad, and go forward from there.

"A developmental listing of videos I found (10/2010) suggesting that the iPad has lowered the Minimum User Competency by about 18 months, from 2 1/2 years (the mouse/keyboard). This presents new opportunities for children's interactive media developers; suggesting the dawn of a new era in computing, as user interface becomes increasingly invisible. "

For young children to use computers successfully, it is critical to select software that is developmentally appropriate, that is, consistent with how children develop and learn. Researchers agree that software for young children should: * Encourage exploration, imagination, and problem solving * Reflect and build on what children already know * Involve many senses and include sound, music, and voice * Be open-ended, with the child in control of the pace and the path

"Last night we led a round table on Twitter about a topic of interest to us: Apps and Autism. It was a thoughtful discussion about how iOS devices, particularly the iPad, have transformed the lives of many autistic children. Parents and special educators gathered together and talked intimately about the magical effect technology has on the autistic children in their lives. The group stressed improvements in independence, communication and life skills, as a result of their using apps, all leading to improved quality of life for a child and family."

We are a group of 40+ Local Assistive Technology Specialists and FDLRS Technology Specialists from an 11 county region in central east Florida. Each year we hold a symposium where work groups create resources for the students, teachers, and therapists we support. One of our 2008 Symposium work groups focused on creating literacy visual supports. Files were created in Boardmaker 6.0"

"Today's students were born digital but those responsible for their education were not. Youngsters arrive at school in tune with the social context and experience the web offers. Children thrive when teachers find ways to educate them in a more flexible, hypertext manner. This space focuses on development of and support for teachers in their use of technology as they cultivate 21st century content knowledge and skills in their students. Brueck Educational Innovations, LLC Founded in 2008 by Jeremy and Kimberly Brueck, both licensed educators and administrators, Brueck Educational Innovations consults with teachers at schools and districts, presents at conferences and conducts seminars for educational programs to customize and deliver professional development in areas affecting curriculum and instruction."

"This handout is meant to be a resource. It is not meant to be exhaustive and is not a suggestion on what apps to buy or download. It is always helpful to review the ratings on apps before purchasing. For review of apps, click on the review button when you are on the app download page in iTunes. If a lite version is available, generally they are free or cheaper, so they can be a way for you to try an app."

Wiki compiling the results of a Twitter conversation regarding appls for children with autism

Nice blog post about interactivity of book apps on iPad

Live Binder full of reading sites

Books are displayed, read aloud and signed "This is your website. It's got lots of great books to see in sign language and subtitles. Hearing family and friends can listen to the stories too. You can all watch together! We'll add more books. So keep coming back to see what's new. Tell your friends … click on the windows… explore…and have FUN!"

"Early Years interactive resources for Primary or Infant Schools. Ideal to use on any type of Interactive Whiteboard. Also for teachers, parents & children at home with a PC or Mac"

"Nursery Rhymes to Sing See and Sign are free downloadable, web-based communication resources for all young children. It includes 14 favorite Nursery Rhymes. Nursery Rhymes to Sing See and Sign provide a particular focus on communication strategies known to help communication and language development in children with communication difficulties. "