What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technology (AT) is any item that helps bypass, work around or compensate for learning difficulties. AT is a process. It will change over time. AT provides access to a task, improves performance of a task and allows students with learning difficulties to work independently. AT is not information technology (IT). Technology will only assit an individual if the tool matches individual need.

Sunday, 30 October 2011

Pictello

After trying Pictello in class, I immediately thought of introductory biographies.  Biographies are a common written piece in the beginning of an English class.  In order to enhance the experience for the writer and add another level of engagement for the audience, students could create a tech version of their story in Pictello.
This leads me to a social studies application.  Students could create biopoems or short biographical sketches in Pictello.  My only concern with this idea is that according to what I have read about Pictello (see below) you cannot use internet images.  I am not sure if this is correct since if you saved internet images in your picture file, I would think you would be able to access in Pictello?!?!  I have to look into this when I have access to Pictello again on the weekend.
In Law I think it would be neat to use Pictello to document mock trials.  It is so simple and quick!
My final (somewhat original) thought about using Pictello is to create instructional videos (teacher or student-created).  In keyboarding class, for example, a brief video about posture!?  Another about how to access common files.  Another for saving a file to the correct server space.  The possibilities are unlimited!

I think the possibilities are also unlimited for students with disabilities or for whom English is a second language.  The application is so simple to use that students could include as little or much information as they are able.  I wonder if the program is accessible for students with mobility issues?  I don't know much about how students use the iPad if they have mobility issues.
Following is a review of Pictello I found and the reviewer's suggestions for use with students.  There is also a tutorial video in case I forget how to use Pictello before I go back to work... caring for children all day every day can make your mind blurry!  It is good to have something to look back upon!

Classroom Uses from iPodsibilities

  1. social stories
  2. sequencing events
  3. task analysis
  4. retelling events/summarizing stories
  5. vocabulary stories/practice
  6. picture schedules
Recommendation:We recommend this app for personal use and limited school use at this time. We feel this app would be most appropriate to supplement or enhance classroom instruction. Students can use Pictello to demonstrate their knowledge of a historical reading or a short story. Teachers can demonstrate a step by step procedure or math problem. Special educators may find it useful for creating task analyses and social stories. Families could use Pictello to create a talking photo album about a recent vacation to share with others. Children will benefit from teacher or adult modeling of use, but most early elementary students should be able to operate independently after their first interaction with the app.
Tutorial Video
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