SECTION TWO:  Technology Available for Mobile Devices

The following is not an exhaustive list nor is it a recommendation of any specific product.
It is intended to provide examples of instructional resources.

The price, capacity, and flexibility of handheld devices make them attractive complements to laptop and desktop computing for students with dyslexia. In addition, tablets and other touch devices make text more accessible. The following apps are a sampling of what is available for free or at a low cost; however, students must have access to a mobile device in order to use them:

Organizational Apps

Google Mobile

Search the web (using Google) with voice, access Google account.

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Reading Apps

FarFaria

This app offers free children’s books with read along support.

 

Fry Words

This app provides a list of the most common words used for teaching reading, writing, and spelling.

 

VoiceDream Reader

This app allows students complete control over how text is translated to speech.

 

Wikipanion

Access Wikipedia using a non-cluttered screen and have access to an online dictionary for any word in the article. Search Wikipedia using word prediction.

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Writing Apps

Dragon Search

Search the web with voice recognition capabilities.

 

MindMeister

Create mind maps (also called concept maps) and share on the web.

 

Notability

This app allows students to take notes during class while recording their lecture.

Teaching Apps

ABC Spelling Magic

This interactive app provides students with practice to hear the sounds of letters as well as build words.

 

ABC Spelling Magic 2

This interactive app provides students the opportunity to practice spelling words with consonant blends.

 

ABC Spelling Magic 3

This interactive app provides students with the opportunity to practice spelling words with two or more syllables.

Teaching Apps

ABC Spelling Magic 4

This interactive app provides students with the opportunity to practice spelling words with the silent final "e."

 

Bob Books #1 - Reading Magic

This app teaches young students early phonics.

 

 

Cursive Writing

This app allows students to practice cursive writing after receiving explicit instruction.

 

 

Duolingo-Learn Language

This site offers students the option to choose and learn a foreign language in a game format.

 

 

Interactive Alphabet

This is an interactive app that allows students to hear words, letters, and phonics sounds while matching to letters. This app also teaches upper and lower case letters.

 

iWriteWords

Trace the formation of letters and numbers.

 

MindSnacks

This site offers a variety of games to teach vocabulary, grammar, concepts, and more.

 

ModMath

This app allows the student to type math problems rather than write them.

 

Nova Elements

This interactive app explores the periodic table and play games while learning about the elements.

 

Simplex Spelling with Reverse Phonics

This app is designed to improve spelling and reading skills beyond memorizing a word list for a weekly spelling test.

 

Sound Beginnings

This interactive app provides students with practice to build strong phonic skills.

 

 

WWF Together

This interactive app allows the student to get a closer look at elephants, whales, rhinos and other fascinating species.

 

Classroom Uses of a Handheld Device, and/or Tablet

The following is not an exhaustive list nor is it a recommendation of any specific product.
It is intended to provide examples of instructional resources.

Handheld technology has the ability to offer quick access for students. This technology is usually readily available, mobile, flexible, and convenient. When budgetary constraints limit the purchase of permanent technology, mobile devices, such as smart phones and tablets, may be a more plausible purchase. The following are examples of classroom uses of mobile devices:

• Language Development - Students use the voice recording feature to podcast their work. After reading a book, a student develops a book report that includes a brief summary of his or her story and then records the report using a handheld device. The teacher posts the podcast to the class website where it can be accessed from home or the classroom.
• Lesson Review - Students use the video feature to capture lesson examples in the form of short video clips. The students then review the lessons at a later date and share ideas with each other.
• Organizational Skills - Students organize their daily class work and homework assignments using the calendar application.
• Reading Fluency - Using the voice recording feature, students record themselves reading to improve their accuracy, rate, and prosody. Students then listen to each other’s recordings and follow along with the books.
• Reminders Feature - Students set appointments and are sent reminders based on the time of day or their location as indicated by the Global Positioning System (GPS).
• Video Conferencing - Students use "Facetime" or other video conferencing software that works with Wi-Fi to collaborate on homework assignments.

Additional Sources for Educational Apps
The following websites provide collections of apps that may be helpful to individuals with dyslexia, parents of students with dyslexia, and education professionals.
Dyslexia Help Success Starts Here: http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/apps

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