Talking SMARTBoards & Much More!

   In my new role as the Instructional Technology Specialist I have been asked by the Special Education Director to create an Intellitools training for teachers and therapists.  As I started to design the Notebook Presentation I was again reminded about how well Intellitools works with the SMARTBoard.  Classroom Suite 4 is very user friendly, with pre-made activities/templates along with fantastic directions and how to’s to individualize your lessons.  They offer a 30 Day Trial Download (at bottom of page) so you can explore the options and see if it is something that would enhance your curriculum.  There also is a great Activity Exchange  page (you need to register) that is overflowing with premade activities that have been submitted by teachers- an awesome resource! ENJOY!

The latest AT Blog Carnival, Edtion #4  has been posted- thanks Lon! This latest edition is a grab bag format with 10 submissions (even one from me!!), each one filled with some very worthwhile information and definitely worth a look.  I find this Carnival format to be very convenient and helpful- sort of like one stop shopping for some wonderful ideas! So if you want to learn about several AT topics head on over to the AT Blog Carnival– guaranteed you won’t be disappointed.

 One of my favorite websites is Hiyah.net. Developed and maintained by Sara- a mother of two young boys who encounter difficulty accessing a computer using a mouse.  So this very talented, very generous mother created a series of educational software based on a variety of subjects for her sons.  The most amazing part of this story is that Sara then created this website to make each and every one of these programs available to anyone who could benefit from them– yes they are all FREE! You simply download the program (some you can use online) and enjoy.  I receievd an email today notifying me that Sara has added 7 new programs to this marvelous collection- she even has one for the 4th of July! So if you’re in the market for some free educational software geared towards students aged 18 months to 4 years (also perfect to address cause/affect objectives) head on over to Hiyah.net and be amazed!  The download versions are made to run on Microsoft Windows compatible operating systems. The Play Online version works on Macs or PCs.  I should also mention that these programs work great with the SMARTBoard. ENJOY and THANK YOU Sara!

I am down in FL visiting my mom and as I was taking pictures of the ocean I was reminded of this adapted digital camera that I saw at a recent AT workshop sold by Zabonne.  I LOVE this idea-it comes with a built in switch jack so all you have to do is plug in a switch and it’s ready for anyone to take a picture.  How cool!  I have not yet personally used this camera in my classroom, but did have the opportunity to experiment with it at the workshop and was impressed with the independence factor it offers.  Taking pictures today is so prevelant, especially with teenagers, so for those who present with motor/physical challenges this adapted camera could be an important tool both educationally and socially.  It takes JPEG photos and can record short videos.  There is a USB/AV connection allowing for immediate photo previewing on your computer or SMARTBoard, especially ideal for student who benefit from that immediate feedback. The price  $195 (the switch is not included).  I have placed this on my classroom wish list, so we’ll see… If anyone has any personal experience using this camera I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited.  I just learned that I won the Blog Contest that Lon Thornburg from No Limits to Learning sponsored.  WOW– I feel like the Boston Celtics did this week when they won the NBA Finals!  The most amazing part of being selected the winner is that my classroom will receive free software from Learning Magic, thanks to the generosity of Byron Wilkes.  His act of kindness reminded me of a George Elliston quote-  “How beautiful a day can be…when kindness touches it!”
I am so thankful to Mr. Wilkes for this unbelievable act of kindess. This software will be a welcomed addition to our curriculum.  It’s already in my plan book for September!  So again, I just want to send a HUGE  from myself and my students to both Lon and Mr. Wilkes for making this amazing opportunity available to my classroom. And please check back this fall for updated posts when I’ll be sure to share our experiences utilizing this wonderful software.