Proofing Tip: Studies have shown that when we proof read our own material, we have a tendency to skip some of our own errors like double words, misspellings, etc.  Further, some of our students who have a difficult time writing, also really dislike proofing!  In fact, I’m going to guess they flat out refuse or they fake it really well!  One possible solution is to have your computer read your material back to you using any one of the many FREE text to speech solutions, including the new Read:OutLoud application for Indiana. On your Mac computers, you can simply use the built in text to speech.  Go to System Preferences, Speech and then Text To Speech. Other free apps include, Speakonia, ReadPlease, Natural Reader, Vox Machina, TypeIt ReadIt and many others.  Most of which, I’ve posted about in the past.  If you are interested, go over to the right and try out the search box feature of this blog by typing in something like, “text to speech,” or “speakonia.”
NIMAS Resource:As more Digital Rights Managers (DRMs) in Indiana begin taking advantage of the Don Johnston Read:Outloud opportunity announced on 9/15/08 as a free text-to-speech option from Indiana/PATINS/ICAM, we’ve been getting lots of questions on it.  I’d like to point out 2 resources on the Don Johnston Website that should not be missed:

Parent Forms, CD Labels for Take-Home Rights and More: www.donjohnston.com/products/read_outloud/un_access.html

Read:Outloud Video: www.donjohnston.com/media/flash/product_demo/readoutloud/index.html

ALSO, on the PATINS Website, one of the new Video Tutorials is specifically on using Read:OutLoud to open/convert a NIMAS File Set.  View it here: www.patinsproject.com/videos.html

Remember that you can also contact the ICAM and your Regional PATINS Site Coordinator for more info on Read:Outloud and other text-to-speech and NIMAS related software as well.  Contact info here: www.patinsproject.com/contact.html

iPod Touch Apps: It seems like more people everyday are starting to use the iPod Touch or the iPhone.  I know of at least one UDL Pilot School planning to implement iPod touches in their classrooms.  The technology in these devices is exciting to me and the educational possibilities with this sort of technology is just beginning!   Looking in the iTunes App Store, I found several educational applications including, flash card apps, math apps, foreign language apps, study/review skills apps and more.   Some of these apps are free and others range from $2 up to $10 or slightly more.  If you haven’t done so already, go to the iTunes store from within iTunes, then click on Apps and browse the Education category a little bit:

Don’t miss the
PATINS State Conference-

Accessing the Curriculum, November 10th and 11th. The “Early Bird” price break on registration has been extended to October 17th. Details can be found here.

There have been a lot of great, free, regional PATINS workshops and trainings going on around the state that many of you have been taking advantage of.  Additional workshops/trainings can be scheduled as well: www.patinsproject.com/regional.html Please note that there has been a slight change in workshop registrations for the NE PATINS Site.  All registrations must now be completed online rather than by faxing a form or calling.  See here: www.patinsproject.com/ne.html This should simplify the process and help elliminate errors and confusion.  Contact the NE Site if you have problems or questions with the new registration procedure.

Next Week is Closing The Gap in Minnesota.  I’ll be out of the office, but will be returning email as possible. I’ll be gathering information all week and then presenting on Friday afternoon.  I can’t wait to share information on the blog!