There is a new switch access device for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch from RSL Steeper in the PATINS library.  The Pererro is very small, but has some great features (per RSL Steeper)

• Works with almost any VoiceOver enabled app
• Plug & Play
• Two scan modes; Auto Increment & Press to Increment, enabling you to continue using your preferred scanning method
• Direct input so no Bluetooth battery drain
• Powers directly from your device
• 3.5mm mono jack socket for universal switch input
• ‘Charge through’ ability to charge your device without disconnecting
• Just 36 × 29 × 9 mm

By downloading the free Pererro app (iTunes Store) you can customize the features and settings so that when the Pererro is moved from device to device it will interact with the app to apply individualized settings.

A couple of teachers and I tried it on an iPad and had success in navigating both on the home screens and within some apps.  If it sounds like something you would like to try, contact your PATINS coordinator.  We have them to lend out!

Did your district receive a special ed improvement grant?  Contact your Coordinator regarding your specific training needs.

See you at the EXPO!

Productivity is one of those words thrown around in society that act like a non-specific band-aid for fixing whatever is wrong.  If we increase student productivity…  Teachers need to use their time more productively…  and so on.  Sometimes increasing productivity requires increasing stimulation.  While researching this week’s tip I came across the focus@will site.  www.focus@will.com    The site streams music that is picked to increase productivity.  It has tips running along the bottom, and 8 different genres of music to run in the background.  Listening to music without lyrics works really well for me.  The trick in a classroom is to find a music style that suits the students that need it while not disturbing the ones that don’t.  In this way it becomes yet another tool in your UDL tool box!

This is what I was listening to while writing.

I started out researching “SpeakIt”, a free app on the Chrome Web Store.  For those using the web browser Chrome, once installed, this app will translate all highlighted text to speech while on the internet.  SpeakIt adds a speaker button to the right of the bookmark star just outside of the URL address box on the Chrome browser.  The user just needs to highlight the selection to be spoken and press the speaker symbol.  The pictured box will appear and read.  To get this app, go to https://chrome.google.com/webstore/category/home  search SpeakIt in the search window and follow the instructions.  While I would not recommend this app for all text to speech needs, it is free, easy to download and can be used in some non-essential ways.  One of my favorites is for proofreading.  I will let the computer read what I have written while I listen for content.

So how did one thing lead to the other?  I pulled up this article http://edudemic.com/2013/04/cycle-of-productivity/ ”This Is The Modern Cycle of Productivity” by Katie Lepi on Edudemic.  I was testing SpeakIt for this post.  It is a quick fun article and lead me to focus@will.  Try the app on the article and you will notice that the graphic will not read.  That is because it is just a picture of the original graphic.  This is an issue that has been discussed and will continue to be discussed when looking at truly accessible reading material.

Don’t forget that it is Autism Awareness Month.  The Appy Mall as well as Appolicious have been listing several free and reduced autism apps!

See you at the PATINS Tech Expo!

PATINS 2013 Tech Expo

Thursday, April 18, 2013

The Fountains
502 East Carmel Drive
Carmel, IN  46032

In the case of a zombie apocalypse it would be important to have a stockpile of things you would need to survive.  The school year is no different.  Time and money are limited commodities.  According to apple.com there are over 300,000 *apps.  It is getting hard to sort through them.  There are several ways to search for the app you need.  Here are some sites that are categorizing and rating apps (android too) that can help you save time finding what you need.

• http://www.appolicious.com/
• www.freeapps.org/
• http://www.appymall.com/#
• http://theappyladies.wordpress.com/
• http://appadvice.com/appnn

17 Days until PATINS Tech Expo!

Check out the CIESC Newsletter here:  http://www.ciesc.k12.in.us/

Let me know some of your favorite sites for searching for apps!  I know I missed some good ones.

See you at the Expo!

Sandi

 * as of 3/26/2013 Mac User Magazine reports - Apple’s iOS App Store passes 800,000 available apps by KENNY HEMPHILL on MARCH 26, 2013

mrrrrr apps! (Zombify Me – app used for picture)

Did you know that there are 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays in March this year?  A Facebook “friend” sent me a message that this phenomenon would not happen again for 823 years.  That just is not true.  Any month with 31 days will have 3 consecutive days that occur 5 times within that month.  The next time March will do this is in the year 2019.  Hmm, that doesn’t seem like 823 years.  Not even in dog years.  Internet sites like Snopes www.snopes.com and Hoax-Slayer www.hoax-slayer.com are the first places I go when I want to validate information on the internet.  Skepticism is one of those skills we all need to hone as information becomes more readily available.  Many argue that our students need to be taught the ability to find information instead of memorizing facts.  Along with that ability comes the need to verify facts or to know where to find reliable confirmation of facts.

With the Tech Expo around the corner I would like to spotlight some of the “Not for Profit” organizations that will be lending their expertise to the Expo this year.

• Achieve 3000
• Best Buddies Indiana
• Down Syndrome Indiana
• Effective and Compliant IEP Resource Center
• INDATA Project at Easter Seals
• Indiana Center for Accessible Materials
• Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services
• Indiana Resource Center for Autism
• Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
• Indiana Educational Resource Center
• Indiana School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• Indiana Talking Book and Braille Library
• PATINS Project
• Refurbished Computers

As you can tell from the list this is an impressive gathering of expertise.  Another reason to attend the PATINS Tech Expo!

It doesn’t seem that the month of March is going to be easy to categorize weather-wise this year.  Hang in there, and be glad there weren’t 5 Mondays this month!

I am Sandi Mahl, PATINS SE Coordinator.  A brief explanation before the blog:   As you know Daniel McNulty, now State Project Director of PATINS usually writes this blog.  He has not given it up; however, he is no longer able to keep it as current as he would like it to be.  So, I will be taking a guest role in writing the Rapid Fire Blog.  It was an easy fill for me as I was just beginning some blogs of my own.  The Rapid Fire Blog will probably change its “voice” a bit, but you will still find the same information here.  With me blogging, the Rapid Fire Blog will become part of a trio of blogs:

Rapid Fire – Just the facts ma’am

smahlthoughts* – A deeper look into the topic with some personal opinions thrown in http://smahlworldindustries.edublogs.org/

smahlstuff* – A more emotional, hold hands and sing Kumbaya look at the topic with lots of opinions and a look at the twisty road my mind travels. http://smahlstuff.edublogs.org

*Any opinions or mistakes expressed on smahlthoughts and smahlstuff are all my own.  They are not endorsed by nor are they intended to reflect negatively or positively on PATINS.

So, let’s get started!

I received notification that the ICAM Dispatch blog had been posted this morning.  I love the way Martha Hammond writes so I clicked on it immediately.  In it she listed some reminders of what different PATINS people were doing and that yesterday was Digital Learning Day.  Very appropriately, I spent 90 minutes listening to an ATIA webinar on tools for storytelling in the 21^st Century.  The content was great I heard about tools that I knew and tools that were new to me.  Webinars are great ways to seek information from others in the least amount of time.  While the ATIA webinars are not free, PATINS and our counterparts in Michigan (MITS) and Ohio (OCALI) have teamed up to present some great FREE webinars.  Here are some of the ones coming this month.

Julie Kuhn – NE Coordinator

2/14/2012, 8:30am – 9:30am EST – AT Feature Match:  Assistive Technology (AT) is not really about the Stuff.  It’s about knowing the student, what’s required and what the desired end result is. This presentation will show you how to get where you need to go.

To register:    http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AT_Feature_Match_Registration_2-7-2013

Martha Wells Hammond – ICAM Library Services Consultant

Sandi Mahl – SE Coordinator

2/14/2013, 4:00pm – 5:00pm EST – Early Childhood Indicators of Latent Print Disability:  In this training I will discuss early indicators of possible print disabilities that families may encounter as students begin reading.  This training is not a diagnostic tool, but a guideline to help families/teachers/caregivers be aware of potential problems, and to begin preparing with early interventions if problems do present. Some iPad apps with an Early Childhood focus will also be demonstrated.

To register:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NKY7P8B

2/19/2013, 11:45am – 12:00pm EST – PATINS TV – Another Special Guest today; our NE PATINS Coordinator Julie Kuhn provides some especially relevant insight from the perspective of an OT into positioning for access to the curriculum!

Barb Meier – MITS Presenter

2/21/2013, 3:15pm – 4:15pm EST – Tools to Support Students who Struggle with Math: This session examines FREE (and very low cost) tools and strategies that support student access to the curriculum. Learn about virtual manipulatives, talking calculators, and other items to support students as they access the mathematics curriculum. The focus of this webinar is on students with special needs but these tools support ALL students in the classroom.

To register:  http://tinyurl.com/8ebjug7

These and other Interstate Webinars are listed at: http://www.patinsproject.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=78&Itemid=40

NEW ICAM Blog Announced! Martha Hammond at the ICAM has started blogging all things AIM, NIMAS & ICAM related on Thursdays via the brand new “ICAM Dispatch.”  I think it’d be a wise decision to take 5 minutes and check it out, subscribe just like you do to this blog and leave Martha some comments, suggestions, etc.  …especially if you are a DRM or serving students with print disabilities.

 First Friday Walk For Autism:  Aug. 3.  This wonderful event helps raise awareness and funds for families in Grant County
living with autism.

• Flyer and more info here: Marion Walk 2012
• Registration Form here: Walk for Autism Awareness Registration Form Aug 2012

Aug. 7:  PATINS Live TV Returns at 11:45am EST

Nov. 8-9: Save The Date:  PATINS 2012 State Conference!  Flyer Here: State Conf 2012 Flyer 1 CFP

ASAP: Still a little time to get your proposal in to present at the PATINS State Conference Nov. 8-9.  Contact me with questions: dmcnulty@ciesc.k12.in.us

A Reminder:
Big PATINS Project Changes!

Several things have now officially changed within the PATINS Project organization that I want to make sure you’re aware of as we get closer and closer to the start of the 12-13 school year.

1. The SE PATINS Site has moved from Madison to Columbus, IN and as you may know, Tina Jones ( SE Site Coordinator for past 17 years) has retired.  Tina will be missed by many people!  Tina’s replacement as the new SE Site Coordinator is Sandi Mahl.   The email you are currently using to reach the SE Site (sepatins@ciesc.k12.in.us) will remain the same, but will be received by Sandi now instead of Tina Jones.  We hope you’ll help us welcome Sandi to the PATINS Team!  More on Sandi to come!  Kelli Suding will be assisting Sandi at the SE Site and Kelli’s email is: ksuding@ciesc.k12.in.us.  The new SE Physical & Mailing Address: 1200 Central Avenue, Columbus, IN 47201
2. The NE PATINS Site has also moved, but just a couple miles down the road to the Wabash City Schools Admin Building.  I have handed over the NE Site Coordinator position Julie Kuhn!  We’re also excited to welcome Julie to the PATINS team and more details on her will also be coming soon!  Much like the SE, the NE Coordinator email will still be (nepatins@ciesc.k12.in.us), but it will no longer come to me.  It will go only to Julie!  Brandon Culver has also transitioned out of the NE Assistant position and Emily Booth has transitioned in.  Her email is ebooth@ciesc.k12.in.us.  The new NE Physical & Mailing Address: 1101 Colerain St. Wabash, IN 46992.  After today, please don’t send anything to the old Wabash address as it will likely not reach PATINS!
3. Vicki Hershman has also officially retired as the PATINS State Director after 17 years of dedicated service to PATINS and to Indiana’s K-12 schools.  Vicki will also be missed considerably by many and while there really is no replacing her (or Tina in the SE), I have now assumed the role of PATINS State Director.  My new email is: dmcnulty@ciesc.k12.in.us and you may begin using it now.  The Central PATINS location and phone numbers will not change:  Contact Us Page Here
4. Finally, the PATINS UDL Blog is going to be merged with this PATINS Rapid Fire Blog.  Tina has done a great job of keeping you informed with UDL related information on the UDL Blog and going forward, I plan to combine UDL, AT, AIM, Creative Ideas to Engage, Announcements, Important Information, all in this one convenient location.   So, if you were subscribed to the UDL Blog, you’ll want to make sure you’re now subscribed to this one.  Just enter your email address in the upper right-hand area of this page and click subscribe.  That way you’ll receive just the headlines each Friday in your inbox and can then decide if you want to click them for more information.

We ask that you continue to bear with us during this time of transition.  I do not anticipate any problems or delays in PATINS services to you and your colleagues, but we will have several new staff in new positions and are losing three very valuable PATINS Staff.  Vicki, Tina, and Brandon will all be missed greatly.  I am excited and very optimistic about the new staff joining us and I view this as an exciting opportunity to evolve, adapt & grow!   More details on new staff members will be coming and I hope that everyone out there will help to welcome them.  I will still blog over the summer months as much as possible and my plan is to continue blogging in this coming school year in my new role as well.

Did you know?  PATINS has a prize drawing for all those that participate in our Training Follow Up Surveys.  Sue Buse from Merrillville Community School Corporation was chosen as the lucky winner for this past quarter and received a Point 2 View USB Camera! Congratualations!

 AppWriter/Dyslexie Font:  A really cool, but not free ($20) app found awhile back by our SW Coordinator, Sandy.

• An Article on it: http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/design-architecture/appwriter-brings-dyslexie-font-other-assistive-tech-to-ipad/5153
• The App:   http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/appwriter-us/id490076103?l=us&ls=1&mt=8

Facebook and Accessibility Resource:  http://www.mediaaccess.org.au/online-media/social-media/facebook

Readability App:  You may have heard me talk about Readability for web browsers before and I’m sure I’ve blogged about it in the past as a way to make reading on the internet much more accessible, easier, and more efficient.  Well, about a month ago the Readability App was released and is free!   http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/readability/id460156587?mt=8 

Beth Poss & Adapted Art on Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/possbeth/adaptive-art/

Are You Doing Great Things?  You PROBABLY are and may not even realize it or might not consider it that great, but just think about it for a moment.  Could another educator somewhere in IN benefit from hearing more about what you’re doing?  Are you implementing Accessible Materials, creating Accessible Materials, promoting Accessible Materials, utilizing Assistive Technology to allow access to the curriculum or having success in your classrooms and school buildings in other innovative ways that improve access?  If so, you should consider sharing with other educators at the PATINS State Conference, Nov. 8-9, 2012 in Indianapolis!  The Call For Proposals is now open!

• Informational Flyer: State Conf 2012 Flyer 1 CFP
• Submit A Proposal: http://svy.mk/StateConf2012

Some Upcoming Opportunities from Apple:

“Our next round of events focusing on Special Needs will be hosted in

Wichita, KS, Omaha, NE and Rosemont, IL.  It’s not designed to be a “training” but instead

a learning opportunity for schools to learn more as they make assistive

technology decisions.”  -Joseph Lee, Apple, Inc.

Here are the URL’s to register:

• June 5
  Hyatt Regency Wichita, KS
  https://edseminars.apple.com/event/X5m4R-4E2tV
• June 6
  Embassy Suites – Omaha, NE
  https://edseminars.apple.com/event/fNEWg-x7Nwv
• June 7
  Hyatt Regency O’Hare – Rosemont, IL
  https://edseminars.apple.com/event/ftkkd-3sR9H

CONGRATULATIONS LISA SMITH from Brownsburg Community School Corporation!  A few weeks back (February 3rd posting)  marked the 200th post to this blog since Fall of 2007 and a chance to enter a drawing for some PATINS Goodies AND a full-day  AT/AIM Training on the topic of choice and at the winner’s school!   I’m happy to state that my random number generator spit out a “6″ and LISA SMITH from Brownsburg, you were indeed the 6th person to enter that drawing!   Thanks for playing and I’ll be in touch soon to schedule your training!  If you missed that 200th posting, check it out HERE

The Final of  the 6  Mostly Free, Easy, Fun Ways to Get Books/Content on Your iPad:

• Use iAuthor on a Mac Computer: OK, so this is definitely my favorite!   VERY cool and can be pretty simple or highly complex!  BUT, even though it’s free, it’s only for Mac computers.  I have started creating a couple of books and made a little time this week to finish a sample book and get it onto my iPad.  Here are my perceptions so far:
• If you’re familiar with using iWeb, then iBooks should be a breeze.  If you’ve never used iWeb in the past, there will be a little learning curve, but it’s not bad.
• There are several templates offered to help you get started.  They are a nice way to jump right in and start creating by dragging and dropping.
• Dragging and dropping images and other content like Word Docs or Pages Docs or videos into the templates automatically adjusts the text to flow around them.
• You can (and should) add interactivity to your books with various widgets… even ones that utilize multi-touch.
• Accessibility MUST be considered and built-in.  You’ve likely heard me say many times already that DIGITAL does NOT equal ACCESSIBLE.  So, your primary text and table of contents and glossary are built to automatically utilize the built-in VoiceOver on the iPad, BUT be sure you add accessibility to your other media and widgets!
• It’s pretty simple to then export your book to the iBookstore and make it available for purchase OR free download.  It’s also possible to export it directly to iBooks.
• RESPECT Copyright.  Know where you’re getting the content from for your book and if it’s not your content, DO NOT use it w/out permission of the owner.  This includes images, videos, and all other intellectual property.
• I intend to keep exploring iBooks and posting periodic updates as I learn.  For now, if you have a Mac with OS X LION, get iAuthor for free here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ibooks-author/id490152466?ls=1&mt=12

My Web, My Way:  “Making the web easier to use.”    This great tool allows users to identify specific difficulties they have with using the web and then offers several methods/tools for helping!

• www.bbc.co.uk/accessibility

Typing/Keyboarding Resources &  Programs:  I have seen a lot of requests lately for online keyboarding tools.  So, here’s just a small list.  I’m sure that there are more and please feel free to comment here on the blog OR email me with your own suggestions to add to this list.  What’s sort of interesting about this particularly listing however, is that I had a 10 year old student try them all out and provide a couple sentences worth of her initial opinions of them.  (Student comments in parentheses below.  I’ve corrected some of her spelling, but made no other changes to her comments/notes)  Keep in mind that these are not my perceptions necessarily, but the initial feelings of a 4th grader who spent only about an hour and a half exploring these sites.   She had prior knowledge of computer use, but not necessarily any real typing skills.

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/ (…is a good typing center because it gives you advice and speaks on what you do, giving you checks and X’s.)
• http://www.nimblefingers.com/ (…is a good site, because when you go on it, it has nothing that will distract kids.)
• http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr076.shtml  (…seems like just information for teachers)
• http://www.typeonline.co.uk/lesson1.html    (…gives you 5 types of information and tells you how and where your fingers go.  It’s good and will not distract me.)
• http://www.customtyping.com/typing_tutor-parents.htm  (…seems like it’s mostly for grown-ups and principals) 
• http://www.typingweb.com/   (…is not OK for kids.  Seems too hard and won’t tell anything they will remember.)
• http://www.goodtyping.com/ (…you need to register)
• http://www.powertyping.com/  (…is good because it gives letters and sentences for you to type)
• http://sense-lang.org/ (…is a cool and good site.  You can practice test.  The test you give yourself and even more serious tests they will give the sentence to you.  …a longer one.  …but you pick the subject)
• http://www.typing-lessons.org/  (…gives you all different kinds of options to choose from for learning to type)
• http://www.slimekids.com/games/typing-games/type-em-up.html  (…is the perfect website for kids, but lots of it is games for typing, which could help)

Improv & Bookstream Demonstration Webinars:  Last week I mentioned the new communication development from Don Johnston.  This week I found out about a few demonstration webinars of the Improv software that might be of interest:  (all here: http://www.donjohnston.com/webinars/index.html)

• Fri, Mar 2, 2012 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM CST <https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/794589310>
• Wed, Mar 14, 2012 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM CDT <https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/340055118>
• Wed, Mar 28, 2012 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM CDT <https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/776626046>

Early Childhood Part 1 of 3 Webinar Recording AVAILABLE NOW!

The PATINS Project is hosting a three-part series on AIM to Start Early: Implementing Accessible Materials with Young Children with national presenters Kelly Fonner, Scott Marfilius and Donna McNear:

Feb. 6, 2012; 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. EST

- The first event in the series was a webinar with Scott and Donna that covered the current educational contexts for using AIM with young children, as well as foundational concepts, research implications, developmentally appropriate practices and the instructional framework.

Please visit the PATINS Video Collection Library Channel web page for viewing

You will need to visit this web page  to fill out the follow-up survey which will qualify you for Professional Growth Points.  Please note viewing this video on a Mac computer requires the Chrome browser.  If you have any questions, please contact Sandy Stabenfeldt at 812-490-7927.

Mar. 5, 2012; 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. EST

- The second event will be a live streaming event with Kelly, Scott and Donna that will encompass implementation with demonstration of appropriate technology tools and software and instructional supports.

April 2, 2012; 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. EST

-The final event will be a follow-up webinar with Kelly and Scott that will focus on developing a plan for implementation and program development/improvement.

Please visit the Survey Monkey web page for Registration information for this informative series.

Professional Growth Points (PGPs) for participation require participation in all three events of the series.  You will need to visit this web page to fill out the follow-up survey for each of the three events to qualify for Professional Growth Points.

All three videos will be on the AIM for Young Children Channel which is available by clicking on the dropdown arrow in the All Channels box in the middle of the page on the PATINS Video Collection Library web page.

6 Mostly Free, Easy, Fun Ways to Get Books/Content on Your iPad:

1. Use MS Word and the Free (if you’re in Indiana) ePub Converter from Don Johnston on Mac or PC:
   Download the Step-By-Step PDF of this simple process here: Worde Pub To iBooks Step by Step McNulty
2. PAGES Software on a Mac Computer:
   Download the Step-By-Step PDF of this simple process here: Pages To iBooks Step By Step Daniel McNulty
   

The Next 4 Ways Are Listed Below and Will be Available Very Soon! 

1. Install The Magic Catalog of Project Gutenberg ePubs on the  iPad
2. Use The Free StoryKit App on the iPad
3. Use MS Powerpoint and the DJ ePub Converter on Mac or PC
4. Use iAuthor on a Mac Computer

Flipped Classroom,  An Info-Graphic:  I’m still forming opinions on this whole Flipped Classroom idea, but I thought I’d share this graphic.  I’m curious to hear other’s thoughts.

• www.peterpappas.com/2012/01/flipped-classroom-infographic-explanation.html

Congratulaions Kristin from Wabash!  Kristin won the drawing for the 1st quarter prize for submitting follow up evaluations for PATINS Trainings this year!  Kristin won a Kindle and the next prize will likely be an iPevo Webcam/Document Camera.  It’s the same webcam I use for all my trainings where I show an iPad or other device on the desk!  Remember to fill out those PATINS Follow Up Evaluations for your chance to win.  Additionally, by submitting those evaluations, you are supporting the continuation of PATINS services provided to Indiana’s public K-12 schools at no cost to them!

Digital Learning Day!  Digital Learning Day was February 1st and some really neat things took place across the country.  If you missed any of it or just want to see it again, I encourage you to visit the website AND ALSO encourage all of your colleagues to visit the website: http://wpc.1806.edgecastcdn.net/001806/aee/aee020111.html?ebtv=C

Early Childhood/Young Children Series NEXT WEEK!    Don’t Forget About This!   It Starts THIS COMING MONDAY AFTERNOON!  You will need to be registered by Monday Afternoon at the very latest!  Click the Picture Above to REGISTER!

AIM FOR YOUNG CHILDREN SERIES

The PATINS Project will be hosting a three part series on AIM to Start Early: Implementing Accessible Materials with Young Children with national presenters Kelly Fonner, Scott Marfilius and Donna McNear:

Feb. 6, 2012; 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. EST

- The first event in the series is a webinar with Scott and Donna that will cover the current educational contexts for using AIM with young children, as well as cover the foundational concepts, research implications, developmentally appropriate practices and the instructional framework.

Mar. 5, 2012; 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. EST

- The second event will be a live streaming event with Kelly, Scott and Donna that will encompass implementation with demonstration of appropriate technology tools and software and instructional supports.

April 2, 2012; 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. EST

-The final event will be a follow-up webinar with Kelly and Scott that will focus on developing a plan for implementation and program development/improvement.

Click here for Registration information for this informative series.

*Professional Growth Points (PGPs) for participation require participation in all three events of the series.

Click The Image Above and submit your info for entry into a special drawing
for some PATINS Goodies and a Full-Day PATINS  AIM & AT Training on topic of your choice, at your school!

It’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that I’ve been posting to this blog for nearly 4.5 years!  For anyone who might be fairly new to the blog, it started as a replacement for sending out emailed newsletters to my contacts in the NE part of the state.  At the time, it just made a lot more sense to post that information in a blog format rather than emailed.  One of the greatest advantages is that all past  information in the blog is archived and searchable by month/year, by keyword, or by category!  So, I thought it’d be fun and interesting for this 200th Blog Posting to look back at this day in each of the previous years and see what the buzz was all about at that time!   Here we go!

September  2007, when this blog first started: 

• First REAL Post; 2 Vista Gadgets for Students

• 9/21/2007; Free Switch Games & Podcasting Tips

• 9/29/07: More Podcast Tips and Free Study Cards & Supporting Resources

 February  2008:

• ATIA ’08, Open Source ReadingTeacher, ForgeFX, PATINS TechExpo and Announcing EduChallenges

• 2/8/2008: Citation Machine, Math Resources Online, iPod Protection and The Very First EduChallenge!

• 2/15/2008: iDump Alternative to iTunes, GoogleReader, Big Search’n and Friendly Images and Sounds

• 2/22/08: Today’s Podcasting Workshop, Microsoft Acess Guide, Reading Website, Another iTunes Alternative and the EduChallenge

February  2009:

• 1/31/2009: ATIA 2009, Free Picasa for Mac, Text To Speech Recommendations, Reading For The Dogs

• 2/6/2009: Your Read:OutLoud Software, More from TRLD and ATIA 2009, Mac Screen Capture

• 2/13/2009: Alternative Seating, SL Art Locations, Video Format Conversion, A Great Accessible Book List, More TRLD Stuff

• 2/20/2009: More TRLD, Free Wii, Second Life Learning Experiences

• 2/27/2009: Suggest a Workshop, Promethean Offer, Touch Screen Videos, Immersive Worlds Examples, UDL Collaboration and Indiana Moms!

February , 2010:

• 2/5/2010: Google Wave For Students, Collaborative Drawing and Imagery, Highlight Web Pages, Typing Speed Comparison, David Davis on our Island!

• 2/12/2010: Are You Ready To Teach Online? David Davis in SL, ISTE Connects, Wired Kids, Podcasting Accessibility, Website Evaluation, Looking Back At The Tools, Family Center on Tech and Disability & Two Little Girls Grab My iPhone for Valentines Day!!!

• David Davis in Second Life (FREE) in 2 Weeks! Are You Ready? Some Ideas!

• 2/19/2010: 50 Free Graphing Apps on The Web! FREE IEP App for iPhone, 45 Education-Related Second Life Locations, iPad Still Lacks Flash, L.D. Statistics, Brains & Learning,

• 2/26/2010: News About Your Stimulus Dollars, Virtual Worlds Best Practices In Education Conference! Punishment Systems and UDL Engagement, Cool Twitter Apps! A Good Classroom Blog Example, and Two FREE Events Coming SOON!

February , 2011:

• 2/4/2011: PATINS AT Overview Online Module, Learning in 3D Online, LEGO Universe, SketchUp and ASD, Apps for Special Needs, PATINS Tech Expo Registration

• 2/11/2011: Readability, SHIFT Planning, iPad Evaluation in Education, Plug Into PATINS, Shorten URLs Easily

• URGENT: Mid-Week Post Requesting Your Help Now! IDEA Part B Funding at Immediate Risk

• 2/18/2011: Free UDL Forum, Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education Conference, Second Life Firewall, Digital Nation Video, Safe Online, More!

• 2/25/2011: No Snowdays Online, Your Docs to ePubs, Feedbooks, Education Killing Creativity, Allow Kids To Fail? Proloquo Keyguards, How/Where Do You Work?

February 3, 2012!  For today, as a little bonus, you’re going to get a 2nd, separate, blog posting with lots of great tips including, “2/3/2012: 6 Free Ways to get Books on Your iPad, Mac OS LION Experiences & iBooks Author, Congrats Kristin from Wabash, Digital Learning Day, AIM For Young Children Reminder! “  Watch for it to post later today!  Also, remember that I post during all months of the year, not just February!  So feel free to browse the monthly and yearly archives on the right side of this blog anytime you wish!  There just might be some good OLD stuff back there!

Thanks for being a part of the blog over the last several years.  Many of you have left comments (though I wish more would) and many have emailed me, met me in person at conferences, etc., and many great discussions around Assistive Technology and Accessible Instructional Materials have resulted!

Even though it’s often a lot of work, it’s been a real pleasure to do the blog each week and it’s something I almost always look forward to!  I certainly hope to continue this blog for many years to come!  Remember you can always leave comments, questions, suggestions, requests, here on the blog or just click the image below to give us feedback.  We’re here to serve you!