Here are three mobile apps I recommend for aiding communication and literacy development in students with exceptional learning needs, across a range of ages and abilities:

1. Proloquo2Go (AAC)

• URL:https://www.assistiveware.com/products/proloquo2go
• Free?:No, with different pricing tiers depending on features and functionalities. A basic version with core features can be obtained for a monthly subscription.
• Devices:iPad, iPhone, iPod touch

Features:

• Robust vocabulary library with symbols, pictures, and text.
• Customizable interface for organization and personalization.
• Voice output capabilities for spoken communication.
• Phrase prediction and word completion support.
• Integration with external devices like eye trackers and communication switches.

Benefits:

• Provides students with a comprehensive voice for expressing themselves.
• Supports vocabulary development and sentence construction.
• Offers flexibility for individual needs and communication styles.
• Can aid social interaction and participation in educational activities.

Drawbacks:

• The cost could be prohibitive for some users.
• Learning curve for initial set-up and navigation.
• Limited interaction with the physical world beyond the app.

Reflection:

I see Proloquo2Go as a valuable tool for classrooms catering to students with diverse communication needs. It can be used for individual support, small group activities, and whole-class communication facilitation.

Recommendation:

Highly recommended for educators working with students who require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) support.

2. Lingaworks: Interactive Phonics & Reading (Literacy)

• URL:https://www.li-pickers.com/home-staging.html
• Free?:Yes, with in-app purchases for additional activities and content.
• Devices:Android, iPad

Features:

• Gamified learning activities for letter recognition, sounds, and blending.
• Interactive practice sessions with feedback and rewards.
• Diverse range of activities catering to different learning styles.
• Progress tracking and reporting for monitoring student development.
• Parental controls for managing app usage and settings.

Benefits:

• Makes phonics learning fun and engaging for young learners.
• Provides personalized learning with adaptive difficulty levels.
• Offers auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learning opportunities.
• Motivates students through progress tracking and rewards.
• Can be used at home and in school settings.

Drawbacks:

• Some content requires in-app purchases.
• Limited scope beyond basic phonics skills.
• May not be suitable for older students or those with advanced reading skills.

Reflection:

Lingaworks could be a beneficial tool for early literacy development, particularly for students with learning challenges. It can be used as a supplement to classroom instruction or for independent practice at home.

Recommendation:

Recommended for educators and parents working with pre-readers and beginning readers, especially those needing additional phonics support.

3. Pictello (Storytelling & Social Communication)

• URL:https://www.assistiveware.com/products/pictello
• Free?:Limited free version with in-app purchases for full features.
• Devices:iPad

Features:

• Story creation platform using pictures, symbols, and text.
• User-friendly interface for building narratives and sequences.
• Text-to-speech and recording options for audio narration.
• Sharing function for presenting stories to others.
• Educational activities and social communication exercises.

Benefits:

• Encourages creative expression and storytelling skills.
• Supports communication and social interaction development.
• Provides a platform for sharing personal experiences and ideas.
• Offers flexibility for individual needs and learning styles.
• Can be used in various educational contexts and therapeutic settings.

Drawbacks:

• Limited free version functionalities.
• Primarily focused on visual storytelling.
• Requires consistent internet connection for some features.

Reflection:

Pictello’s versatility makes it a valuable tool for promoting communication and social development in diverse learners. It can be used for individual story creation, collaborative projects, and therapeutic interventions.

Recommendation:

Recommended for educators, therapists, and parents working with students who need support with communication, social interaction, and creative expression.

These are just a few examples, and many other excellent apps are available for supporting communication and literacy needs. It’s important to consider the specific needs of your students and choose apps that best align with their goals and learning styles. I encourage you to explore further and find the tools that make learning engaging and impactful for your learners.