Apps for Reluctant Writers to Use and Explore

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Office² lets you view, edit and create Microsoft Word compatible documents and Microsoft Excel compatible workbooks on the iPhone or iPod Touch. It also acts as a local file store, letting you store and view files of most types. Office² also integrates with Google Docs and MobileMe iDisk, giving you access to your valuable data, wherever you are. It would be great for some of my students that require longer amount of time to process and work on projects.  After school, for instance, the popular hang out spot is the library, and the computers are coveted spots.  I can imagine Timmy at the computer working on a project (and it does happen), while Tom uses his iPod touch working on the same project. TikiNotes (this is a new 6 key typing program that anticipates what you are going to write.  I found it a bit slower to use than normally typing, but that is because I know how to type already.  I can see how it would be useful to someone who does not know how to type and finds looking for keys a time consuming thing.  As well, the keys are large and only appear 6 at a time so it makes the choosing easy.   As you type a word, the program gives you three choices that you can choose (and shortcut the writing out of the word) or ignore.   The keys in this program are in alphabetical order, so it makes sense to kids. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPqR8Ubb6h0        Dragon Dictation.  You will see the words you speak appear on the screen. You can save them, email them or text them.  You can speak right into the screen or microphone and it will translate it into text, which you can edit.  This is amazing and free !!!!!!!!   .  Go to about 1:29.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mf_qaoXvX6g&feature=player_embedded#at=157         vBookz Although this is mostly a reading app, I thought it could be quite useful for the editing stage of writing. You can scan the document you have been working on, transfer it into a readable iPod format (though the computer program Stanza Desktop and then transfer it tovBookz.  A bit labour intensive, but I know that I would like it.  I love hearing my reading aloud when I am proofing, but hate re-reading it.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48cY9lK6jCQ       Typ-O  “Wow!” Barbara had mentioned this and when I saw it noted in the webinar, that is what I wrote in my notes.  It is an amazing app.  There is word prediction, auto correction, and you can listen to the words before you choose them.  You can also listen to what you have written before you send it off, or whatever you want to do with your text.  This is a great app for readers who have difficulty spelling and writing – those with dyslexia and dysgraphia, for instance.  This app is $4.99.      Wordle is a game app.  This comes in an app or you can use the website with the same effect.  You will get a list of letters and you have to try and create as many words as possible with them.  It helps with spelling and word creating.  You can compete against yourself, get into teams, etc.  You can even post your score on Facebook.  There is also a website if a child was super interested in it. This app is $.99 and could be used by many age levels.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPlFS-4cC30       Sideways.  The student would write selection into keyboard, export text to email or copy/ paste.  The keyboard can also be turned sideways for bigger font and fewer typing mistakes.  This app, I would imagine would be used by children in upper elementary and on into high school and beyond.  This app is $1.99.       Montessori Puzzles.  A great website for kids.  Children are given pictures that they need to spell out (ex. Cat in level one); the players are to drag and drop the letters into the covered boxes.  The program sounds out any letter the children touch.  This is a great program for phonemic awareness and it fun for kids  This app is $2.99.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1c-oRe-nFGk       Pictello .  The player of this app can make his or her own story books with pictures imported or with picture you take from the iPod Touch camera.  You can type what you like to say on the picture or you can record it.  You can type something underneath the pictures as well. The program can be used with any curriculum and you can share your files on iTunes.  Made by the same people who created Proloquo2go.   A great program.   This app is $14.99. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLPV5m2bwNY      10.   Question builder This app will allow students to practice answering questions based on cues.  It will read the player back his or her answer or he or she can listen to what has been said. This app was created specifically for autism students, but I could see using it with many reluctant or struggling writers.   This app is $3.99.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbBUq2lYMaM  Storybuilder.  This app will allow students to build their own stories based on pictures.  The player must answer in full sentences in audio; he or she can play back, move forward.  It prompts with questions to move along the story and teaches tools to reinforce story writing skills. This app was created specifically for autism students, but I could see using it with many reluctant or struggling writers.  This app is $3.99.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbBUq2lYMaM 12.  ABC Pocket Phonics. This is a sound letter association app, and is geared towards young learners. Words and letters are sounded out and words are put together (spelled) by the young child.  The YouTube video attached is a great example of a young child in action. This app is $2.99.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XW9WGj5dINA .   ABC Phonics.  This is an app for young children.  The app has flashcards that sound out letters that make up a word, the graphic for each word in the picture (example ape is spelled out).  There is also an animal match section and a balloon pop (if you get the correct letter).  This would be an excellent instructional tool for preschool children.  Price is $1.99 (or free for the lite version).     Proloquo2go.   I did not purchase it, as the price is $189.99, but it comes highly recommended and I believe is used a lot by schools.  It is often used by children/ students who have communication disorders. It appears to be a very user friendly app, which would entice children to pick it up and interact with it.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuKv0Z2_HMo  Sentence Builder.  Similar to Story Builder and Question Builder, and from the same company.  $2.99.  Allows students to work through writing and structuring sentences.  I Write Words Lite:  this app teaches you handwriting.  Letters are on the touchscreen.  You put your fingers over the letters to form the shape. Free.  VOD Lite (Daisy Talking Book).  Free.  Children can download their own writing and have it read to themselves for editing purposes.  Awesome.  Soundingboard $49.99.  Great for children with autism spectrum, and adults with disabilities.  Allows you to create custom boards and/ or your own photos