Clicker 6 builds on the acclaimed support features of its predecessor. Basically it’s new features mean more student independence and less teacher time required! And who wouldn’t want that!?!

Want a sneak peek? Well I have recorded this very short video highlighting some of my favourite things with the new and improved Clicker 6, including:

• Quick Start Screen: means the student is able to start working straight away and can access their favourites list, the word processor and recent activities directly from this intuitive start up screen.
• Click and Edit Books: Enables students to independently create their own talking books and presentations!
• Enhanced Picture Support: There are now over 2500 pictures, Clicker Paint is now fully integrated into the program and webcam support is available to quickly and easily import photos into your Clicker documents.
• Clicker Wizards: Follow the step-by-step instructions to quickly create personalised reading, writing, matching, labelling, speaking and listening activities. Now what used to take you hours of programming can take seconds – literally!
• Immediate Access to Learning Grids: No need to login, access hundreds of free resources instantly from within Clicker! This is SUCH A GOOD IDEA!

Whether you are working in mainstream education or a special needs setting, Clicker 6 is the perfect tool for helping all your students achieve reading and writing success. Check it out! We’d love to hear your feedback.

Oh – and just announced – Crick have kindly donated an unlimited School site licenceof Clicker 6, valued at over $3500,  for the Inclusive Learning Technologies Conference closing session prize pool – very cool!

Like me, you may have seen these codes in newspapers and magazines, on promotional material, in the corner of posters and wondered what they were all about. A square that consists of black and white squares that looks like an out of focus pixilated image? What’s all that about? Well, while it may not have been the initial intent of this technology, QR Codes have unlimited potential in the classroom of the 21st century learner.

First, watch this short, fun video from a primary class in Queensland to get an idea of how QR Codes are being used in the classroom, and then keep reading.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSA3YsBy_pU

QR Codes can provide an alternative access format for students who need additional support in reading and writing. Using handheld devices e.g. iPad, Smartphone, or a computer students are able to quickly gain access to information while also incorporating the use of their own literacy support apps or software. For example, having trouble typing in a long, complicated URL – use a QR Code to navigate to the website instantly without typing. Or, need a read the instructions for a task set by the teacher – scan the QR Code created for these instructions using your iPad and use your text-to-speech app.

The way QR Codes can be used in the classroom is only limited by our own and our students’ imagination. A couple of ways to use QR Codes include:

• Take students to websites without the need to type in an URL.
• Provide information ‘hot spots’ throughout the classroom to access online videos, websites, text that is related to curriculum and instructional material.
• Adapt text/books by including QR Codes – providing additional information via text, video and audio
• Adapt text/books by including QR Codes – providing text or audio in an alternative language
• Attach QR Codes to the classroom calendar / timetable to point to information about upcoming class events, assessment reminders, etc.
• Take students to a website you are browsing on an interactive whiteboard. Using the Mobile Barcoder add-on for the Firefox web browser, quickly generate a QR Code and have students scan with their own hand held device.
• QR Code scavenger hunt eg http://ilearntechnology.com/?p=4211

More ideas? Here are a few links that explore the use of QR Codes in the classroom:

QR Codes in the Classroom
http://www.coetail.asia/geoffodell/2011/04/01/qr-codes-in-the-classroom/

QR Codes Improve Web Access
http://edte.ch/blog/2010/11/25/qr-codes-improve-web-access/

QR Codes in Education
http://www.iste.org/connect/iste-connects/blog-detail/11-01-12/Using_QR_Codes_in_Education.aspx

10 Ways to Use QR Codes in the Classroom
http://www.classroominthecloud.net/2011/06/10-ways-to-use-qr-codes-in-classroom.html

QR Codes as Assistive Technology
http://otswithapps.wordpress.com/2012/01/01/qr-codes-as-assistive-technology/

Teaching with QR Codes
http://www.scoop.it/t/teaching-with-qr-codes

QR Codes: Learning technology
http://www.dontwasteyourtime.co.uk/presentations/qr-codes-learning-technology-qrcode/

10 Ways to Use QR Codes in the Classroom
http://www.classroominthecloud.net/2011/06/10-ways-to-use-qr-codes-in-classroom.html

What do you need to get up and going with QR Codes?

First, a QR Code Generator.

A number of free and relatively inexpensive QR generators are available. Codes can be created to be either printed out or displayed on screen.

MacBook
QR-Generator
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/qr-generator/id418135939?mt=12

QRGen
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/qrgen/id422657945?mt=12

Mobile Barcoder
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/mobile-barcoder/

iPad
QR Code Reader and Creator
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/qr-code-reader-and-creator/id436182189?mt=8

Qrafter – QR Code Reader and Generator
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/qrafter-qr-code-reader-generator/id416098700?mt=8

Generating a QR Code in a browser
QR Voice
http://qrvoice.net/

QR Code Generator from the ZXing Project
http://zxing.appspot.com/generator

Mobile Barcoder
http://qrcode.kaywa.com/

OK, so you have created QR Codes and now your students need access to them. A QR Code Reader is required if not already included with your QR Code generator. Students can access QR codes using a computer or a mobile device, as long as either has a camera available to scan the code.

MacBook
QuickMark
http://www.quickmark.com.tw/En/basic/index.asp

QRreader
http://www.dansl.net/blog/?p=256

iPad
QR Reader for iPhone
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/qr-reader-for-iphone/id368494609?mt=8

QR Code Reader and Scanner
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/qr-code-reader-and-scanner/id388175979?mt=8

QR Code City
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/scan/id411206394?mt=8

Start using QR Codes in your classroom and explore the possibilities. If you are already using this technology to support the diverse learners in your classroom, I would love to hear your success stories.

*Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code

As I’ve mentioned previously, we have negotiated a great reduced rate of $189 per night – that rate includes FREE wireless internet access in your room for the duration of your stay (normally $25 per day)! Jupiters have advised that the block is filling up, and the number of rooms available to our conference delegates is continuing to reduce. To absolutely guarantee that you have a room reserved at the conference rate we encourage you to make your booking by the end of the month (only two short weeks away!). From 28th February some rooms will be available at the reduced conference rate, however we can’t fully guarantee it – so that’s a risk you’ll have to take!

Benefits of staying onsite at the conference venue?

Convenience!

FREE wireless internet 24/7 for the duration of your stay!

Continue to network with like-minded peers once the conference closes each afternoon! (AND there’s a myriad of dining and entertainment options onsite and close by for you to experience while mulling over the day’s presentations!)

Book now!

Be sure to use the promotional code (LT2012) when making your booking. This will ensure that your name goes into the draw for a chance to win the Accommodation Prize valued at $775. The prize includes two nights’ accommodation at Jupiters in a superior room for two adults (including full buffet breakfast each morning!), as well as two dinner and show tickets.

See the conference website for all the information and instructions on how to book. Alternatively shoot me an email via conference@spectronicsinoz.com or give me a call on 07 3808 6833. I’m happy to help!

Some symbol sets are small with limited vocabulary, some are huge, others have been developed for a specific purpose, and some are only available in certain formats. There are symbol sets that are
completely free and in fact, copyright free and others are commercially available. It can all get really confusing!

Well to hopefully make it a little easier for you, I have compared some of the most commonly used symbols sets and their features so you can make an informed decision about what is out there. Take
a look at the Symbol Set Comparison Chart.

Now – I have just recently updated this information but I know that it can change frequently – and that it may not be all of the symbol sets that are available. So, feel free to give us any feedback or let me know if there is something useful that you think has been missed – let’s just call it a “work in progress”!

The Inclusive Learning Technologies Conference 2012 on Queensland’s Gold Coast from 22nd to 25th May this year will provide valuable targeted learning in these areas – and much more! Innovative and practical applications of technologies to address literacy, numeracy, communication and behavioural challenges are embedded throughout the four day program.

Delegates consistently tell us that they leave with a renewed confidence, enthusiasm and commitment to the challenge of really making technologies work for their students of all ages – and ALL abilities.

Principals and Team Leaders consistently tell us that their delegates return equipped with real-world strategies – enthusiastically hitting the ground running on day one of their return!

Spend just four minutes viewing our video. You’ll understand then why you need to join us in May.

Inclusive Learning Technologies Conference 2012 from Spectronics on Vimeo.

iPad hands-on workshops. Lots of them!

The iPad has turned even experienced technology users into beginners again! So much to learn. How do you make the BEST app choices when there are 500,000 to choose from? How do you successfully embed iPads within your learning support programs? 

We feel your pain so this year’s conference kicks off with a full-day hands-on lab with 200 iPads pre-loaded with apps to support learning by students of ALL abilities. BUT there are only 100 places left in this Pre-Conference workshop. To ensure your place in this particularly popular session, you need to register soon!

What to do now?

• Learn more by visiting the Inclusive Learning Technologies Conference 2012 website
• View the comprehensive program now live on the website
• Sign up for emailed conference updates
• Contact me on conference@spectronicsinoz.com with any questions at all
• Or if you are ready – Register NOW! The earlier you register, the more likely it is that you will be able to book into ALL of your preferred sessions. 400 delegates have already chosen their sessions. We don’t want you to be disappointed by missing out on yours! 

Session selections now open

Delegates are now taking advantage of selecting their preferred sessions. As we promised in December, session selections have been open since early January. What a way to celebrate the first day back for 2012! We are thrilled to see that so many people have already logged in to select their preferences. If you have already completed your registration but haven’t received an email with your session selection log in username and password, please contact us at conference@spectronicsinoz.com and we’ll resend all the information you need.

Session selection is optional – you’re more than welcome to “wing it” whilst at the conference. Please be aware however, that if you have registered for the “I Want Everything” package you will need to log in to select your pre-conference workshop selection for Tuesday 22nd May – this is the only day where a session selection is absolutely necessary.

A reminder too, for those of you who know that you are attending but haven’t yet got around to submitting your registration … the earlier you register the more likely you are to select your preferred sessions. So register now to lock in your preferences!

Conference accommodation at Jupiters – and Jupiters’ prizes!

Now is the time to start thinking about your trip to the Gold Coast. We have negotiated a discounted rate (available for conference delegates only!) at Jupiters Hotel Gold Coast, the conference venue. In addition to the convenience of staying onsite, you will also have access to FREE wireless internet – both on the conference floor and in your room! A saving of $25 per day. To take advantage of these conference rates please note that all bookings must be made using the special Spectronics booking link – see the Accommodation page for all the information and instructions on how to make a booking. Rates are valid for occupancy on a single, twin or double basis (per room, per night):

• Superior room $189
• Corner balcony superior room $220
• Executive room $240

And as an added incentive to stay at Jupiters Hotel Gold Coast, ALL delegates who book their accommodation using the special Spectronics booking link will automatically go into the draw to win a spectacular prize valued at $775. The prize includes two nights’ accommodation in a superior room for two adults (including full buffet breakfast each morning!), as well as two dinner and show tickets.

Jupiters has also been generous in providing our early bird registration prize – a fantastic dinner and show package for two, valued at $198. But you need to be fully registered by Monday 9th April to go in the draw!

FULL program PDF now available to download

We know it’s handy to see the conference program in its entirety – and in a printable format! So we have developed a PDF of the FULL program for you to download and share with your Principal, colleagues and friends and family. To download a copy click here. The most up-to-date version of the document can be found on the Program page – it will be updated each time we update the online version. Enjoy!

Free introductory conference webinar

The Conference Committee thought it might be useful to host a free introductory conference webinar, aimed at helping you to prepare for your attendance at the Inclusive Learning Technologies Conference 2012. We hope it may help you to get a feel for how to get the most out of your conference participation!

We will take you on a tour of the innovative new web apps for planning your schedule at the conference, accessing presentation resources from all presenters and adding notes taken in the sessions to your timetable. Even if you are a “regular” attendee, you may also find this useful as many new initiatives are in place this year. Keeping it fresh and inspiring for you!

We will be hosting two sessions, and will record them both so that if you are not able to join us “live”, you can watch the presentation later at a time that suits you better.

Choose from the two sessions we have available (content repeated) and register online now for free!

• Only one month to go! Thursday 19th April, 3.15pm Australian Eastern Standard Time
• Only two weeks to go! Wednesday 9th May, 3.15pm Australian Eastern Standard Time

FREE Image Generators

This month we’re highlighting this great set of online tools to allow you and your students to create a range of images using your own text. Create a newspaper clipping by simply adding a headline and a story. Great starter for desktop publishing lessons. Lots to choose from; movie clapper boards, banners and even a cigarette packet you can add your own ‘government health warning’… “Every time you smoke, God kills a kitten!”

http://www.fodey.com/generators/newspaper/snippet.asp

We are constantly finding new ways of sharing great articles, links and resources with you, with the Spectronics Blog being the central place for display of all of our resources. We are also adding posts by new Guest Bloggers – including Gerry Kennedy from Australia and Ian Bean from the UK. Did you know you can now sign up to be notified by email every time a new Blog post is uploaded? Some people tell us that they find this easier than trying to keep track of RSS feeds.

Scoop.it

Our latest find is Scoop.it – a really cool and visually-rich “magazine style” presentation of information. The Spectronics team is now collating content for six different topic areas on Scoop.it. Why not check them out and follow the topics of interest to you if you find this a cool way to receive your news.

• Inclusive Learning Technologies
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Learning Support Technologies
• iPads in Special Education
• iPads for AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
• Inclusive Learning Technologies Conference

Slideshare

We are SO often asked for copies of the PowerPoint presentations used by the Spectronics team for workshop and conference session presentations, that we have started putting them up online at Slideshare for you to view and share with others. Visit the Spectronics Slideshare page and join the 7,000 other visitors we have had since the page went live a few months ago! We will soon be incorporating these into the Spectronics Blog pages too. Another good reason to subscribe to the Blog. ☺

One of the areas in which it falls down is its volume in social settings for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) users. It needs additional amplification to make it more successful as an AAC option when there is other ambient noise. The iAdapter from AMDi is a rugged protective case with in built speakers which allow for much higher volume output from the iPad.

Spectronics did sell the iAdapter for the original iPad and the iAdapter 2 for the iPad 2 for a short time, but we are no longer supplying it. It is still available however from Adam Lynn at Communicate AT in Australia and from Desktop Technology Services (DTSL) in New Zealand. Hope this helps you to track one down!

For more information about this app please visit their website.
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/play-school-art-maker/id473900831?mt=8