Thanks to Suzanne Feit and the QIAT listserv, I was introduced to Splashtop app that can remote into your computer desktop to operate Win based or Mac based software on your iDevice. Suzanne’s example of accessing software as Intellitools Classroom Suite sparked my interest in how this might work.

Splash App installs on your iPod Touch or iPad and makes connection to your computer when complimentary software is installed on your computer. Using WIFI you can connect from your iDevice to your computer to operate software installed on your desktop or laptop computer using the remote desktop software for access.

Although I have only used it on my iPod Touch (which due to size of the device is somewhat limiting to access), found it easy to install on my computer and iPod Touch after turning off firewall. It connected easily to my computer given great prompts and assistance with the IP addresses and port needed for connectivity.  I was able to navigate easily on my desktop (despite the size of the iPod screen), type into Word, open a Blio book to read and open up other software installed on my laptop computer easily and quickly. 

I am really excited about the possibilities of using our bread and butter Windows software available on our desktop or laptop extended to the highly portable, accessible and “cool” (kids love cool, we love our special needs kids to be cool like all other kids!) iDevices to extend access and learning opportunities for my special needs students. As an OT, the possibility of using an iPad at a students desk with it projecting/showing Intellitools Classroom Suite with modified curriculum materials (spelling, DOL, writing or reading, math), allows them to look and participate just like their peers! Can it get much better than that??!!

Check out a quick video on You Tube about Splashtop with Classroom Suite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxHDgjrd3xo

Splashtop is available for iDevices and Android and supports WIN and MAC OS. It is on sale Memorial Day weekend!

Amazing! Have you tried it? How can you resist not trying this??

Carol