This Tip and Trick #2 – Taking and using screen shots on your iDevice was prompted by a question from Fiona about how to take a screen shot. This is a tip and trick that is so useful I thought I would post it in the case users are unfamiliar with this feature.  Here is how you take a screen shot on your iPad or iPod:

1. Search what ever reproducible image, worksheet, document, PDF or picture you want to capture and have it open on your iPad screen (make sure you are complying with copyright laws).

2. Press the iPad/iPod home (bottom button) at the same time as the power bottom (at the top). You will see a flash and hear a camera click (if your volume is on). Your screenshot has been taken (same thing as Print Screen on your computer).

3. The image will be sent to your Photos for review or use.

Here are some ideas of the things you can do with screen shots:

• Import the image into other apps such as Doodle Buddy, Your Whiteboard to draw or write on. Images of reproducible mazes, dot to dots, letter formation sheets, hidden pictures found on the Internet (check out what Your Therapy Source , Education.com/worksheets, All Kids Network,  there are many more available ). You may need a stylus for this!
• Screen shots of documents can be taken and imported and converted into PDF in apps such as Type on PDF Free.
•  Import and crop pictures from Internet sources for use in communication or visual schedule apps such as My Choice Board or First/Then as needed.
• Take screen shots of images and group them in an Album for a slide show like presentation for your students on your iPad (see Jan. 25th Tip and Trick on creating an Album as a  visual schedule or sequence/book.
•  I have taken screen shots of pages of a purchased book bought for my Kindle and viewed on my iPad Kindle app.  I took screen shots of specific pages that had sensory checklists and worksheet pages that I use with some of my older kids with sensory issues. In stead of scanning or copying them (this is so much easier), the screen shot  takes picture of each page, puts them in my Photo icon/app then I grouped them in an Album by chapter/topic in my iPad for easy retrieval and use with my students. With the right app they can completion checklists by using a writing or drawing tool. Taking another screen shot of the completed checklist will save a copy to your Photos.

What did we do before we had iPads? Carried around folders and binders (I still do that, but am trying to decrease my load!) to access the forms and materials we needed. Although we still need manipulative tools and activities with our students, the iPad/iPod can help reduce some of the materials we have to tranport given that many OT’s in schools are transient.

Hope that spurs some ideas on how to use your iPad other than with app content. Please share any ways or tricks you have found on how you use screen shots or any other iPad/iPod tricks or tips you have!

More for your OT iTools Kit!

Carol