A big thanks to Karl Smith at Accelerations Educational Software for his generosity in supplying me with the app Shoe Tying 1, allowing review and trial of the app first hand!

If you are not familiar with Accelerations Educational Software they are the creator of Discrete Trial Trainer and Activity Trainer software. They are developing their training modules into apps for iDevices and in the future Android as mobile solutions for instruction. Shoe Tying 1 comes from their explicit training materials rolled into this app. Here is more about the app, the multiple method of instruction it supplies and the extensive supporting materials that accompany the app.

 Shoe Tying 1 – Activity App ($4.99) for iPhone/iPad provides explicit instruction of shoe tying single loop method (off foot) in a variety of multi-media presentations including video, images, text and audio as options for instruction for the user. The presentation menus provide a listing of the 7 steps to shoe tying with choices of presentation, by V – video, I  – image,  A – Audio, T-Text or any combination of those modes allowing support as uniquely needed for the user.

Note the “V” in the upper left corner of the image above indicating this is a video of the task. Play and forward buttons allow easy access to the video and moving to the next step.

The above image show the transition to presenting in video (V) and the image (VI) of the task. Controls for the video are provided.

Presentation of this subskill is provided in image (I), audio (A) and text (T) as listed at top left.

Controls within the app are at the bottom and straight forward allowing a repeat of the instruction, listing of the instruction menu or help (?). Below is a listing of the app instruction menu for shoe tying sequences available. Note of what you see is organized by video (V), video and image (VI) and image and audio (IA). Well organized and easy to scroll through.

Instructions and scope and sequence of the app is offered upon opening the app. An overview , explanation of using the app, teaching guide, activity info and why video modeling works information.  Accelerated Educational Software provides extensive supports within the app with links to their website which hosts downloadable materials on all aspects of this app. One of the many great resources I find valuable are the images of the step of shoe tying used in the app that can be downloaded and printed.

Although this may not be needed since the images are all in the app, however we know that it is always prudent to have back up resources should your electronics fail (oh, I know that never happens!).

Here is a link to resources associated with the Shoe Tying 1 app that I think can be valuable instructional materials off-line in and of itself!

http://aesapps.com/activity-app/shoetying1/

Shoe Tying 1 app provides the task analysis of shoe tying taught in carefully thought out increments with a variety of presentation mode to support individual user needs.  For students needing instruction provided in small increments or who would benefit from video modeling of the skill, this app will provide with all you need and more. It provides instruction of the single loop method only (not the Bunny Ear method). The app also provides a graded mode of skill instruction that offers the opportunity to fade supports as the user acquires skills of the task.

I have thought about videoing the shoe tying sequence with recorded audio for use on the iPad, but rethinking paying $4.99 for this well-developed app, I would be money ahead purchasing this app. From my experience with using videos and image instruction with students, this app provides the explicit instruction in a universal design for learning mode any where I might need it. How much better can it get?

Now for those who have reviewed this blog post to the very end – a free code for Shoe Tying 1 app from Karl Smith at Accelerated Educational Software – first come first serve…

Here is the Shoe Tying 1 app Promo Code for you to give away…   4LP39RX4JH3H    (Please, if you redeem the code would you be so kind to post a comment “Redeemed” so that others are aware that the code has expired? We will all be happy to know that – Thank You)

Thanks to Karl Smith at AES for  providing the codes to the Shoe Tying 1 app I am really excited to have it to use with my students. AES also has some exciting app developments in the works apps for iOS and Android so stay tuned whats happening on their website.

Professionally, would love to see a nose blowing app! Seriously, as a OT I get frequent requests for help with that skill! Anyone have any good resources? I have found some but not in video format or explicit!

Happy shoe tying instruction!

Carol