Looking for apps that fit the characteristics of your students?
Familiar with Stages© Framework from Cambium, produced by Madalaine Pugliese?
“Stages© framework takes a research-based approach to defining developmentally
appropriate observable learner characteristics for each Stage and recommends
features to consider in computer software for learning, along with teaching
strategies that match and scaffold student need. This approach has proven very helpful in supporting educators, therapists and families in selecting appropriate learning materials.
Apps4Stages provides app recommendations from students and faculty at Simmon’s College Assistive Technology Programs that correspond to the seven Stages framework. The seven stages are not grade level or age referenced. Instead they are competency
based. Each Stage© identifies skills or milestones to achieve. Once those
milestones are determined, and from the perspective of student first, features
to seek in skill building applications are suggested.” (retrieved on December 31, 2012 from: http://apps4stages.wikispaces.com/).
The apps4Stages lists each Stage©, a description of the stage, features to consider and linked list of apps appropriate to the characteristics of the learner. Here are the individual Stage© and its wiki page:
- Stage One – Cause and Effect
- Stage Two – Language Readiness
- Stage Three – Emerging Language
- Stage Four – Early Concepts
- Stage Five – Advanced Concepts and Communication
- Stage Six – Functional Learning
- Stage Seven – Written Expression
Most of the apps are iOS however the list provides a wonder list of apps to support students with special needs. Checking out this list and then searching for Android apps may be well worth your while as more and more apps are created that are cross platforms are available.
Apps4Stages provide a wonderful listing of apps by characteristics rather than age or grade level. The wiki, supervised by faculty at Simmon’s College provides helpful app listings as well as links to Accessibility, Finding Apps and Recommenders, App Tutorials as well as more resources and information about apps for special needs individuals.
Thanks to Simmons College, Luiz Perez, Jennifer Edge Savage, Gina Violante and their students for providing this resource!
References:
Stages© Framework , retrieved on December 31, 2012 from http://apps4stages.wikispaces.com/ .
Stages © https://www.intellitools.com/store/stages/stages-special
Pugliese, Madalaine. n.d., Using Stages to create meaningful and effective alternative assessment portfolios, retrieved on December 31, 2012 from: http://spnd453fall2013.wikispaces.com/file/view/Stages+CTG+2002.pdf .
Resources for your OT mTool Kit!
Carol
