Post from TechPsych blog: How about some iPad 2 apps for school psychology and related fields?

The video provides a recap of the iPad and highlights how it can be used in education, for students with special needs, in aviation, in doctor's offices, in the board room, in an art studio, in the kitchen - just about anywhere.


I wonder how an iPad could transform the work of a school psychologist!   I have a plenty of ideas, now that the iPad2 is out.  How can it help with RTI?  Progress monitoring?  Digital social stories?   Social skills activities?  Counseling? Behavior intervention?   Transition planning?  Assessment?  Communication? Productivity?  IEP collaboration and development?   


Wouldn't it be nice if there were a few iPad apps that could effectively support the work of school psychologists and those who work in similar fields? 

So much of what we use in our productivity work as school psychologists was built upon applications first developed in the mid-to-late 1990's,  at best.   There must be more efficient and effective solutions out there.     What can be done to move us forward?

Psychological and educational test publishers, can you hear me now?   


I have some ideas.

Stamp out mindless note-taking with DyKnow...

I'm always on the look-out for interactive technology that can support engaged learning. This application is much richer than a basic note-taking solution! (via TechPsych)

Take a look at this videoclip about DyKnow, an application developed to combat mindless note-taking and enhance classroom learning. Although the video demonstrates the benefits of this technology in a university classroom, it is clear to see that this would be a great asset in high school classes conducted in computer labs or have access to classroom sets of laptops.

The "retro" effect of this black-and white clip is entertaining.



DyKnow provides a means for teachers to control the way the laptop is used during class, which in a high school environment is important. Watch the DyKnow Monitor video to learn more about the features of this application, which includes a means of instant progress monitoring. The software provides for collaborative interaction between students and between the students and the teacher's work space.

In my opinion, this looks like it would be an effective resource in high schools that are adopting data-driven decision-making and Response to Intervention (RTI) models. It provides students - and teachers- with immediate feedback, and monitors progress electronically.

We know that most students do not learn best auditorily at the high school level, yet much of the high school curriculum is delivered through traditional means that involve lectures, note-taking, and some discussions. In this set up, it can be easy for some of the students to become disctracted in class, with lower grades and test scores as a consequence.

For many struggling students, traditional means of instruction opens the door for task avoidant behaviors and an increase in discipline events. They simply are not often fully engaged in the learning process.

Video: DyKnow in a high school setting: DyKnow in Action: Auburn City Schools

Article: High School Students, Teachers Learn Long-Term Benefits of Tablet PC's in the Classroom

The DyKnow video highlights some of the ways that the curriculum be delivered in a more on-task, visual, and 'hands on" way that engages a higher percentage of students.

If your school is using DyKnow, feel free to leave a comment about your thoughts!

Preschool Playroom - teaching play skills through video modeling for preschoolers with autism

Have you heard of the NECC (New England Center for Children)?

NECC offers a video modeling program to help teach play skills to preschoolers with autism. The videos come with progress monitoring charts. Please post me a comment if you have worked with the NECC Preschool Playroom as a teacher, parent, or related service provider.