Apps for Students with Dyslexia (Week 6)

Powered by Dragon NaturallySpeaking, "Dragon Dictation" is a speech-to-text/voice recognition software application. The students are able to dictate anything and the app responds by inputting text. This is great for those that may be slow typists, those that are weary of their spelling, or just those that need to quickly input text. The text can be seen on the screen and can also be edited. This is a free app. It is very user-friendly and doesn't require training (as many of Dragon's software do). Tapping the red dot that appears on the screen starts the recording, and tapping it again ends it. "Dragon Dictation" is specifically for iOS devices.





Powered by Inspiration, "Inspiration Maps" can be used by students to plan, organize, and brainstorm ideas through creating maps, organizers, and diagrams. The maps, organizers, and diagrams can be transformed into outlines. This app has many of the features of the Inspiration software. The work can be printed from the iPad or emailed as a PDF. While this is a free app, it can be upgraded to allow interface between the app and Inspiration 9.1. With the $9.99 upgrade, additional options to share the diagram or outline become available.



"GarageBand" lets you record and edit your voices directly on the iPad. It can be used to record and edit timed readings. The editing feature is much easier than other software. Finished recordings can be emailed. This app costs $4.99.



With Educreations, you are able to turn your iPad into an interactive whiteboard. You can add text, drawings, and photos as well as information from Dropbox or the internet. You can also record you voice and attach it to any page you create. The background options include lined paper, graph paper, and a coordinate grid. If the backgrounds don't suit your needs, you can always take a picture of your desired background and use that. This free app is awesome for animated lessons on-the-go.



"SpellBoard" uses custom spelling lists and adds fun, interactive activities to them. It allows you to add student profiles that allow performance tracking. For younger students (and weaker spellers), and adult would need to enter the wordlist. The words can be voice-recorded as well. SpellBoard quizzes can also be shared with other users. This app has a study mode that allows students to hear and see the word and definition. The words can also be written by hand (like using a virtual whiteboard). This is a great tool for students to practice spelling. SpellBoard is available for iPad and Mac. The cost is $4.99. There is a companion app, "SpellBoard Buddy", for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Clicking on the icons will direct you to the apps' website for more information.