Apps to Support Reluctant Readers

When we started this assignment Mackenzie and I were a little disappointed. As secondary teachers we looked at all of the fun, animated, engaging apps that were available to the elementary teachers and were very jealous. We tried to think of apps that would realistic in a secondary setting, but we also tried to infuse some fun as well!

At the secondary level most (but not all) of the focus has switched from remediation to compensatory strategies. Nearly all of our apps aim at getting reluctant readers to not only read, but enjoy reading and to allow all students to access the content that is necessary at the secondary level.

Here is a sample of what we found:

	App: Google Drive Price: Free Description: Google Drive is on online storage drive that you can use to store files, pictures, video, or documents. Who would use this and why: This app is very useful as a way for teachers, schools, or school boards to share resources. Once resources are digitized, they instantly become more accessible to all students. Google Drive is a way for teachers to share those resources with their students and each other.
	App: Gutenberg Pro Price: Free Description: This app gives readers FREE access to over 40,000 books and more than 6,000 human-read audiobooks (some students like this feature better than Siri reading to them). Who would use this and why: Especially at the secondary level, students are expected to learn massive amounts of content. Often they are expected to read novels for various classes and the Gutenberg project gives students free, digital access to some of the materials that schools (and universities) use. This is an app that learners can use throughout their life.
	App: Sporting News Price: Free (but can pay for extra content) Description: A customizable sports magazine that allows students to read about their favourite teams, leagues, and up to date sporting news. The magazine is fully customizable and has a visually stimulating layout. Who would use this and why: Often, trying to get boys to read can be a challenge. Usually this is because they do not see the purpose of reading something that they are not interested in. A lot of boys LOVE reading about sports—I am convinced that they would do it all day if they could! Sporting News gives students (and not just boys) access to interesting and current sports news, scores, and statistics. The app is also accessible because you can use the “speak” accessibility feature.
	App: Tools4Students and Tools4Students2 Price: $0.99 each Description: Ready made graphic organizers that students can use to organize their learning. Who would use this and why: Many students have a hard time remembering and synthesizing what they read. Tools4Students is a great way for them to organize their thoughts and to keep a record of what they are reading. Can also be used as an assessment tool by teachers.
	App: Marvel Comics Price: Free (but you can pay for extra comics) Description: This app gives students access to high-interest reading materials. Marvel characters are incredibly popular right now and this app gives students the opportunity to read about these characters in the way that they were originally intended to be viewed—as comic books! Who would use this and why: Some students who have no interest in reading traditional novels may come across as being weak readers. In reality, we just need to find content that engages them. Graphic novels and comic books are usually high interest and visually stimulating.
	App: News360 Price: Free Description: This personalized news filter allows its readers to personalize the content that it gathers from all around the internet. Who would use this and why: This is the ultimate way to gather content that students want to read. Students choose categories that suit their interests and the app organizes the content in an easy to view format. Students can share stories or save them to read later. This app also uses the “speak” accessibility feature.
	App: Duolingo Price: Free Description: A fun app for learning another language. Who would use this and why: When I think of reluctant readers, I actually think of a group that is usually forgotten; I would use this app with my International students. The program is fun, easy, and very visual. Categories and vocabulary are current and can help with the academics in school as well.
	App: SwipeSpeare- Modern Shakespeare Price: Romeo and Juliet is free, but you can purchase other plays. Description: This app allows you to read Shakespeare as he wrote it, but gives readers easy access to a modern translation with the swipe of a finger. There is also a built in Shakespeare dictionary, biography, study guides, and lesson plans. Romeo and Juliet is free, but other plays are available for purchase. Who would use this and why: One of the most feared English units is always Shakespeare. However, using some of the technology that we have available to us can actually make it fun and easy to understand. In addition to “Shakespeare in Bits” I really like this app. Students can read the play in either the original version or the modern version or both. This app also uses the “speak” accessibility feature which will help all students access the text.
	App: ITunesU and IBooks Price: Free Description: These two apps allows students to access digital content. Digital books are more engaging and accessible than the traditional paper print. Who would use this and why: Although I am sure that everyone knows about these apps, their power may not be fully understood. Students can gain access to millions of high interest novels, graphic novels (such as the super popular “Walking Dead” series), textbooks, magazines, etc. through these apps. ItunesU is also a great resource for finding enrichment materials that are engaging for students. Once materials are accessed through ItunesU or Ibooks, students can access the materials by using the various accessibility options available through the Ipad.
	App: Science360 Price: Free Description: An app created by the National Science Foundation provides viewers with easy access to articles, news stories, videos, and various content about engaging science topics. Who would use this and why: For any student who is interested in Science, this app is heaven. It has a highly engaging interface and amazing content. There are thousands of videos and you can use the “speak” accessibility feature. There are links to current and interesting science stories all over the world. It almost acts as a interactive textbook for students!
	App: CBC Hockey Price: Free Description: Hockey news as it happens. Students can read articles, follow players, analyze statistics, and view scores using this all Canadian app. Who would use this and why: In this country if you don't know your hockey news you can miss out on a lot of conversations. This app is highly engaging for students—it may not meet any outcomes, but it will get them reading (and more importantly loving reading). Students can also access the text by using the “speak” accessibility feature.

Assistive Technology and UDL

I am in way over my head! I recently made the leap from classroom teacher to resource teacher and most days I feel like I am drowning. Now that I am keenly aware of the diverse and extensive needs of the students in my school I am overwhelmed and afraid that I am going to fail them.

All teachers should have extensive training in inclusive education. When I was solely a classroom teacher I know that I was not meeting the needs of ALL my students. I was overwhelmed by the diversity of learners and students who could not access the curriculum the way that I was delivering it. I was frustrated because I couldn't believe that I was expected to deliver vast quantities of curriculum to students who seemed unable to access the content.

Learning about the principles behind Universal Design for Learning (UDL) has really opened my eyes and given me hope that I can meet the needs of all learners. The CAST website has been an invaluable resource. The website is extensive and is full of practical information and resources; it even shares a "toolkit" that includes UDL training materials. UDL is a concept that I want to share with all teachers. Although teachers often get frustrated with the revolving door of fad initiatives that are usually forced upon them by their superiors, I truly believe that teachers would value the lessons that can be learned about UDL.By learning how to meet the needs of all learners in their class, they would be able to reach more of their students and because of this they would have fewer behaviour issues because their students would be engaged in their learning.

The most powerful piece of information that I have learned from the principles of UDL is how important it is to learn about your students as learners. I know recognize the importance of knowing the composition of my class--how they learn and what their needs are. I have recently replaced the activities that I do on the first day of class. Instead of playing name games, I now ask my students to fill in learner profiles. The best tool that I have found is the questionnaire on the VARK website. This gives me a chance to learn about my students and it gives my students to learn about themselves as learners.

There are so many amazing resources for UDL I actually found it very difficult to write this blog because I was continually getting side-tracked with all of the valuable information I was finding! Here is a brief list of just a few:

UDL Resource
UDL Inclusion
UDL and technology
IPads and UDL

I think that a great indicator that we are heading in the right direction is that one of the most popular pieces of technology--IPads--are also the most powerful educational tools we have. I'm not sure if it was on purpose, but IPads are the perfect tool for following the principles of UDL. IPads, because they are incredibly interactive and accessible, help students to access the curriculum in ways that are fun, cool, and engaging. IPads give students full access to content and offer exciting ways for students to represent their knowledge. For students who cannot access content due to learning differences or physical impairments IPads are a game changer. IPads are cheaper, cooler, multifunctional, and widely popular.

Look for future posts on just how powerful IPads can be for our students!