Summary of Reviews

Something that seems to be missing from the world of education apps is a well-respected website containing substantial reviews.  We guess it is early days but hopefully one will be created soon.  Unfortunately, some of the websites that we used for our reviews were more like a blog but we have tried to use blogs written by people with an expertise in the area.

We checked out the following websites and have provided a summary of our findings:

ERAC created a blog that reviews apps:  http://eraccommons.ca/mobileapps/

http://teacherswithapps.com/ 

http://autismpluggedin.com

http://www.tbrelearning.org/apps/40-amazing-ipad-apps-learning-disabled

http://www.speechpathologyapps.com

http://www.padgadget.com/

http://www.autismepicenter.com/

http://www.autismkey.com/

http://www.knowyourapps.com/

http://www.therapyapp411.com/

http://ipadacademy.com/about

We also checked out the user reviews of each app from the Apple App Store and have highlighted the main pros and cons.

Voice Output

Proloquo2go by AssistiveWare $189.99.

Website Reviews

This app has an incredible reputation.

ERAC stated that this app had been used with positive success in a BC school district.

Teachers with Apps discusses how the webinars provide easy to understand explanations of how to use the app.  The special education teacher spoken to as part of the review stated it was the best app available.  Other positives were the user-friendliness, the ability to personalize the app, and portability of the app.

User Reviews from The Apple Store

4 Stars  57 Ratings

Substantial number of written reviews from parents of children with ASD.

Pros

1. Some user found it was a great reserve option when their primary AAC broke down.
2. Very customizable; user can make it complicated or simple.
3. Many users highlighted that nonverbal children attempted to orally express themselves after using the device.
4. Many users stated they loved how it was more portable than other AAC.

1. Settings are difficult to lock and this can lead to loss of data.
2. Requires more volume.
3. It is not able to use Boardmaker picture symbols.
4. Boardmaker has a more substantial vocabulary base.

iConverse-assisted Communication by Xcellent Creations, Inc. $9.99.

Web Reviews

Autism Plugged In included this app in a top apps for communication below $30 list.  They also noted that it was designed specifically for kids with autism and was easily accessible.

The Apple Store User Reviews

4 Stars  5 Ratings

No Comments.

MyTalk Mobile by 2nd Half Enterprises LLC $39.99

Web Reviews

Autism Epicenter gave the MtTalk Mobile a positive review.  They liked the following features:

• the developer stores the database of images online, freeing up space on your iPad
• it can be customized to meet the student’s individual needs
• it offers a 30 day free trial
• very intuitive
• developer is willing to listen to users to make adaptations

The main negative feature that Autism Epicenter mentioned was that it can take a while to set-up.

The Apple Store User Reviews

No Reviews.

Sign Language

Sign 4 Me by Vcom3D $9.99

Web Reviews

Autism Key listed Sign 4 Me in their list of Top iPad Apps for Autism and Expressive Language.  Know Your Apps gave Sign 4 Me a very positive review, highlighting how quick and easy it is to use,  and also most words were available for sign.  It also listed the following grievances: no additional tips that may be useful for a novice, limited selection of stock phrases, and that the avatar often spells out unnecessary words.

The Apple Store User Reviews

4 1/2 Stars  7 Ratings

Reviews from students with ASD.

Pros

1. Quicker/easier to use than other apps for signing.
2. Ability to move/rotate/zoom in on the image helps with grasp of signs.
3.  Great for teachers/adults working with sign language users.
4. Great for introducing new signs.

Cons

1. No lesson plans.
2. More avatars needed.
3. Limited vocabulary.  For some simple words, letters were spelled-out when the best option would have been to use the sign.
4. The app needs ASL as well as ESL.

Graphic Organizers

iThoughts (Mindmapping) by CMS $9.99.

Web Reviews

TBRElearning included the app on a list of 40 amazing apps for the learning disabled, stating that iThoughts will enable students to see the big picture and also concentrate on other ideas at the same time.

The Apple Store User Reviews

4 Stars  72 Ratings

No written Reviews from students with ASD.

Pros

1. Price – the same as two coffees!!
2. Easy to import/export.
3. Easy to use and intuitive.
4. Help section provides clear assistance.
5. Many features:  brainstorming, creating lists, outlining documents….

Cons

1. More colours and fonts required.

Omnigraffle by The Omni Group $49.99.

Video Modelling

Functional Skills System (42 Apps) by The Conover Company.  The Sampler is free and each APP is $0.99.

Web Reviews

Speech Pathology Apps notes the following advantages of this app: improved communication, cost and time saving, progress monitoring, adaptability, motivation, literacy, support tools, and games.

The Apple Store User Reviews

No Reviews

Model Me Going Places by Model Me Kids, LLC.  FREE.

Web Reviews

Autism Plugged In described this app as a great provider of correct behaviour in a  creative way.  They noted that it highlighted things that students with ASD may have difficulty with such as remaining calm and keeping their hands to themselves.

The Apple Store User Reviews

5 Stars  5 Reviews

Written reviews from parents of students with ASD.

Pros

1. You can use the app in the actual setting.
2. Results with a non-verbal student.

Group Activities

iTake Turns by Smarty Ears $1.99

Web Reviews

iAutism.info discussed how although it is not specifically designed for children with autism, iTake Turns can help manage potentially difficult situations.  The review also highlighted its attractive interface.  iAutism discussed how it was lacking in some features, such as the option to abort someone’s turn, but overall was a positive app that could be very useful.

User Reviews from The Apple Store:

No Reviews

Social Skills by Look2Learn $6.99

Web Reviews

There were very few reviews for this web online, indicating a lack of interest.  iPad Academy, however listed the app in a list of More than 30 Apps for ACC.  This list was created by Dr. Brovey, a recently retired higher education teacher, from a review of websites and articles.

User Reviews from The Apple Store:

No Reviews

Apps for General Education 

Bob Books #1 – Reading Magic by Learning Touch.  $1.99 – $3.99.

Web Reviews

Autism Plugged In recognised this app as a great early reading app.  They especially recognized the interactive nature of the app and the engaging visuals.

The Apple Store User Reviews

4 Stars  19 Reviews

No written reviews from parents of students with ASD.

Pros

1. Encourages independent learning.
2. Engaging activities.

Dr. Seuss’s ABC by Oceanhouse Media $3.99.

Web Reviews

ERAC commented that this app was well designed, interactive, and highly motivating for kids.  They also stated that it was great for early readers and remedial readers.

Teachers with Apps reviewed another title from Oceanhouse.  The review highlighted the great professional narration, background audio, and attractive artwork.

The Apple Store User Reviews

4 Stars  143 Reviews

No witten reviews from parents of students with ASD.

Pros

1. Appealing graphics.
2. Good use of auditory and visual learning aids.
3. Many positive comments concerning their appeal for children.

Cons

1. Not good value for money compared to other apps.

Time, Money and Fractions on-track by School Zone Publishing $9.99.

Web Reviews

PadGadget recommended the game for its brightly colored screens, easy to follow instructions, repetitive games and basic skills.  PadGadget believed the price to be too high; indeed, Autism Plugged In provides a list of free math apps and therefore the cost could be considered unnecessary.

The Apple Store User Reviews

No Reviews