Journal 10 - I Have Something To Say

Runyan, Maria. "I have something to say." Learning & Leading 39.Aug (2011): n. pag. Web. 8 Aug 2011. <http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-august-2011.aspx>

 In the article 'I have something to say',  Runyan talks about a new application for the iPhone and iPad specifically developed to give a voice to those who do not have one. It is an alternative AAC tool for students. Most AAC digital tablets are expensive, this application is less than $200. Students whose speech had been effected by down syndrome and cerebral palsy can easily use Proloquo2. P2G had thousands of words, symbols, and pictures. The user can even upload and insert their own images to the library. Students then select the symbol or image they want heard and then click speak. The application is also capable of creating phrases through linking. This is achieved though selecting a number of images to create a sentence. The example they used was 'I want to play UNO'. They would select 'I want' then 'play' then 'UNO'. Or they could select a custom made button of an UNO card that has the programed sentence, 'I want to play UNO'. It is a tool for a student at any level of disability.

How could this tool be beneficial in the classroom?

I think this is a really great alternative to the expensive tablet. Schools may not have the equipment needed because they do not have the budget. Now with this new app, schools and students that already have a touch screen tablet can download and use it. The P2G gives a voice to those that may not have one because of a disability. Students could even communicate with each other by linking the tablets together.

What are the benifets of using the P2G?

This app can help with picture/word association and language skills. All the pictures, phrases, and symbols are interchangeable. It has a great deal of adaptability to all levels of students. If a students language skills begin to improve, the vocabulary difficulty can be increased.