IS THERE AN APP FOR THAT? Finding, Selecting, and Implementing Apps

Where do I find apps?  Apple products (iPhones, iPads, iMac, etc.)– Apple has its own store called the App Store  Android based products (Samsung, LG, HTC, PC Computers) – Most Apps can be found in the Google Play Store.

Resources used to find apps:  Google Search  Search in the app stores  Magazines (Wired, PCMag, etc.)  Podcasts  Apps like AppsGoneFree  AppAdvice.com  AutismSpeaks.org  Instructables  Kickstarter  Word of mouth

How to Select an App?  Clearly there are a ton of apps but how do you select the right one?  You won’t always get it right the first time. Everyone's disabilities are different and impact them in various ways. It takes time to find the right app for each individual.  The best and most important factor is to listen to the individual you are trying to assist. In what ways are they having problems? What are their strengths? What would they like an app to do? Have they tried anything? Etc. There isn’t a “catch all” app that will solve everything.

How to Select an App? (Cont.)  Research. What are the features of the app? Sometimes you’ll find multiple apps that advertise doing the exact same thing. What makes them different?  Reviews: this may take some digging but read reviews to see what people like and what problems they’ve had with it.  Try it out yourself or get “lab rats”  If you’re unsure, have the individual try them and then follow-up. You get a first hand assessment of the app.

Comparison of Apps  Both are timer apps used for focus and productivity  30/30  Completely customizable for time duration  Once a timer is completed it will immediately proceed to the next timer task.  Customize series of timers to set up various tasks all under one list. Use pictures, colors, and can have multiple series.  BeFocused  Can customize intervals/breaks to set durations  Once a task is completed the timer will stop.  Track progress to see how much time has been used on each assignment.

Implementing an app  If you want someone to use an app correctly you have to teach them how. It’s best practice to not assume.  Use examples of when the individual could use it. Let them see the wheels turning to make sure you’re on the same page.  Follow-up: Are they using it? If not, why? How have the tried to use it?

What could be the appeal to students?  There are plenty of reasons why apps are great (besides being free & helpful)  Almost everyone has tech (laptops, tablets, smartphones) that has access to apps  They are so many variations with different features and functions.  Everyone uses them.  It allows the individual to be incognito.**