Posts by Greg O'Connor
QR Codes – What are they and how can I use them in my classroom?
Posted in Apps and Mobile Learning, Teaching and Learning
Greg O'Connor February 17, 2012
Greg O'Connor February 17, 2012
A QR Code is a type of barcode that is readable by dedicated QR barcode readers and camera telephones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded may be text, URL, or other data*. Like me, you may have seen these codes in newspapers and magazines, on promotional material, in the corner of posters …
NDCO Tasmania Providing Solutions II Assistive Technology Forum and Engaging VET Learners Workshop
Posted in Apps and Mobile Learning, iPad Basics, Teaching and Learning
Greg O'Connor December 7, 2011
Greg O'Connor December 7, 2011
Greg O’Connor presented the following sessions at the recent Providing Solutions II Assistive Technology Forum and Engaging VET Learners through iPads Workshop in Hobart, November 2011. Click the following links to download his presentations. To view the handout, click here. Providing Solutions II Forum and Engaging VET learners through iPads Workshop http://www.slideshare.net/Speccos/providing-solutions-ii-forum-and-engaging-vet-learners-through-ipads-workshop Introduction to the iPad: Supporting Diverse Learners in VET and Beyond http://www.slideshare.net/Speccos/introduction-to-the-ipad-supporting-diverse-learners-in-vet-and-beyond …
Accessing the Future – Inclusive Technologies and Learning Disability in Education and Employment Conference
Posted in Apps and Mobile Learning, iPad Basics, Teaching and Learning
Greg O'Connor December 7, 2011
Greg O'Connor December 7, 2011
This handout has been created for the NDCO Accessing the Future Conference, held in the Hunter Valley on Wednesday 7th to Friday 9th December 2011. Greg O’Connor and Barbara Landsberg are in attendance and are presenting over the three days of the conference. Click on this link to download Greg’s handout. Greg’s and Barbara’s presentations will be added to this post on the completion …
Introduction to the iPad in the Special Education Classroom (Presentation November 2011)
Posted in Apps and Mobile Learning, iPad Basics, Teaching and Learning
Greg O'Connor November 30, 2011
Greg O'Connor November 30, 2011
This presentation was created for a series of iPads in the Special Education Classroom workshops held in Perth, November 2011. Introduction to the iPad in the Special Education Classroom Click on this link to download Introduction to the iPad 2 in Special Education Handout compiled by Greg O’Connor. View more presentations from Spectronics.
Introduction to the iPad in Special Education
Posted in Apps and Mobile Learning, iPad Basics, Teaching and Learning
Greg O'Connor August 18, 2011
Greg O'Connor August 18, 2011
This presentation was created for the iPad workshops coordinated by ASEAQ/ASEPA for Queensland schools. Introduction to the iPad in Special Education View more presentations from Spectronics. The handout for this presentation is available by clicking here – Handout
New Books on Assistive Technology and New Media
Posted in New Technologies, Tools & Resources
Greg O'Connor April 20, 2011
Greg O'Connor April 20, 2011
I have recently read four new books on assistive technology and new emerging technologies that I would like to share. The first two books listed below explore the issues relating to interactive social media, emerging wireless technologies and disability. These books are not intended as resource manuals, but rather books for those interested in understanding the potential of this technology and the reality of …
Universal Design for Learning – New Guidelines Released
Posted in Tools & Resources
Greg O'Connor March 21, 2011
Greg O'Connor March 21, 2011
In the 1990′s the Centre for Applied Special Technology (CAST) began to research and develop the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), with an aim to helping educators plan and implement learning environments that address the needs of all learners. These principles were eventually articulated into the UDL guidelines, finding their way into policy development and classroom practice over the last 5 to …
Speech Recognition Software – An Assistive Technology Solution for the Classroom
Posted in Tools & Resources, Web links
Greg O'Connor February 27, 2011
Greg O'Connor February 27, 2011
Speech recognition software enables a student to turn their speech into text, and to operate their computer using voice commands, e.g., create documents, send email, control applications and navigate the Web. Examples of speech recognition software are Dragon NaturallySpeaking for Windows, http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/product/dragon-naturallyspeaking, and Dragon Dictate for Mac, http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/product/dragon-dictate. For students who struggle with the writing process because of physical access difficulties, vision impairments or …
Apps for Literacy Support
Posted in Apps and Mobile Learning, Tools & Resources
Greg O'Connor November 15, 2010
Greg O'Connor November 15, 2010
This Apps for Literacy list as been updated and moved to a new permanent location on our website, http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/article/apps-for-literacy-support. The list will be regularly updated at this new location. Mobile learning tools, such as the iPad and iPod Touch, are devices that allow learning to occur across contexts and environments. These tools are convenient in that they are accessible from virtually anywhere, allowing the …
iHelp for Autism – The story of a boy and an iPad
Posted in Apps and Mobile Learning, Opinion
Greg O'Connor August 15, 2010
Greg O'Connor August 15, 2010
This story begins with Shannon Rosa, mother of 9 year old Leo, winning an iPad in a raffle. This is what happens next: Leo is Rosa’s 9-year-old son, and when people ask her about him, she is mindful to explain him in a way that will set appropriate expectations. He is a boy with intense autism, she says.
