In this second 'iP' instalment Michael Harrison talks about some of the advancements in the past 12 months - new software now available and the device that has taken the market by storm.

The biggest news in the electronic world in the past 12 months must be the launch of a new larger device in Apple's product range called the iPad (and most recently the iPad2). In short, the iPad is basically an iPod touch that has taken growth hormones. There are some differences such as the ability to access the internet via mobile carrier networks. (Some have called the iPad the 'overgrown love-child’ of the iPhone and iPod touch).
Most of the existing apps that have been available for the iPod and iPhone will work with the iPad. In addition to this, developers have been very busy writing dedicated apps for the iPad to make use of the larger screen size and other capabilities. The iPad offers an excellent tool for teaching children (working one to one or in small groups). If your kids liked your iPhone - they are going to fall in love with your iPad!

Sound Touch
This nice little app is a simple picture and sound playback program that is useful for training children to match sounds to images. You can choose from six different categories (such as small animals, large animals, vehicles, musical instruments etc) and then from 12 different images/sounds. When you choose from one of the cartoon icons - the corresponding sound that this animal, for example, makes is audible. While the sound is playing, a high quality photo of the sound source is displayed on the screen. An excellent auditory training tool for the younger students.

Tune In Radio
This allows you to listen to radio broadcasts live from all over the world. Most major radio stations now stream their programs over the internet in real-time. As long as you have an internet connection (wifi or mobile data) you can listen to live radio and record programs direct to your device. I use that feature to record snippets of programs that I then ask my students to listen to and tell me what the conversation was about. It is a quick and easy way of grabbing high quality talking samples to practise listening to pre-recorded voice with no visual input at all. Ideal for implantees who live alone and need practice at listening.

Working on Articulation
I want to mention a group of apps created by Smarty Ears, which are great for any deaf or hearing impaired person wanting to work on their articulation, as well as for Speech Therapists and teachers. I say a group of apps as there are at last count 13 different apps that have been created by this group. I have two of them - SLP Mobile Articulation Probe & Sunny Articulation Test. Both of these are about $36 each but are well worth the cost. Both of these apps would warrant an entire page or two on their own, so I will simply direct you to the links on the CICADA website to find out more. The app's creator has an excellent range of web pages and YouTube channels where she talks about different apps and how you can use them.

SLP Mobile Articulation Probe
This app is a little like having ALL of your flash cards (930 of them) in one pile for articulation practice. More than this, it allows you to access flash cards based on specific needs AND keep track of progress in terms of articulating words. For example, one  person might need to practice a specific phoneme in Final position. The app then displays a series of pictures with that stimulus criteria. Someone else may need assistance with a specific phonological process in the initial position.

The Sunny Articulation Test
This is an articulation screening app that allows the user to test articulation skills. It tests all phonemes in the English language including clusters. It is in American English though, so needs to be used with caution in some cases. Once screening is completed, you are given a detailed report on the results showing information such as manner, phoneme, position, voicing and error type. It is also possible to record the audio while the test is taken and add notes during the test.

Over the past twelve months there has been a great amount of material being made available both in print and more predominantly on the internet regarding educational usage of iPods & iPads in the classroom. There are many examples of projects from around the world that involve school or college-wide implementation of this technology. These devices are being used across all Key Learning Areas and all age groups—from kindergarten right through to university campuses. Go to cicada.org.au for a list of links to get you started.

All of the apps mentioned are available from the iTunes ‘app store’. You can access from your mac/PC via iTunes or purchase & download direct from your iPod touch/iPhone/iPad. SoundTouch $2.49, Tune In Radio $2.49, SLP MAP $36.99, Sunny Articulation $36.99.