Sensory apps

Finding a great deal on Apps Gone Free the other day prompted me to write a post about sensory apps.  I've got three on my iPad that can be used for different kids in a variety of situations.  White Noise HD,  by logicworks, is a great app for students with Sensory Processing Disorder, but can be used by anybody looking for a bit of background noise.  This app has 12 different background sounds to choose from including, campfire, sprinkler, forest dawn, and ocean waves.  This could be used with a student needing some extra sensory input or for a kid who needs some time to emotionally de-escalate.
Another app that promotes serenity is Pocket Pond HD by TriggerWave LLC.  It is marketed as an entertainment app, but the sights and sounds of this app lull the user into a relaxed state of mind.  The app has a screen filled with clean pond water and lush greenery.  The user takes care of the Koi fish in the pond by cleaning their water, feeding them and interacting with them. 
The Stardust app from Omerta is an interactive, allows the user to create and take photos of creations within the app, while the user enjoys a rather psychedelic instrumental accompaniment. This app, regularly $4.99 in the App Store recently appeared for free and was featured on Apps Gone Free.

Haiku Deck

It has been a while since I've had the opportunity to blog, starting two new positions has kept me hopping since the end of August.  I'm planning an Educational Assistant professional development session this week which will provide an introduction to some of the apps that we will be using as a school division now that we are rolling out devices through Student Services and schools are purchasing the iPad 2 for use in schools.  I discovered an visually interesting mode of presentation, which is a little different from my favourite mode of presentation, the prezi.  The app is called Haiku Deck and there are two great things about it: 1. the amount of typed text you can include in the presentation is limited.  You will need to be comfortable with your material before you present it! 2. the appeal is in the pictures.  Haiku Deck allows you to title your slide, choose a focus word and Haiku Deck presents a wide selection of photographs for you to choose based on that word for the backdrop for your slide.  It's simple to use and the selection of photos is great.  I'm looking to use Haiku Deck to present some material to the EAs using the iPad 2, Apple t.v. and a short throw projector.  We'll see how it all comes together!