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 user not to be tied to a certain location to be able to access learning programs. Like other forms of E-learning, they also afford responsive ‘just in time just in need’ access and opportunities.

The use of mobile learning tools supports the implementation of differentiated learning materials and instructional practices into a learning environment, ensuring that all learners are able to access the same content within a truly inclusive environment. This is particularly the case in relation to literacy.

The availability and range of Apps for the iPad and iPod Touch / iPhone that support the literacy needs of people who struggle with reading and writing is growing. The following list provides an introduction to the kind of apps that are currently available to Australian and New Zealand users. I have limited this list to apps that support reading text and writing / note taking, and to Apps I have tested on my iPad / iPhone. This list is not an endorsement of any of these Apps. Some work better than others, and while I was tempted to rate them I will leave that to you.

You may wish to revisit this blog, as I will be regularly updating the list as more Apps become available and I have a chance to check them out.

App	Cost $AUD	iPad*	iTouch/ iPhone	Description
Reading Support
SayText	Free	N	Y	Take a picture. Using OCR, SayText reads out loud the text in the image.
Image to Speech	$1.19	N	Y	Take a picture. This application will read out loud the text inside of the image you have captured.
Read It	Free	Y	Y	A simple Text-To-Speech application that will read any text pasted on the application.
iReader	$1.19	Y	Y	This App converts text into speech. Simply copy text that you want to hear (can be extracted from the email app, notes app, Safari browser and more using the native copy feature) and then tap on “paste” in the app and then tap on “read text”.
Speak It!	$2.49	Y	Y	Copy emails, documents, web pages, PDF files, and more; paste them into Speak it!, and have the text spoken back to you. You can also create audio files of the text to speech that can then be saved and emailed.
Writing Support
AudioNote	$5.99	Y	Y	AudioNote is for taking notes while at the same time making sound recordings, and keeping them synchronized, note by note, with the text.
SoundNote	$5.99	Y	N	SoundNote take notes in class, meetings, lectures, and interviews. It tracks what you type and draw while recording audio of the speaker/s. During playback, just tap a word: SoundNote will jump right to the proper time in the audio.
SpeechPad Recorder	Free	Y	Y	Record, transcribe and share. Use the SpeechPad app to record meetings, notes, or interviews. Then upload your recordings to SpeechPad.com and get them transcribed.
Notes Plus	$4.99	Y	N	Handwriting, note-taking tool with close-up writing for small text, stroke smoothening, keyboard text, shape auto-detecting, voice recording, palm handling, PDF exporting, emailing and Google Docs uploading.
Typ-O HD	$5.99 to $12.99	Y	Y	Word prediction app with text-to-speech and spell checker.
Australian Oxford English Dictionary	$9.99	Y	Y	Australian English dictionary with audio pronunciations. In addition, the intelligent word entry suggests possible correct spellings as you type, as well as listing words that sound the same or are often confused.

Links

Setting up an iTunes account without a credit card (available only for free Apps)
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2534

Anita’s blog on Education Apps
http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/blog/uncategorized/2010/09/educational-apps-and-resources-for-the-ipad-and-iphone/

Ricky Buchanan’s blog about information on Apple and Mac products for users who have a disability
http://atmac.org/

Educational Apps review
http://ieducationappsreview.ning.com/

iPad Curriculum is a collection of the best in applications, practices, and deployment of the iPad as a learning device.
http://www.ipadcurriculum.com/

Carolann Cormier’s list of apps for education
http://www.connsensebulletin.com/2010/10/apps-for-education-update/