Evernote

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Cost: Free




UDL Guideline 6.3 Facilitate managing information and resources
Evernote assists in managing information because it lets students take notes, snap photos, and record their voice reminders as needed. Evernote is searchable, and syncs across the internet on computers and mobile devices. It meets this UDL guideline because it creates an external organizational aid to keep information organized. Also, students can categorize their notes which helps with managing their classroom information.

General Critique:
Evernote has simple tools in a centralized location with icons that are clearly labeled for all users. This simple design allows users to use the app functions whenever pertinent, and can have relevance outside the classroom as well.

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A Novel Idea

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UDL Guideline 5.2 Use multiple tools for construction and composition
A novel idea is a perfect tool for construction and composition. It is a simple interface to create characters, locations, scenes and generate ideas for a novel or short story. It meets this UDL guideline because it provides sentence starters, story webs, a spelling and grammar check feature, and concept mapping tools to assist students in creating any story's plot.

General Critique:
This app is perfect for high school or middle school students, as prior knowledge in literary terms like plot or motivation is needed to be successful using it, as instructors can scaffold instruction while maintaining individuality and creativity.

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Dragon Dictation

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Cost: Free



UDL Guideline 4.2 Optimize access to tools and assistive technologies
Dragon Dictation is a perfect app to optimize access to tools and assistive technologies throughout the curriculum. This app allows students to use their voice to dictate their words and ideas into written text. Using this app as a tool for writing because it provides assistive technology to complete any tasks requiring written information.

General Critique:
This app is designed with simplicity and convenience in mind. With simple tools in a central location and clear instructions into their functionality, this app's design all students to use its features anytime they need it.

Alphabet Tracing

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UDL Guideline 7.1. Optimize individual choice autonomy. The app demonstrates best practices in writing letters and allows students to make decisions about which letters to trace. Most students choose their name as a starting place. Screenshots can be made to document success in practice. Numbers are included.

General Critique
Alphabet Tracing is easy for a five-year-old to navigate. It is a simple, but effective site for student practice.  All tools are clearly marked and easy to use.  Choices include capital letters, small letters, and numbers.  Most emergent writers show a preference for writing their own name or names of friends/family.

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These are examples of a student of mine who is learning to write her letters.  These represent before and after images and allow her to visualize the expectations of the activity.  She has been allowed to choose her own letters and to do them as often as she needs.