Discards
Here are some of the tools we looked at but did not actually use in our toolkit:
1). WiggleWorks
A collection of online books that include narration and text highlighting, as well as options for students to interact with the books, record and playback their reading, and play a series of educational games. We chose not to use it because of a lack of access to a cost-free version that would have allowed for a comprehensive review and critique.
2). UDL Bookbuilder
An online tool that lows you to build your own ebooks. Allows for the use of photos and has an "assistant" that can be used for narration. We chose not use not to use it because Book Creator appeared to be a far superior app.
3). Tar Heel Reader
An website featuring a wide array of ebooks as well as a book creator tool with access to flickr photos. We chose not to use it because TumbleBooks appeared to be a far superior tool for reading, and Book Creator appeared to be superior for creating ebooks.
4). Browser Books
An online connection of levelled readers. We chose not to use it because it lacks the narration option - it only narrates word the user clicks on. We chose not to use it because we felt TumbleBooks was a superior tool.
5). Audacity
An audio recorder that supports four-track mixing. We chose not to use it because, while it is relatively user-friendly, it would still be difficult for children in the age range we working with to use it.
6). 60 Second Recap
An online website that gives quick summaries of book titles often used in schools. We chose not to use it because we were focusing on primary literacy, and these books are more geared towards middle-school students.
1). WiggleWorks
A collection of online books that include narration and text highlighting, as well as options for students to interact with the books, record and playback their reading, and play a series of educational games. We chose not to use it because of a lack of access to a cost-free version that would have allowed for a comprehensive review and critique.
2). UDL Bookbuilder
An online tool that lows you to build your own ebooks. Allows for the use of photos and has an "assistant" that can be used for narration. We chose not use not to use it because Book Creator appeared to be a far superior app.
3). Tar Heel Reader
An website featuring a wide array of ebooks as well as a book creator tool with access to flickr photos. We chose not to use it because TumbleBooks appeared to be a far superior tool for reading, and Book Creator appeared to be superior for creating ebooks.
4). Browser Books
An online connection of levelled readers. We chose not to use it because it lacks the narration option - it only narrates word the user clicks on. We chose not to use it because we felt TumbleBooks was a superior tool.
5). Audacity
An audio recorder that supports four-track mixing. We chose not to use it because, while it is relatively user-friendly, it would still be difficult for children in the age range we working with to use it.
6). 60 Second Recap
An online website that gives quick summaries of book titles often used in schools. We chose not to use it because we were focusing on primary literacy, and these books are more geared towards middle-school students.