[Pibe-division] iPad vs iPod as a Classroom & Homework Tool

Mike Freeman k7uij at panix.com
Tue Sep 13 02:15:25 UTC 2011


Sally gives you excellent information below. I've paired my iPhone with my
BrailleSense Plus via Bluetooth and the system works quite well. The braille
support has some quirks (most of these are described in Anna Dresner's and
Dean Martineau's iPhone book available from NBP).

 

Having said this, however, I'm going to venture an opinion that may not be
popular with i-device freaks (and I love my iPhone): I see no advantage in
using an i-device (either iPhone, iPod or iPad) as a note-taker except in
casual circumstances. Despite assertions to the contrary, an i-device is
nowhere as good as a dedicated note-taker for handling brailled notes. For
instance, there's no easy way to go to beginning of file or end of file in
one keystroke. Likewise, there's no easy way with the iPhone editors I've
used to search a document for text.

 

I believe an iPhone/iPod/iPad has its place. However, as a dedicated
note-taker for blind students, it ain't there yet.

 

Mike Freeman

 

 

From: pibe-division-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:pibe-division-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Sally Thomas
Sent: Monday, September 12, 2011 6:44 PM
To: Professionals in Blindness Education Division List
Subject: Re: [Pibe-division] iPad vs iPod as a Classroom & Homework Tool

 

My son uses his Apex with his iPhone but he is pretty adept at the touch
features too. It just takes practice.  He says that the iPad has an
advantage for some games and some mapping stuff because there is more room
to move your finger around.  For most work, the Touch or iPhone work just
fine. David says that since the OS for the iPhone, iPod Touch and the iPad
are the same, the functionality of the BrailleNote with the iProducts are
all the same. The mPower has some issues with the bluetooth connectivity,
The signal can be spotty.  This problem has been fixed with the Apex.

 

Once it is set up (through iTunes), if you triple tap the button at the
bottom of the iPod Touch you will turn on VoiceOver (ask me how I know :)).
David is beta testing iOS 5 right now and he says that they have made it so
that a blind person can start VoiceOver independently.  iOS 5 will be coming
out soon. 

 

David is a real Apple fan boy.  He really loves his iPhone and Mac.

 

Sally Thomas

----- Original Message ----- 

From: Dr. Denise M. Robinson <mailto:dmehlenbacher at yahoo.com>  

To: Professionals in Blindness Education Division List
<mailto:pibe-division at nfbnet.org>  

Sent: Monday, September 12, 2011 5:03 PM

Subject: Re: [Pibe-division] iPad vs iPod as a Classroom & Homework Tool

 

Eric

I have noticed equality with the IPOD (the more advanced one=newer) and IPAD
with braille display for blind. At first, it does take a sighted person to
get the voice over on, bluetooth and pairing of the braille display--then
practice. Yes, blind kids can get the scrolling with their fingers on the
screen too, but with a braille display you can move pretty quickly without
all the hiccups of trying to use your fingers on the screen. Hiccups like
going somewhere you did not want to go, then trying to get back.

 

IPAD will bring in more visual function so if low vision, and you can find
an accessible site, visually pleasing to low vision kids, but does not add
much for a totally blind child. Once again...accessible sites are the key as
without accessibility the braille display won't work either. But that is
true for a computer and talking software. Same problems

 

I have only used the refreshabraille with them, which works great, but I
have to believe the braille note would go with them. I know the focus
braille display does.

 

       Denise 

 

Denise M. Robinson, TVI, Ph.D. 
Teacher of the Blind & Visually Impaired
TechVision-Independent Contractor

Specialist in blind programming/teaching/training

509-674-1853     <mailto:deniserob at gmail.com>  deniserob at gmail.com

 

http://blindgeteducated.blogspot.com/

 

 

From: DrV <pumpkinracer at gmail.com>
To: Professionals in Blindness Education Division List
<pibe-division at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, September 12, 2011 8:58 AM
Subject: [Pibe-division] iPad vs iPod as a Classroom & Homework Tool

Hi everyone,
For a blind student, what are the functional differences between the iPad &
iPod in terms of utility & access? (An iPod would seem to be preferable from
a size standpoint, but it is equal to the iPad experience of a student's
classmates?)
Are both equally accessible from a functional standpoint with respect to
BrailleNote pairing? How well does BrailleNote pairing work? What are the
quirks/limitations?
If someone could share there experience with the iPad/iPod for blind
students in the classroom setting, I am sure the perspective & experience
would be of interest to many on this listserv.
Respectfully,
Eric 


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