Screenshots: An Easy Way to Create Visual Supports
One of the ways I have been using my iPad with my students
who require visual supports such as the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS),
communication boards, and AAC overlays is by taking and using screenshots.
You may be asking yourself, "What is a screenshot?" If that's
the case, let me explain. Screenshots are images that are taken by the iPad,
iPhone or iPod Touch that, once taken, are stored in the photo library. If you look through your photo library you
will more than likely discover random pictures that you don't recall taking. These
are most likely screenshots that you snapped without knowing it. The good news
is now you will learn how to take and use screenshots to enhance your therapy
sessions.
Here's how to take a
screenshot:
Your picture is now stored in your photo devices library.
Now your pictures can be emailed, messaged, assigned to
contacts, used as wallpaper, tweeted, printed or copied.
I have screenshots for all of the pages in the apps that I
use. I then print them on card stock and laminate them. I provide these to my
students and they can be used as choice boards to make requests or comments, as
well as making descriptions and assisting with
answering and asking questions. The possibilities are endless!
I find that screenshots really help with kids who are
impulsive, as this is a way to structure your therapy session while using apps,
especially with groups. Screenshots are an easy way to provide visual supports
while engaging interactively in the apps. I encourage you to practice taking
screenshots and start using them in therapy today!