Describe it to me Available on Smarty Ears Online

Smarty Ears

We are very excited to announce that we have added one more activity to our collection of games for Smarty Ears Online. This week’s new activity is called Describe it to me.

Describe it To Me is a fun, multi-level game that is added to help improve the receptive and expressive language skills in children and adults. Designed by a certified speech-language pathologist, Describe it To Me employs a game show atmosphere to engage clients in their learning while incorporating a variety of questions designed to help clients build a deeper understanding of everyday items. Designed to facilitate a deep semantic understanding, each picture stimulus has six (6) questions designed to probe and teach a deeper level understanding of these everyday items. In addition to teaching semantic knowledge to children, Describe it To Me can be used to facilitate rebuilding semantic knowledge in adults. Perfect for all levels from beginning categorization skills to deeper level language skills, Describe it To Me is sure to be a great app among online Smarty Ears Online games for the busy speech-language pathologist, teacher, parent, or caregiver.

The player whose turn it is will be indicated by their picture being larger than the other players with a large metal triangle pointing at the player. On the TV there is a stimulus image of an object that presents a challenge for the player to describe.

Each stimulus image has 6 different types of questions to elicit a description from the player that relate to the image:

  1. Category
  2. Parts
  3. Visuals
  4. Function
  5. Location
  6. Extra

These questions are displayed along the top of the screen with a golden droplet pointing at which type of question is being displayed. The question type can be quickly changed by touching a different type along the top. This allows for the opportunity to thoroughly describe each object from different angles before moving on to the next object.

INCLUDES BOTH RECEPTIVE & EXPRESSIVE OPPORTUNITIES

On the bottom right of the TV is a switch with a “Receptive” and an “Expressive”. Moving the switch to the receptive position gives the student multiple choices while moving the switch to the expressive position leaves the question open-ended for the therapist, teacher, or parent to analyze the response. The ability of this switch to be able to be changed throughout the language game allows an easy way of providing scaffolding if a student is struggling too much at an expressive level by switching it to receptive, or a great way to add a challenge by changing it to expressive; overall it is a great addition to our games and helps in data tracking for Smarty Ears Online.

 

describe it to me app logo

WHAT ARE THEY SAYING?

!“This app is well thought out and engaging. The game show theme is versatile so it can be used with a variety of age ranges, great if you have students from different grade levels in a session. You can use it for individual therapy and with groups of up to 5. I was thrilled to see that the categories followed very closely with the format of the EET (Expanding Expressions Tool) so this app would be a great companion to that system if you use it in your room as well.” http://www.thespeechbubbleslp.com/2013/07/describe-it-to-me-app-review.html

“Great app, but may be best for older kids that can read (as I had to do for this second grader). Not a big deal, but if you were looking for an app that required independence with the younger crowd, this app would not meet that need.” http://twinsistersspeechandlanguagetherapy.blogspot.com/2013/07/describe-it-to-me-app-review.html

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The Role of Technology in Enhancing Social Skills: A New Frontier in Education and Therapy

Barbara Fernandes

Barbara Fernandes

Speech-Language Pathologist - Technology Visionary

  • August 10, 2023
  • No Responses

Social skills are the foundation of human interaction, allowing us to communicate, convey our thoughts, understand other points of view, and form relationships with others. Whether in personal connections, educational settings, or professional environments, these skills are vital to thriving in a community-oriented world. Historically, teaching and enhancing social skills relied on face-to-face interactions, role-playing, and observational learning. While these traditional methods have proven effective, they often come with limitations such as accessibility, personalization, and adaptability to the diverse needs of individuals.

In recent years, the intersection of technology and social skills development has opened a new frontier in education and therapy. Modern tools and applications are transforming the way individuals practice and enhance their social communication abilities. From interactive simulations to real-world scenario practice, technology offers innovative solutions that go beyond the capabilities of conventional teaching methods.

As we delve into the world of technology-enhanced social skills development, we’ll explore how these tools are not only meeting the demands of our evolving society but also pioneering a more inclusive and effective approach to learning and growth. Welcome to a journey that illustrates the synergy between technology and human connection, and how this relationship is shaping the future of social skills education and therapy.

The Evolution of Technology in Education and Therapy

Let’s take a little trip down memory lane and see how technology has been evolving in the world of education and therapy. Now, you might be thinking, “Wait a minute, isn’t screen time a big no-no?” And yes, screen time has been a hot topic and pretty controversial. But hear me out!

Once upon a time, teachers and therapists relied on good old chalkboards, textbooks, and face-to-face meetings to get the job done. It was all about hands-on learning and real-life interaction. But times have changed, and so have the tools.

Enter the world of technology-enhanced practices. Instead of just reading about social situations in a book, students can now interact with simulated scenarios on a computer or tablet. Remember when practicing social skills meant awkward role-playing in a classroom? Well, those days are fading fast. My introverted heart really appreciates this!

Covid-19 Made Technology Less Scary for many

Oh boy, if we’re talking about technology in learning, we can’t skip over that game-changer: COVID-19. When the pandemic hit, everything we knew about education and therapy took a sudden twist. Classrooms were empty, therapy offices were closed, and digital learning? Well, it went from being a “nice-to-have” to a downright necessity.

Before COVID-19, using screens for learning social skills might have raised some eyebrows. “Screens? For SOCIAL skills? You must be joking!” But the pandemic flipped the script. With in-person interaction off the table, technology became the lifeline that kept learning alive.

Here’s where the magic happened: Those apps and tools that were once seen as extras suddenly became the stars of the show. For students needing to practice their social skills, they offered a less scary (to say the least) virtual playgrounds to explore, make mistakes, and learn, all from the safety of home.

Consider virtual reality scenarios where kids could practice conversational turns, or apps that allow users to explore and respond to different social situations, like a party or a job interview. These tools were no longer the future; they were the here and now.

Teachers and therapists who once leaned towards traditional methods found themselves exploring digital platforms. It wasn’t just about adapting to the “new normal” but uncovering the potential of technology to create immersive, interactive, and incredibly effective learning experiences.

And guess what? The taboo around screen time started to fade. Parents, educators, and therapists alike began to see that technology could be a powerful ally. It wasn’t about replacing human connection but enhancing and expanding the ways we learn and grow.

The world may be inching back to “normal,” but the lessons we’ve learned about technology in education and therapy aren’t going anywhere. They’ve left a mark, and for many, they’ve opened doors to a whole new way of connecting, communicating, and learning. And that’s something worth celebrating!

Benefits of Using Technology for Social Skills Development

  • Personalized and interactive learning experiences.
  • Access to real-world scenarios and simulations.
  • Inclusion of diverse populations, including children with autism or other communication disorders.
  • The ability to track progress and adapt to individual needs.

When it comes to social skills development, the use of technology isn’t just a trend; it’s a personal revolution (One I use in my home), and one that I’ve had the pleasure of being part of through my journey as a CEO of Smarty Ears.

  1. Personalized and Interactive Learning Experiences: Every child is unique, and technology provides the tailored approach that educators and therapists have long desired. I’ve seen firsthand through the development of over sixty mobile applications how technology can adapt to individual needs, allowing for customization that aligns with the child’s pace and learning style. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s learning designed with the individual in mind.

  2. Access to Real-World Scenarios and Simulations: Imagining social situations is one thing; experiencing them is another. Through innovative apps and tools like those developed at Smarty Ears, students can explore real-world situations, practicing skills like conversation maintenance, problem-solving, and understanding humor. These experiences prepare them for real life in a way that traditional methods might struggle to replicate.

  3. Inclusion of Diverse Populations: As someone who has actively worked to disrupt the special education field with inclusive and comprehensive symbol libraries, I firmly believe in technology’s ability to reach diverse populations. Whether it’s children with autism, other communication disorders, or those facing linguistic barriers (a challenge I once faced myself), technology can bridge gaps and create learning environments that are truly for everyone.

  4. The Ability to Track Progress and Adapt to Individual Needs: Tracking progress is not merely about numbers and graphs; it’s about understanding the individual’s journey. Tools like Smarty Ears Online have broken ground in providing real-time insights into a child’s development, offering therapists, educators, and parents the information they need to adapt and grow alongside the learner.

Through my work, I’ve been privileged to see these benefits in action, whether it’s in the classroom, therapy session, or a public space made more inclusive with custom communication boards. It’s a testament to what technology can achieve and how it can transform lives, not in some distant future but here and now.

And you know what’s exciting? We’re only just scratching the surface. As technology continues to evolve, so too will our ability to engage, empower, and educate those striving to enhance their social communication abilities. The possibilities are boundless, and the journey, for all of us, is just beginning.

Introduction to Social Quest as an example of a technology tool aimed at improving social communication.

social quest smarty

In the evolving landscape of technology-based education and therapy, one tool I had the pleasure to work on with my colleague Rosie Simms, Social Quest, embodies the transformative potential of digital learning. You can access Social Quest directly as a stand alone app on your iPad or as part of Smarty Ears Online.

Introduction to Social Quest

Social Quest isn’t just an app; it’s an innovative pathway to improving social communication, crafted with the insights of professionals in the field of speech and language pathology. Designed with an intuitive interface and engaging content, Social Quest is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals who seek to enhance their social skills, especially children with autism.

Overview of Features and Functionalities

The brilliance of Social Quest lies in its flexibility and comprehensive approach to social scenarios. Here’s a glance at what makes it remarkable:

  • Real-World Scenarios: With narratives about situations in the home, school, and community, users are immersed in life-like experiences. From understanding humor to gauging reactions, the app covers an extensive range of social skills.
  • Flexible Thinking Opportunities: Recognizing that social interactions aren’t rigid, Social Quest encourages students to give more than one answer in a given situation. It reflects the fluid nature of human communication, fostering adaptable and empathetic social skills.
  • Diverse Locations: The app covers a multitude of locations, including the home, school, and community, allowing practice in a wide variety of realistic contexts.
  • Customized Experience: Tailored to suit individual needs, Social Quest provides a personalized journey, adapting to the user’s progress and offering specific challenges suited to their development.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

The integration of technology in social skills development brings a myriad of opportunities but also presents certain challenges and ethical considerations that cannot be overlooked. Any technology aimed at “correcting” or “normalizing” neurodivergent individuals may be seen as conflicting with the principles of the neurodiversity and acceptance of others. It raises ethical questions about whose standards are being applied and what the goals of therapy or education should be. Here are a few others to consider:

  • Accessibility and Affordability: Not everyone has equal access to the latest technological tools. Regions with limited resources, families with restricted financial means, or those with disabilities may find accessing these tools challenging. Ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from these advancements is a fundamental concern that needs addressing.
  • Potential Over-Reliance on Technology: While technology offers incredible benefits, there’s a potential risk of losing the essential human touch in therapy and education. Building genuine relationships and understanding the nuanced emotional needs of an individual can be complex. Striking the right balance between technology and personal interaction is crucial.

 

  • Standardization vs. Individualization: Most technological tools, including those used in social skills development, may be standardized to cater to a broad audience. As a neurodivergent raising two neurodivergent this is always something I bring to the forefront. We should emphasizes the unique neurological makeup of each individual. While some may opt to go through a neurotypical world embracing what makes them unique, it is important to also have tools for those who opt to understand the nuances of a typical world.

  • Potential Misrepresentation or Stereotyping: Without careful consideration, some technological interventions might inadvertently reinforce stereotypes or biased perceptions about neurodivergent individuals. This could contribute to further misunderstanding or stigma.

The path forward is not about choosing between technology and traditional methods but finding the right balance to create a holistic approach to social skills development. Technology offers unparalleled opportunities but should be integrated thoughtfully, with an unwavering focus on inclusivity, ethical considerations, and the essential human connection that underpins all meaningful education and therapy.

Barbara Fernandes Instagram

Explore the dynamic relationship between technology and social skills development in the age of neurodiversity. This comprehensive analysis delves into the innovative tools enhancing social communication, including the groundbreaking app, Social Quest. From the personalization of learning experiences to the ethical considerations of data privacy and neurodiversity respect, we unravel the complexities of marrying traditional methods with modern technology.

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