What is EduApps?

EduApps consists of eight useful software collections that are free for you to download and use.

The EduApps Family covers a range of user requirements to support teaching and learning, so just choose the one that’s right for you.

• AccessApps, provides a range of solutions to support writing, reading and planning, as well as sensory, cognitive and physical difficulties.
• TeachApps, is a collection of software specifically designed for teachers or lecturers.
• LearnApps, as its name implies, is specifically designed for learners. All learners or students can benefit from LearnApps.
• MyStudyBar, is our most popular program, providing a suite of apps to support literacy.
• MyVisBar, a high contrast floating toolbar, designed to support learners with visual difficulties.
• MyAccess, a portal to all your favourite and accessible applications providing inclusive e-learning options for all.
• Create&Convert, is our new kid on the block, designed to help publish accessible information for all. Version 1.5 now available to download!
• Accessible Formatting WordBar, create accessible Word documents with ease using our innovative WordBar.

All EduApps collections can run from a USB pendrive plugged into a Windows computer. Therefore, they offer a portable, personal solution – with you wherever you go.

Education Scotland successfully evaluates EduApps

A group of schools, supported by Learning and Teaching Scotland, recently evaluated EduApps through a series of case studies to support learners with additional needs. Most of the schools chose to use MyStudyBar, which is designed to support learners with literacy-related difficulties such as dyslexia.

The schools involved; Ashcraig School, Bellshill Academy, Taylor High School and Chryston High School focused on evaluating:

• the impact on the children and young people in terms of overcoming barriers
• the effect on the confidence of the pupils involved
• the effect on pupils’ independence in terms of their learning
• the portable nature of the software
• the technical issues related to the inclusion of this software within the current IT systems present in their schools.

Each school approached the use of the software in different ways.

The video below shows how pupils are using portable apps to support their learning.

To find out more about the evaluations visit the Education Scotland website.

The Scottish Voice

The Scottish Voice, otherwise know as Heather is a free high quality synthetic computer voice which is free to Scottish schools, colleges and their support services. Pupils or students can also install the voice on home computers.

If you are eligible to download Heather, Soffed recommends that you use the voice with some of the apps, particularly those programs on AccessApps and MyStudyBar which use text-to-speech. For those learners who benefit from audio support for reading and writing, a quality voice can make all the difference.

To visit the Scottish Voice website select this link.

Soffed

Soffed is the UK’s leading educational specialists in all aspects of e-learning. To find out more about our services please contact us.