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Evidence-based teaching strategies

Billy Possum's Interactive Comprehension is the result of a PhD reaseach study into reading comprehension difficulties and app technology.  Typically, issues in comprehending text are the result of problems with fluency and word recognition. However, this is not always true for all difficulties in comprehending text.  Many children require consistent practice of the strategies to integrate and organise information as they read.  The app provides the opportunity for them to self pace and personalise their own learning whilst engaged in reading in a meaningful way.  The embedded strategies are supported and scaffolded in the same way that a teacher would deliver this learning content in traditional face-to-face teaching interactions.  The app has also been designed as a 'bridging text' between visually supported primary texts and chapter stories.  This transition around middle primary school is typically where some children have comprehension difficulties if they have not as yet appriorately acquired the necessary skills of integrating information.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michelle Somerton BEd (Hons)                            PHOTOS: Parents advised to consult with teachers before buying "educational" apps for their children.(ABC News: Emily Bryan)

Graduate Certificate in Research

PhD Candidate University of Tasmania

 

 

About the Research
Features:

Graphics

Beautifully integrated graphics provide students with rich and engaging illustrations supporting visualisation.  Six individual avatars allow this story to be used for one or up to six children.  Embedded strategies including the picture builder ensure students are continuously working within the text which is important for authentic learning tasks. 

The story has an audio function that supports less fluent readers or those students who would prefer to listen rather than read.  A dictionary function has been included for specific words, and definitions are provided in context with the story.

Reporting can be enabled through accessing 'settings'. Choose the app icon and enable export.  This will email the user a report detailing the strategies that were answered correctly and incorrectly once the story is completed. This can be helpful for teachers and practitioners in identifying the nature of a student's comprehension deficits.

Audio, Dictionary and Reporting Functions

REVIEWS:

 

Teacherswithapps     http://teacherswithapps.com/billy-possums-interactive-comprehension-app/

                                           "This is one of the most comprehensive and well thought out apps to hit the app store yet!"

 

Bestappsforkids            http://bestappsforkids.com/2015/billy-possums-interactive-comprehension/

                                              "Billy Possum’s Interactive Comprehension is among the best reading I have seen in the 

                                           marketplace with an unusual focus on vital higher-level comprehension skills and even

                                           opportunities to visualize scenes from the story."

 

TouchAutism                  http://touchautism.com/adventures-billy-possum-app/

                             "I would definitely recommend this app to any child who struggles with comprehension, and/or

                                            reading. I would also recommend it to a child who loves to read because the story is very charming

                                            and fun. This app is offers varied skill building activities. While this app is best suited for children

                                            between the ages of 9 to 11, I do believe children a little younger and a little older would also love

                                            this app, especially for the illustrations and great characters."

 

 

PRIVACY:

We take kids privacy seriously so please read our privacy information below.

Are there adds in the app?                                                                            No

Are there links that lead outside the app?                                                   No

Are there in-app purchases?                                                                         No

Does the app collect data on behalf of the developer or 3rd party?       No

Can the app be used without internet?                                                         Yes

 

Last updated 6th February 2015. For any questions regarding our privacy policy or the app, please email us with your details under the section 'Contact Us' underneath Parent/Teacher notes.

 

 

 

 

PARENT/TEACHER NOTES:

Data reporting to you as the parent/teacher is enabled on by;
1. selecting 'settings' on the iPad
2. selecting the app icon
3. activating 'export enabled'.

Data can then be emailed to your email address through the app by;
4. selecting the 'user' icon on the main screen
5. selecting 'results'
6. choosing either 'all users' or 'current user'
An email screen will appear that allows the user to enter the chosen email destination.

 

 

To adjust characters in Picture Builder, children can use two fingers to make characters bigger or smaller.  A 'double tap' on the characters or other images will turn them left or right.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact Us

Michelle.Somerton@utas.edu.au

Tel: +61 419 601 444
 

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