Margaret (Peggy) Morris, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, Tufts University Pediatrics professor, presented the seminar:
- Apps for School-Based OTS: BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)
at Therapro on October, 24th. Peggy shared her extensive experience in school-based practice and how to use Apps for students and Apps for OTs. Peggy’s presentation style was dynamic and interactive. She elicited creative thinking and problem solving from the attendees. Therapists and student OTs eagerly shared tips and tricks that they have gathered in their experience as well.
The audience was mixed between “digital immigrants” and digital natives” who desire to use or are currently using the internet as a therapeutic tool. Peggy guided the group through accessing iPad functions and accessibility functions on their devices, including Screenshot, Zoom, Digital Safety, etc. A few of Peggy’s favorite Apps for Behavior include: Calm Counter by Touch Autism ($2.99), 123TokenMe from 123appsforme ($9.99), and Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame (free).
She highlighted Dexteria by Binary Labs ($3.99) for Fine Motor and several Cause/Effect Apps such as Fireworks (free), Fluidity by Nebulous design (free), and Koi Pond ($.99). Specifically for therapists, Peggy pointed out Tx Tools by Pediastaff (free) which has a stopwatch, and OneNote by Microsoft Corporation (free), which is a digital notebook for anything you want to organize or remember, such as writing treatment notes, recording them, or snapping a photo. A good tip Peggy provided was that OT Advance publishes an App of the Week and reviews Apps at www.occupational-therapy.advanceweb.com
Peggy offered invaluable advice for the group on navigating the internet while keeping in mind our responsibility for helping students spend quality time while using screen time. It was interesting to know that The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) produced revised research-based screen time guidelines in September of this year. She noted that the www.covd.org (College of Optometrists in Visual Development) recommends visual breaks when using digital devices every 20 minutes for 20 seconds. We tried out the recommendation in the seminar as Peggy set a timer to activate every 20 minutes during her talk to give us an idea about how frequently breaks should occur.
Even though the iPad is a relatively young device that has been in existence for only about 5 years, it is now an integral part of our lives. Peggy noted that as of May of this year, an astounding 80,0000 apps were labeled as “educational”! It is our obligation as therapists to use this technology that is available at our fingertips wisely in our pediatric practice. She recommended reviewing apps through various sites including AOTA where they are grouped into practice areas; www.aota.org/Practice/Children-Youth/CY-Apps.aspx and from websites such as www.commonsensemedia.org. The digital age is exciting and evolving almost hourly. We need to jump in and use this tool wisely and responsibly in our OT practice.
Peggy’s seminar was well received, as you can see from the comments below:
“There are many conferences for academic apps, but not OT driven. Helps with evidence-based practice.” Margaret S., Occupational Therapist
“I learned so much. I got so much more knowledge from this meeting than I expected. I highly recommend it to anyone.” Olivia S., Occupational Therapy student
“Peggy was an excellent speaker and had a lot of relevant information to share regarding iPad use and applications.” Anonymous OT
“Great current info & collaborative presentation style.” SMR, Occupational Therapist
Thank you, Peggy!
Filomena Connor, MS, OTR/L