Peer Review

Verbally App for iPad

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Reviewed:: Jan 4, 2015 by Teacher Education

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: Verbally is a comprehensive assisted speech solution for the iPad. Verbally's unique, simple design allows users to communicate quickly and effectively in any setting. Verbally enables creative communication, self-expression, and, most importantly, conversation. Users tap in what they want to say and Verbally speaks for the user. Verbally is an invaluable communication aid for people with apraxia, ALS, stroke, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's, or muscular dystrophy. The App is free but can be upgraded for $99.99
Type of Material:: Development tool.
Recommended Uses:: For people with a speech disability due to such things as autism, aphasia, apraxia, ataxia, ALS, stroke, traumatic brain injury, parkinson's, cerebral palsy, down syndrome or muscular dystrophy. The ability to use a female or male voice adds a comfort factor for those using this assistant.
Technical Requirements:: Requires iOS 4.0 or later. Compatible with iPad.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: The learner will be able to convert text to voice output. The learner will be able to hear each word spoken as you select the word. The learner will be able to communicate basic tasks in a clear concise manner.
Target Student Population:: Elementary, secondary, college level users will find this app helpful. Any user with speech impediments and the ability to touch type can use this app.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Touch typing and ability to choose words and phrases that are appropriate would be required.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: The app enables real conversation with the “Speak each word” feature. Reviewers are extremely happy with the product and state it is a wonderful aide to persons with speech impediments. Verbally fills a gap in the market and is easy to use. It is free (with an upgrade available for $99.99 as of January, 2015).
Concerns:: You must accurately type the word for the app to recognize the word. The free version of Verbally has a limited number (60) of the most commonly spoken words. There is conflicting information on the site about system requirements. The main iTunes webpage states iOS 4.0, but on the Verbally webpage it states that "Verbally runs on any iPad that's running iOS version 3.2 or higher."

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:: Good communication tool for anyone with speech disability. It could be used by students in the classroom and in social situations.
Concerns:: There is a sound clarity problem and it impacts the pronunciation of some words. It is a bit muff muffled.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:: This is an easy tool for students and teachers to use. Student in K-6 could easily use the app with little to no instructions. However, there is a help feature that highlights the different parts of the screen. Also, there are a few settings that may be changed in this version such as voice, steady hands, keyboard layout and predictions. The usability of this product is very high. It is simple to use and highly regarded by those with speech impediments. It can be used without WiFi access so there are limitless possibilities for the potential use of Verbally.
Concerns:: For a weak speller, you may need additional resources to assist with spelling words that are not already provided. Verbally can currently be used only on the iPad. In the future if this app is also available for other devices, it would greatly improve the lives of many people.

Other Issues and Comments:: Three keyboard layouts and three choices of male and female voices make this very adaptable and comfortable for people to use.
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