Thursday, 23 March 2017

Scannable – scanning documents as part of your lesson





We use lots of bits of paper when researching or revising topics – they can be instantly scanned, text recognised and indexed into virtual notebooks to assist with revision, to collect evidence or to check learning.
Instructions: Students may be set an activity to remember key points to revise and write them on a post-it note, to select three relevant passages from a pile of magazines or books, flip charts or any quick scribbling starter you may wish to do!
To collect and review/revise the information at a later date – scan the information into phones and mobile devices. Rather than using just the camera and losing the info alongside a load of selfies or not being able to read it – use scanning apps such as Scannable. This can then be forwarded to any cloud storage or email you wish. If the student, or you, have a free Evernote account – it can be quickly tagged and sorted into the relevant notebook for the subject.


Tips: practice with Scannable and keep it updated – it works better on some updates, be patient with it. Read the instructions the first time you use it and let it walk you through the features. Use good lighting and place on a contracting background – clear desks or popping on the carpet works well. If it doesn’t automatically scan (sense the edges of the document) you can manually snap it. Let it work to auto adjust the contrast then upload/share it. When it is synchronised with Evernote – the handwriting will be recognised and searchable.
See the App café blog for more ideas or to contribute your own findings!

Opportunities for use: to collect starters, to collect research items (see REFME app for instant citations and referencing!) to store and sort class notes, good for the range of personal organisation issues that revolve around dyslexia.

Resources needed: Smart-Phone or tablet, Post-it notes, scrap paper, flip charts pens etc.