Loan Library

News from the Educational Interpreter Project: 

Hi Interpreters,

If you are thinking of taking the EIPA Written test (remember it is not required at this time by EIPA or the state), I have created an online module to help you tackle the materials. This module will be open all the time. I will facilitate the module but will not dictate the time frame you use to cover the materials. If you are interested in using the module let me know directly by email.

The module is broken into segments, each segment will look at different Knowledge Standards.  Each of the segments will provide a "practice test" on the materials covered. When you are ready to "grade" your test you will let me know and I will send you the answers. Some segments have additional reading and activities. There are also suggestions and links for improving your vocabulary and your English grammar, both are tested on the EIPA test.

The next test date is May 2, 2015 in Jacksonville.  It is being given in Crystal River monthly. The test will be proctored again on August 4, 2015 immediately after the close of the Summer Institute.

Contact me if you are interested in taking advantage of this module.

Shannon

Shannon C. Simon, MS,CI,CT,CSC,OIC:C

Professional Development Coordinator, Educational Interpreter Project

University of North Florida Department of Exceptional, Deaf and Interpreter Education

1 UNF Drive

Bldg. 57, Suite 3500

Jacksonville, FL  32224

Office at UNF 904-620-1386

Home Office 904-829-1899 or Cell 904-392-8348

FAX 904-620-3895

http://www.unf.edu/interpreterproject

EIPA Performance Test Update

There is a new system for EIPA Performance candidate registration and scheduling. This new system is in place now. Experience has proven that assigning testing dates to candidates more than two months in advance creates a lot of rescheduling on our part and sometimes slots are unused. All testing slots are awarded based on nationwide bidding.

View the EIPA Performance Test Schedule.

Candidates will have the option to be "on-call" for any test month currently listed as full. If a slot is vacated due to a cancellation, you will be contacted immediately to take the open slot.

If you are already on our candidate list (first-time tester or re-take tester) you will need to re-register (complete a new application) for the date you wish. The Project will not keep a list of candidates as we have done in the past. Registration and scheduling will be done on a month-to-month basis.

Three Test Locations

You can now take the EIPA Performance at any of the three locations listed below. Please note, some sites will require a proctor fee to schedule your exam. You will need to complete an online application before receiving further details on test times, proctor fees, etc.

1. Jacksonville, FL (Main Site - University of North Florida Campus)
2. Crystal River, FL (CHIPS Agency)
3. Fort Lauderdale, FL

Summer Institute EIPA Testing: Written & Performance Exams

August testing will be provided for those attending the Summer Institute only. You must register first for the Summer Institute before you can be scheduled for the Written or Performance Exams. Read more details.

In addition, please be aware the Project may not be able to financially assist all candidates who retake the test. We will continue doing so through September, but next grant year (beginning October 1, 2015) financial assistance may be limited to first-time testers.

Shannon and I appreciate your understanding and support for this change in the process. We hope it will be better for all of us.

If you have questions please contact us at EIP@unf.edu.

Cordially,

Melinda Andrew

Educational Interpreter Project

University of North Florida

1 University of North FL Drive 

Jacksonville, FL 32224

Phone: 904-620-1386 

Fax: 904-620-3895 

http://www.unf.edu/interpreterproject

36 Clever DIY Ways To Decorate Your Classroom - Clever and creative ways to transform your elementary classrooms.

Too Noisy App - The "Too Noisy App" has been designed to assist a teacher keep control of general noise levels in a classroom using a visual stimulus. As the noise level in a classroom increases beyond an acceptable level the noise level meter dynamically indicates the level of noise, and the background graphics within the app change to reflect the noise levels. Teachers are able to control the sensitivity of the app by using the sensitivity slider within the app itself so the app can be used for all types of lessons.

Sound Touch App - This is a great App to use for language bombardment. The App is designed to couple the photo with the sounds the object make, but the access to the sound isn't necessary to talk about what the children see. Trains, Horses, Boats, Sheep, Cats, whatever sounds inspire your child, Sound Touch Lite has it! This delightful learning app allows children to choose from an extensive list of sounds lovingly presented in cartoon images for easy recognition. If they like birds, just tap the whimsical icon of the bird and a hi-resolution photograph will appear accompanied by a crystal clear recording of their sound choice.

Video Touch App - Great 48 videos to entertain and educate your child! When choosing one of the animals (sheep, dogs, cats, etc.), your child will watch 10-20 seconds video clips. For example - an adorable cat playing with toilet paper, a dog digging a hole in the sand, a bird eating fruit from a tree branch and many more. Each animal rotates through 4 separate videos with each tap. Perfect and simple!

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) - NVDA  is a FREE "screen reader" which enables blind and vision impaired people to use computers. It reads the text on the screen in a computerised voice. You can control what is read to you by moving the cursor to the relevant area of text with a mouse or the arrows on your keyboard. NVDA can also convert the text into braille if the computer user owns a device called a "braille display". Currently, NAVA works with Microsoft Windows and can be downloaded to any PC or to a USB, which you can use with any PC computer.

April 2015