App Review: VowelViz by Complete Speech

I was given the awesome opportunity to trial the new app, VowelViz, created by Complete Speech. VowelViz can be purchased through the iTunes app store for $29.99. I know...a bit pricey; but if you have students who need real-time visual feedback on their vowel productions, this is an app you'll want to check out.

Per the description on iTunes - "VowelViz is an innovative speech mapping tool that displays vowel productions in real-time. With applications in speech therapy, accent reduction/second language learning, and home practice, VowelViz is a versatile and easy to use tool for practicing vowels."

When you open the app you will see the Vowel Quadrilateral (displayed below). As you all know, this chart represent tongue placement in the mouth during vowel productions. As your student produces each vowel sound, VowelViz captures their productions through the iPad’s microphone, then displays a bouncy orange ball to show them where their vowel productions are falling. Your students goal is to have the ball hover within the area of the targeted vowel sound.

This app was very easy to use, and involved very little set-up to get started. I do wish there was an option to track data and record student responses, but overall, if you have students on your caseload who struggles with vowel productions, this is a nice tool for them to self monitor, and adjust their productions. It can be used with a wide age range of students. I had pre-school students trial, as well as 5th graders, and both age groups were able to follow the concepts of "getting the ball in the goal."

Complete Speech offers a variety of tutorials, and how to videos on their website, check those out here. If you're interested in purchasing this app, you can find it here in the iTunes app store.

Enjoy!