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News-2-You
- 1. News-2-You
- 2. Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
- 2.1. Is there an archive of old papers?
- 2.2. How long is each paper available to me?
- 2.3. Why can't I open / print my newspaper?
- 2.4. How is News-2-You licensed? What is a "user"?
- 2.5. How do I delete and add users to my account?
- 2.6. What system requirements are necessary to successfully use News-2-You?
- 2.7. Can I use a switch with N2Y products?
- 2.8. How can I use Unique Learning System, News-2-You and SymbolStix with my blind or low-vision students?
- 2.9. I didn't receive an email from N2Y. What should I do?
- 2.10. How can I use n2y products on an iPad?
1. News-2-You
1.1. Overview
Every week, News-2-You readers connect with the world through their very own current events newspaper.
News-2-You is a weekly online newspaper that connects students with the world. This symbol-supported newspaper is published weekly from September through May (except for the last two weeks in December) and monthly in June, July and August.
Each week, students read the story of the week and complete the related activities – games, puzzles, recipes, jokes and worksheets. News-2-You's weekly articles have a specific alignment with Reading Standards for Informational Text and Speaking and Listening Standards. Tools and templates are provided with a subscription to assist instructors with connecting the weekly newspaper and its inclusions to the Common Core Standards.
News-2-You is published weekly throughout the school year and monthly during the summer break. During the school year, the newspaper becomes available on the Thursday prior to its current week. The newspaper stays online for download for two consecutive weeks. Users are encouraged to download and save the newspaper articles and correlating worksheets to their computer during this time. During the summer break, the newspaper moves from a weekly schedule to one paper per month: June, July and August.
Included in Every Edition
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Included in Alternating Editions
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Video Tutorials
News-2-You Overview
1.2. Interactive Home Page
The interactive home page provides "your own" information on time, date, weather and news.
Use this page to begin your class every day.
Click Add Gadget to select from a variety of tools for your interactive home page. With the N2Y Newspaper tool, for example, you can select one of the levels of the newspaper to download right from this page.
1.3. Class News - NEW!
News-2-You Class News
Class News is an interactive activity designed for classroom involvement in conjunction with the News-2-You weekly topic. With this online activity, students can be directly part of creating their very own newspaper. Class News uses a series of interactive screens that will keep your classroom involved, thinking and communicating about the world around them.
Class News is a self-paced activity allowing plenty of time to expand a topic and encourage participation amongst students. Class News can be used in a variety of formats for presentation and interaction, such as:
- a computer,
- an interactive whiteboard,
- a projecter,
- or even an iPad.
Class News can be accessed through the button on the Interactive home page or through the Group Interaction link in the left menu of the website.
Getting Started Note: To use Class News to its fullest capabilities, be sure to download the latest version of the Internet browser being utilized on your computer. Without doing so, there may be features that do not function, such as sound effects.
Paper Options
Paper Options allow you to select a variety of components wished to be included in the classroom interactive activity for the session. By selecting ON or OFF next to each section, you can create as many variations as you like within the class activity.
Also important is the "Notes Home" option. Turning this ON will add Teacher2You at the end of the activity for any important notes wished to be included, such as information on an upcoming field trip or additional resources to inform parents with concerning the newspaper subject.
Features and Functionality
The interactive activity is guided by buttons and prompts in the top gray bar.
- A center visual cue is provided, based on the section of the paper.
- The sentences written in gray can be used as prompts.
- The More... link provides additional information on the functionality of the interactive activity.
- The Previous and Next buttons can be used as a self-paced navigation throughout the activity.
The interactive activity opens in a full-screen view. This allows the activity to be presented without other on-screen distractions such as the top bar in the Internet browser.
- To exit the full-screen view in order to discontinue the activity, hit the ESC key on your keyboard.
- Please note that by hitting the back button and returning to the News-2-You homepage, any generation of class news will not be saved.
The interactive activity includes sound effects for various sections of the presentation.
- To use the activity without sound effects, simply turn down or mute the volume on your computer.
- Please note that sound settings and controls vary and are specific to computer/device. Troubleshooting sound issues should be supported by your IT department.
The interactive activity can be printed or emailed for sharing purposes.
- The Print button allows the generated newspaper to be printed from a selected printing device.
- The Email button sends the generated newspaper to the registered email address (username) of the teacher.* This email can be forwarded to parents, staff, etc.
- The Close button simply closes the activity.
- Please note that closing or printing the class news does not save the generated activity. Emailing the newspaper is the only way to access the completed activity through a hyperlink.
*I didn't receive an email when I chose the 'Email It To Me' option. What should I do?
1.4. Levels of Difficulty
Comprehension skills vary dramatically in every classroom, and News-2-You recognized that fact.
Each newspaper is published in four levels of difficulty and in a Spanish version. There is something to challenge every student from beginning readers to fluent readers. The weekly newspaper is also provided in a text-only format that is the same text as the Regular/Higher versions and can be used for Braille conversion.
Spanish – regular edition available in Spanish; communication board published weekly
Communication Board – makes language visible and accessible; use for numerous communication and vocabulary-building activities
Text Only – same text as regular/higher edition, but in a text-only format; can be used for Braille conversion
Simplified – basic overview of the weekly topic; symbol-supported text; great way to introduce topic and vocabulary of the week
Regular – in-depth coverage of the weekly topic; symbol-supported text, clear and concise sentence structure makes comprehension a cinch
Higher – same text as regular edition, but in paragraph form; easily differentiated
Advanced – expanded text in a periodical format; additional info about the weekly topic; digital pictures
Video Tutorials
Downloading the Paper Levels of Difficulty Which Level?
1.5. Booklet Version
News-2-You also presents its paper in booklet format.
The booklet format will enable the students to have a hands-on interactive paper just as if they were reading a real newspaper! This booklet will not only save on paper but it is easy to use and store. This booklet can be reused year after year as a fun reading and learning activity for all children.
A booklet version is provided for the Regular and Higher versions of the paper.
For detailed instructions on how to print and use the booklet version of the paper, click on 'Booklet Instructions' inside the newspaper section of the website.
1.6. Speaking Edition
Students can follow along as the paper is read aloud with the speaking edition.
Each word is highlighted as it is spoken. Speaking versions are included with all levels of the newspaper, including the Spanish Edition and Communication Board. The speaking edition also has some different control options and access for those students that use enabling devices.
The speaking instructional tool, that is available for download on this page, contains important information about using the speaking edition.
Video Tutorials
Speaking Edition
1.7. Differentiated Levels
The fundamental belief of the News-2-You program is ALL students will participate in standard-based instructional activities.
It is also to be assumed that ALL students can participate in the same/similar activity when appropriate differentiated supports are in place.
Students who utilize News-2-You lessons vary significantly in ability levels. Therefore, there is a section of the lesson plans that offers expectations for differentiated tasks, while connecting instruction and weekly activities to content standards. The lesson plans and grade level target documents are located in the Newspaper section of the website, on the right side.
Level 1 students are typically requiring maximum support within instructional tasks. For these students, increasing the level of participation is the main objective. It will be important to find supports that encourage active response to lesson activities. Use of talking switches and errorless choice making should be explored.
Level 2 students may require picture support and other direct support in learning and the demonstration of comprehension. The regular or simplified editions of the News-2-You® materials will be appropriate for this student.
Level 3 students will typically be ones who are learning to read text, and can independently demonstrate comprehension of the learning information. The higher level editions of the News-2-You® materials are generally appropriate for this student.
Video Tutorials
Differentiated Levels
1.8. Worksheets
Each week the newspaper is supplemented with over 70 worksheets.
Worksheets use the weekly news to target specific academic areas. They are designed to help meet state standards in math, science, geography, writing, etc.
Worksheets are separated into the following categories:
Math, Fine Motor, Writing, Vocabulary Acquisition, Word Study Skills, Geography, Cooking and Science.
Worksheets have two download options: Download ALL and Download Individual.
There are printing suggestions for the worksheets located at the top of the worksheet table.
The Worksheet Level Information document provides page numbers of the worksheets by differentiated level, recipe pages and science experiments.
Video Tutorials
Worksheets
1.9. Holidays
Holiday pages for the current year are available in a regular and higher edition.
The pages include history and facts related to all American and Canadian holidays including all religious holidays.
1.10. PowerPoint
The weekly PowerPoint has extended information about the news with recall questions and video links.
This supplemental activity includes eight pages of information and six question and answer activities. It is intended to enhance News-2-You and Unique (ULS) content.
The Teacher Information section gives an overview of the News-2-You and Unique topics, along with a brief description of each.
The PowerPoint can also be switch-accessible if you use a switch interface that is programmed for a mouse click.
The PowerPoint is provided in a PowerPoint show format. You do not need PowerPoint to view this supplemental activity. If you do not have PowerPoint, you will need the free viewer. You can download this viewer at: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=cb9bf144-1076-4615-9951-294eeb832823&displaylang=en.
Video Tutorials
PowerPoint
1.11. Joey's Locker
Joey's Locker is an interactive center that contains online games, an adapted storybook, an interactive cartoon and access to Club Roo.
Joey's Locker includes the following:
Online Games - utilize the vocabulary from the weekly news topic
Adapted Storybook – a symbol-based, easy-read book based on the topic of the week
Interactive Cartoon – a switch-accessible game that follows Joey as he travels to places in the news
Club Roo – gives at-home access to News-2-You stories and games
Video Tutorials
Joey's Locker
1.12. World News
In addition to the newspaper, News-2-You subscribers have access to the World News Section.
These short news articles spotlight breaking news across the globe and truly connect students with the world. The articles are 1-4 pages in length and presented in both symbol-supported and text-only formats.
World News uses Google Maps to enhance the students' understanding of the events described.
Video Tutorials
World News
1.13. Tools
News-2-You also has many supplemental tools available to aide in the classroom.
These tools can be used to support the newspaper topic of the week and aide in constructing standards-based activities in the classroom.
Tools are located in the Newspaper section of the website. Click Newspaper in the left-menu, locate the tools available on the right side.
These tools include:
Lesson Plans Aligned to the Common Core Standards
Lesson plans align with the weekly articles, specifically with Reading Standards for Informational Text & Speaking and Listening Standards. The N2Y Instructional Targets are designed in four grade bands to assure alignment to grade-appropriate skills and knowledge.
Blank Lesson Plans
Blank lesson plan templates are provided for the development of standards-based instructional lessons. The lesson plan templates are color-coded by grade band to correlate with Unique Learning System's lesson plans. The templates are provided in a PDF form.
Grade-Level Targets
Grade-Level Targets include an outline of the content standards addressed within News-2-You activities and the Instructional Targets to support these standards.
Progress Monitoring
Progress Monitoring gives an outline of using News-2-You as a tool for teaching and expanding the activities by aligning to content standards.
Links with Unique
Links with Unique provides suggested connections between the monthly curriculum topics and the weekly news articles. This is a great tool for instructors using both News-2-You and Unique Learning System in their classroom.
n2y Dictionary
The N2Y Dictionary defines the common vocabulary used in the components of N2Y products and the special education classroom.
For more detailed information about the News-2-You Lesson Plan templates and using them in your classroom, visit the standards section of the News-2-You website.
Video Tutorials
Tools
2. Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
2.1. Is there an archive of old papers?
News-2-You does not archive its weekly online newspaper. The newspaper is available for two weeks at a time. When it comes offline, it is no longer available to users for download. Users are encouraged to download and save the newspaper to an external device.
2.2. How long is each paper available to me?
Each News-2-You newspaper is available online for two weeks at a time. The newspaper becomes available on the Thursday prior to the date of the paper. For example, if the newspaper is dated Monday, August 27, 2012, it will become available Thursday, August 23, 2012.
Two newspapers are available online for download: the current week and the last week.
2.3. Why can't I open / print my newspaper?
This is usually a memory problem. Try printing a couple pages at a time. Also, if you are keeping back issues of the newspaper, that could be affecting the performance of the computer and the printer. Trash them, empty the trash and restart your computer. Also, check the performance of your computer. Do you have too many things starting up and running at one time? If this doesn't solve your problem, try the solution below this one.
2.4. How is News-2-You licensed? What is a "user"?
News-2-You subscriptions are based on user licenses. A user is one teacher/therapist/parent. Papers can be downloaded, printed and/or copied by the user for all of their students or clients. Use by more than one user will require a multiple user license. We do monitor the number of "hits" associated with each subscription, and excessive use can result in an account suspension. Pricing for user licenses can be found HERE.
2.5. How do I delete and add users to my account?
Account managers and administrators can delete and add users to their account.
Delete Users:
1. Log into your account settings - Click Your Account in the main menu and login with your username and password.
2. Select My Subscriptions from the Account Dashboard.
3. Select View Users in the account settings.
4. Check the box next to the user(s) you wish to delete.
5. Click the red Delete Selected User(s) button.
Add Users:
1. Login to the account settings - Click Your Account in the main menu and login with your username and password.
2. Select My Subscriptions from the Dashboard.
3. Select the Invitation Key in the account details.
3. Right-click and Copy the invitation key.
4. Paste the invitation key into an email and forward to the desired user to register. The new user will set up their own username and password.
5. Or, manually add users by choosing the Add User button inside View Users. New users will recieve an email to login and reset their password after you have created them.
2.6. What system requirements are necessary to successfully use News-2-You?
In order to successfully use News-2-You, you will need the following:
- An Internet browser and connection, with cookies enabled. Any browser is capable of supporting our website.
- Adobe Reader (5.0 or later): The latest version is recommended. Click here to download from Adobe's website.
- Adobe Flash Player (9.0 or later): The latest version is recommended. Click here to download from Adobe's website.
It is also recommended that you obtain some kind of portable storage device to save curriculum files.
Some examples are:
- CD
- thumb drive
- external hard drive
You can also test your computer's system requirement's on our website: http://store.n2y.com/Requirements.aspx
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2.7. Can I use a switch with N2Y products?
Switch Support for N2Y Products
Unique Learning System and News-2-You have several components that are switch accessible. Below is a chart of those components and the key features required to successfully run the component with a switch interface.
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Unique Learning System |
News-2-You |
Programmable Command / Key Stroke |
Features |
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PowerPoint (NWS) |
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X |
Enter Key / Space Bar / Left Mouse Click |
Switch activation will advance PowerPoint to the next slide.
Pages need a mouse click over the response (left-click progression). These are designed with the idea of a teacher-led, class activity in mind. |
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PowerPoint (ULS) |
X |
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Enter Key / Space Bar / Left Mouse Click |
Switch activation will advance PowerPoint to the next slide.
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Joey's Locker – Storybook |
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X |
Enter Key / Space Bar / Left Mouse Click |
Switch activation will advance cartoon to next page.
Pages need a mouse click over the response (left-click progression). These are designed with the idea of a teacher-led, class activity in mind.
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Club Roo – Holiday Joey |
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X |
Enter Key / Space Bar / Left Mouse Click |
Switch activation will advance cartoon to next page.
Pages need a mouse click over the response (left-click progression). These are designed with the idea of a teacher-led, class activity in mind.
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Speaking Version
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X |
X |
Play (Ctrl alt p) Stop (Ctrl alt s) Backward (Ctrl alt b) Forward (Ctrl alt f)
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Keystrokes for every functionality of the online speaking version can be found within the Speaking Edition Instructions document on the website. |
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Clicker 6
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X |
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- F7 – Select - F8 – Move
- Ctrl-Shift-6 – Hear ctrl-click sound - Ctrl-Shift-5 – Reverse scan direction - Esc – Exit scan group
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If you are using one switch, the scan moves to the next group or cell automatically after a delay (which you change within C6 user preferences). If using two switches, you can move the scan to the next group or cell with one switch and select a cell or tab with the other. Check User Preferences within C6 for more information and additional customized settings
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Classroom Suite |
X |
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For more information, please go here SFeit- the attached overlays use Step Scanning for switch access. Users can select Automatic Overlay from Options/IntelliKeys. |
My switch isn't working. Can you help?
Below are some simple steps you may take to troubleshoot a switch interface issue. N2Y recommends contacting your AT professional for assistance and/or the device manufacturer of the switch interface for technical support on the functionality of the switch itself. It is also recommended to test switch interfaces intended for student use prior to the student utilizing them.
1. Is the device properly connected to your computer or tablet? Ensure that the device is plugged into the appropriate connections. For example, does the device require a USB or ADB port connection? Is it wireless? This information can be found within the manufacturer's instructions for the device.
2. Does the device require software to properly function with the activity? For example, the Crick USB Switch Box requires USB Switch Box software installed on your computer. The IntelliKeys/IntelliSwitch requires the IntelliKeys/IntelliSwitch software installed. Some older switch interfaces are limited as to which key presses they can program to each switch.
3. Has the device been programmed properly? Devices vary in functionality and capability. Some switch interfaces are limited to one command; while others have multiple functionalities such as keystrokes, mouse clicks, drag lock, macros, hot keys, etc. Some switch interfaces are programmable allowing you to set up switches for a wide variety of keystrokes while others are not and are limited to the ones listed on the interface installed by the manufacture. Ensure that the device you are using has been programmed according to its capabilities and intentions allowing it to send the necessary key stokes for each program to function successfully.
4. Using the IntelliKeys and Classroom Suite, the default switch setting with attached overlays is Step Scanning. For Automatic Scanners, from Classroom Suite select Options/IntelliKeys menu choose the Automatic Scanning Overlay.
5. If you are using a dedicated Scanning Device with Classroom Suite select Options/Switch Scanning/Dedicated Scanning. You can put the Step switch in #2 and the Select switch in #3. You will need to activate Keyboard Option. See graphic below:
2.8. How can I use Unique Learning System, News-2-You and SymbolStix with my blind or low-vision students?
Blind and Low-Vision Students
If there is a vision education specialist or orientation mobility specialist on the team, he or she might have more information on text adaptions relevant to individual students. Below are some strategies for using News-2-You, Unique Learning System and SymbolStix ONLINE with blind or low-vision students.
Modifications
Students with vision impairments and blindness can access the content from News-2-You, Unique Learning System and SymbolStix ONLINE with some adaptations. They can use the same adaptations used throughout their school experiences including, but not limited to: wax sticks, hook and loop, puffy paint, handheld perforator modifications, double-side tape, scented markers, stickers, or real objects. Materials may be printed and adapted using other techniques as well including: page fluffers, binding on the left edge, top or bottom, adding textures or other accents for meaning and context. Facilitators can input students' answers into the Unique GPS for easy scoring while adapting the printed materials for hands-on learning.
Braille
Lack of proficiency in Braille is not necessarily another hurdle, but another opportunity for layered instruction for students with low vision or blindness. If students are working with a Braille curriculum, learning the Braille alphabet or the Braille contractions, these can be added into daily activities. If students are not proficient in Braille, instructors may want to omit Braille from pre- and post-tests because there may be confusion as to whether mastery or lack of mastery was the result of learning curve with Braille. Still, Braille can be layered into students' daily experiences with News-2-You and Unique Learning System easily using one Braille letter or contraction per page (or whatever Braille level is appropriate for the students). For example, on the weekly newspaper, News-2-You, a student working on Braille contractions could have a printed newspaper adapted with Braille labels. With a quick visual scan of the newspaper by an instructor/facilitator, one can pick out repeated words or words with Braille contractions. If the newspaper uses the word can, a student learning Braille contractions could have a Brailled letter c accompanying that word in a sentence. All sentences can be Brailled. Short sentences can be Brailled. Just contractions or keywords can be Brailled. Students learning how to read Brailled numerals can check the page numbers during News-2-You reading groups. Page orientation can be part of each lesson as well. Bound or stapled copies of News-2-You can help students with low vision or blindness orient the top or left side of the book so they may begin accessing the text.
Symbols
Printed SymbolStix lend themselves to adaptation for students with low vision and blindness in several ways. Here are two:
First, SymbolStix are less visually cluttered than other symbols. The distinct dark-lined SymbolStix are easily identifiable against a solid-colored background. Printed on canary yellow or neon yellow paper, SymbolStix have been used by students with macular degneration, cataracts, and up to 20/200 vision in a two-inch by two-inch presentation. If white paper is the only paper available, try using a neon highlighter to draw the students' attention to parts of the symbol. Printing SymbolStix in various sizes for activities not only supports learners with low vision, but adds context for everyone reading a story in a differentiated reading group.
Secondly, SymbolStix are easily adapted with a handheld perforation tool. An inexpensive addition to a facilitator's toolbox, a perforator can be used on larger printed SymbolStix to create raised bumps on the lines of a symbol. Simply trace the part of the symbol that requires texture. For example, if a student requires textured symbol shapes such as circle, square and triangle, search the SymbolStix ONLINE database and print each symbol. Then use the handheld perforator to outline each shape. Assist the students in exploring the outlines with their fingers. Many trade books for students with blindness and low vision are specifically sold to schools for the purpose of exploring shapes, textures and outlines. With SymbolStix ONLINE and a handheld perforator, facilitators are not limited to representations chosen by authors. Students can have content that is personally relevant, age-respectful, and aligned with content standards.
Sewing Machine
1. Trace the image on the back. 2. Use the sewing machine to create an intense raised pattern (without thread).
Students with severe vision limitations often have limited life experience as well because they don't get opportunities to touch anything in order to explore it. By allowing students to touch, explore, feel, students will be more ready to perform other actions such as: read, evaluate, choose and decide!
Puffy Paint
Use puffy paint to trace symbol. Students love these! If a teacher wants to use them again and again, a piece of wax paper between dried projects will keep them from sticking together.
Wikki Stix
Use Wikki Stix to make the symbols really stand out so the individual can feel them. Wikki Stix can be re-manipulated to use again and again.
2.9. I didn't receive an email from N2Y. What should I do?
N2Y sends emails periodically in order to effectively communicate with subscribers.
If you believe that an email from N2Y has failed to reach you, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to remedy this.
1. Check with your school or district email system's settings. Many organizations, and email clients, can have add-on or inbuilt programs that provide filtering and protection within their system. Most of the time, this can be remedied by simply adding N2Y to their mailing list - @n2y.com.
2. Check your SPAM. Perhaps you are receiving an email from N2Y and do not realize such. Emails sometimes default to a junk email or SPAM folder if the organization does not recognize the address and/or has the settings default to these folders if they do not recognize the source of the email.
3. Check that your username (registered email address) is a valid email address. Spelling errors or missed characters, like a period or underscore, are often the cause of error with an email address.
4. Make sure that your account is registered to you. An N2Y license, as stated when purchased, is that "A user is one teacher / therapist / parent that has a paid subscription. The materials on the website are made available to users for use in their classroom or individual instruction." If you have an account with N2Y, make sure that it is registered with your email address and contact information.
5. Contact our customer service department. If you have verified that the first three steps are remedied and/or valid, and still cannot receive an email from us, please contact us at 800-697-6575 for further assistance.
2.10. How can I use n2y products on an iPad?
The materials are provided in a PDF format. You can open the materials from the website and print to a wireless printer or use them in an app that supports PDFs.
Log into your account @ www.n2y.com. Navigate to the materials and click the PDF icon.
This action should show the PDF in a new tab in your browser.
From this view, you can choose to print to a wireless printer.
If you have a PDF app installed, such as iAnnotate or Adobe Reader, you will be able to open the materials to that app from this view as well.
Several Flash-based activities within an n2y suscription are not supported by the iPad, such as Club Roo & the Speaking Editions of the news articles and leveled books. Please note that there may be other areas of the subscription that are not supported at this time as well.
Apps can also be used to support and extend material instruction within your classroom. n2y gives several suggestions on using apps with Unique Learning System and News-2-You. Click here for those suggestions.