Compatible with all Apple
devices, but with separate
purchases
Model Me Going Places
I generally don't review free iPhone apps. Why? Because anyone can review free apps... after all, they're free! But in the case of Model Me Going Places (and IEP Checklist) I'm making an exception. And although I realize the ultimate goal of this app is to promote Model Me Kids's DVD's that teach social skills, I've heard this app is well-developed. And some of you have requested that I feature Model Me Going Places. Well, here it is!
First, I should note that I've seen some of their DVD's and, indeed, they are high quality. It should be no surprise that Model Me Going Places is also a high quality app. If you read all my words on the opening page of 'Autism Apps That Will Help You' you may have noticed that I said I'm concentrating on reviews of the higher end apps because those are usually more relevant. And that's true. And although it's free, this app is high end. I know, seems like a contradiction right? By the way, an identical version of this app is available for the iPad.
Model Me Going Places is simple and clean. When you start this autism app you're presented with an opening screen. Tap anywhere on the screen to continue. It's nice they don't require you to tap on some smaller button to move forward. It's much more intuitive the way they did it with having you tap anywhere.
Next you are taken to the basic menu screen. Six icons sit in front of your nose and behind each one is a social story. The icons are appropriately labeled and the icons themselves use appropriate images as visual cues. The artwork is professional. The six social stories you get to choose from are Hairdresser, Mall, Doctor, Playground, Grocery Store, and Restaurant. I guess it's of little significance, but I'd rename the first two Barber and HELL. Yes, malls are hell to me. Moving on - it says a lot about Model Me Kids that they selected these six scenarios, each of which can be challenging situations for children with autism or other developmental disabilities.
When you tap one of the icons the social story begins with happy instrumental music in the background and cheerful children's voices narrating the story from image to image. You have the option to either advance the images/slides yourself with the tap of a green button in the lower right portion of the screen, or you can tap the blue button in the upper right to make the buttons disappear and put it on autopilot so the app advances the slides for you. A smooth diagonal cross dissolve transitions you from slide to slide. There's nothing but positivity in the pictures used, the voices, the music, in everything.
If you want the buttons to come back just tap the screen. If you want to return to the menu you tap the 'home' image in the upper left corner. You can even go backwards to previous slides by tapping the orange button in the lower left corner.
After reading my review here, and then seeing all the ridiculously negative reviews Model Me Going Places has received in the app store, you might be a little perplexed. Let me assure you this is a great iPhone app. Disregard the 1 star ratings some people have left in the app store. Why? This app is free, and as such, anyone can install it and then leave feedback. That invites confusion. The negative feedbacks are a product of people downloading Model Me Going Places without knowing what it is, without knowing what it's intended for, and without realizing its value for teaching social skills to children with autism. Model Me Kids could stop the negatives by charging 99ยข for this app. In essence, that would stop people from downloading it without reading about it first. When it costs people a buck, they'll pay attention to what they're downloading.
Trust me, Model Me Going Places is a great app for teaching appropriate social skills. Get it while it's still free!
