Chatta Learning App

INTRODUCING THE CHATTA LEARNING APP

In a digital age, children and young people are spending more time engaging with technology than ever before. It can be challenging to see how we can use that as a tool for development rather than distraction. With a child glued to their screen, there are sometimes concerns that they are not practising and developing their communication skills enough, even if they may be using other skills such as reflexes, fine motor skills, and reading.

Chatta is a new app to support language and communication skills for children, that can be used by teachers, parents and practitioners. Chatta uses photos, audio recordings and touchscreens to encourage children to practice communication skills in school, at home and on the go. Teachers and practitioners can set up their own profiles, as well as profiles for the different children they work with. They can also send resources to parents or guardians to practice at home.

HOW IT WORKS

After getting the app up and running, the “teacher” (practitioner or other adult working with the child) can take photos and record audio of descriptions for the photos. These photos can then be arranged into a story or information that the child can learn, like a short storyboard or comic strip. From there, the child can listen to the target audio recorded by the teacher and record their own descriptions.

WHO DOES IT WORK FOR?

Chatta can be used with any child, but we feel children with SCLNs will especially benefit from it. For example, the connection between the audio and visual components could benefit children with DLD in understanding the audio more thoroughly. Being able to replay the audio allows them to catch every part of the speech sounds without feeling embarrassed for asking someone to repeat themselves. By recording their own version of the captions, children with speech difficulties can practice their speech sounds and teachers or practitioners can assess their improvements. Chatta is also a great way of introducing new words into a child’s vocabulary or going over some words they find challenging.

Visit Chatta’s website at https://chattalearning.com to learn more about the app or download it on the app store at https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/chatta-ltd/id1054995113.