For special education
students, some are saying it is the best tool that has ever been designed. Here
are a few reasons why we might prefer an iPad over a desktop computer:
Ease of access – no need to be able to operate a mouse,
a switch or to need to sit a certain way. The iPad can easily come to the
student, be placed where they need it and the touch required is extremely
friendly. (Not for all!! Remember, this is very individual.)
Simplicity of programs – from very basic to more complex, many
apps are design to be user friendly. For the moderate to severe population
of students the amount of simple apps is huge, plus they are extremely
inexpensive and visually draw students in.
Simplicity of use - many who cannot understand how to
operate a computer, can understand how to operate an iPad. (Even your
grandmother!)
Low cost of programs – compared to the cost of software
programs for a computer, there really is no comparison (unless you
consider the abundant amount of free programs available on the Internet.
And yes, please continue using those!).
There are apps designed specifically
for our population (see other postings to right). Designing apps for
education has become quite the market. The amount of apps designed
specifically for special education has grown so much that there is now a
category for it that stands alone in the iTunes Store.
Assistive Technology and Communication
Apps are available
that help to make this a tool for access support, not just a tool for
learning (i.e. audio books, word prediction, visual prompts, etc.)
It can be loaded with many adaptive
technology gadgets and programs, thereby reducing the need for
multiple devices. Talk about UDL (Universal Design for Learning)! This is
a tool that can level the playing field for many.
There are apps that are inexpensive
and exciting to increase vocabulary, sight words, math facts, reading
comprehension, organizational skills, and drawing skills, just to name a
few.It can be very educational and in the classroom, this is what we want:
exciting, fresh, innovative teaching tools.
Built-in accessibility tools such as zoom and high contrast display
make this a tool to support visually impaired. The built-in VoiceOver
screen reader works as well on the iPad as on the iPhone. For our VI
population, the options are growing and growing. (However, it may be the
iPhone that is the best solution for those with significant vision
impairments.)
Programs such as Dragon Dictation is free,
no paper and pencil needed if one can speak clearly, for writing text
messages, e-mail, maybe documents. (Must have Internet/WiFi connection for
this to work however and it is not the best option for longer texts.)
The brilliant screen of the iPad which
creates and supports visual interest - with the ever improving HD colors
which are bright and the HD video and/or camera- tools at our
fingertips that can be pulled into our educational artillery in so
many new and innovative ways.
The right case can make it much
less indestructible.
More and more tools are being developed
to help with access. (Mounts, switch access, adaptive styluses, etc.)
Light weight (iPad = 1.5 lbs.)
Instant Response/Instant On/Fast
Processor.
Consider this: Combine
the touch screen, ease of use, and cool factor of the iPad and you have a
pretty interesting format for communication device
Shows how increased funding for technology in the classroom will make it easier for teachers to do their jobs.
