Ipads in Special Education

[Karen Barley]

Let me tell you a story.  Last year I envisioned a classroom where I could make a difference to my students. i have a classroom of students with disabilities, most of whom have Autism.  My instincts told me that technology could make a difference, but I found pcs or laptops difficult because of they way they were set up ...mostly they face a wall, or with laptops, students are hidden behind them.  I then heard about the new IPad, not yet released.....and before I even tried one, I knew it could be the answer.  I had used an iphone and an itouch, so I had some feel for how a the touch screen might work. 
I kept saying out loud, "I want ten Ipads"....first a parent purchased one and the difference to my student was remarkable.  He went from a child who could barely sit for five minutes to being engaged in writing, reading and spelling for more than forty minutes.  The parents were so enthusiastic and saw remarkable differences at home.  The school began to see the differences as well and the Principal started to talk about what the future might hold if the school were to introduce Ipads into the school. 
From that discussion, they purchased ten for my classroom and I was given permission to trial using Ipads within the classroom in all curriculum areas.  From the very first day, my students were incredibly excited...we do reading, writing, spelling and creating; we also do counting, math etc....and what was extraordinary, within the first week kids who had reputations as kids who roamed the classroom, refused to work, struggled with handwriting etc were sitting at their tables completely engrossed in the various applications and learning at the same time. 
By week three, other teachers started asking about how effective the IPads were and the other students were asking why their grades didn't have them too.  Astoundingly, the school made a decision to buy an IPad for each student....so my dream of ten went to 60 in three weeks. 
Ok, so it is a piece of technology, but my passion emerged from my belief that all children can learn and achieve success.  I've taught in many many special schools and I've observed teachers still trying to teach children who have fine motor issues to write in year 7, 8, 9....not their fault, it is what they are required to do....but why do we insist on focusing on what these kids can't do?  We must give them success because when we do, they can learn and when they do learn, they feel great about themselves and the cycle continues....in a nutshell, let's focus on what these children can achieve.
The beauty of the IPad for children with autism is that the children can interact with the machinery in a very tactile way; the graphics are engaging and extremely appealing; it responds to many of the senses; and as the teacher I can sit along side the student, or in front of them and there is a not a big screen in the way.....the other brilliant thing about this technology is that the students become directors of their own learning. 
I am working on a list of applications and how they relate to the curriculum and hope to have that available soon.  I will post it on this website when I do.
Parents, educators please consider this technology for your child.....and allow your child to learn by focusing on their talents and what they can do.  Please send me an email if you want any more info. 

[Bruce Brown]

Karen

Fantastic, fantastic. You enthusiasm jumps off the page. We have just posted an article on our website, Mobile Technology as a Response to RtI - Response to Intervention. Here is the link http://eskillslearning.net/uploads/Mobile%20Technology%20Response%2...

e Skills Learning does content specific apps for mobile learning that can be used with a wide range of students because of they way they are leveled. www.eskillslearning.net.

[Karen Barley]

Hi Jennifer,

I'm having trouble setting up the dropdav part of dropbox.  It keeps saying that the email I've set up dropbox is wrong and at school, something is messed up with their settings I think.  I need to try to get the IT guy to co-operate and work with me on it..but he is a little resistent.

Thanks the ideas about keynote and pages....I tried to save to Itunes, but had difficulty,but will try your suggestions.  thanks again

 

karen

[Jennifer Mitchell]

Hi Karen,
I saw your post on Sam's blog, and your question about saving Keynote and pages files once created. Have you tried "Sending to iTunes"? It is a good backup system, which will copy and forward the selected files to the host iTunes account, and from the filesharing iTunes window you can save and store the presentations on a computer.

It's also possible to link each iPad to a common Dropbox account, and then send the presentations from the Keynote App to webDAV Go to the website http://dropdav.com/ for instructions on setting up webDAV.
From the host Dropbox account, the documents can then be sorted and saved. This is a good option which won't require connecting an iPad to iTunes.

[Karen Barley]

I was aware of the trial, but idn't realise they'd set up a site.  thanks for that.

[Antwon Lincoln]

Since  you are from Australian, are you familiar with www.ipadsforeducation.vic.edu.au, site? It seems toe be a real interesting resource.

[Karen Barley]

Thanks Antwon.  I'm developing an app list at the moment.  I have the list - I just want to put a brief explanation of what they do.....so will post this tonight.  (Australian time)  I really appreciated your comments. 

[Antwon Lincoln]

What an awesome an inspirational story of the power of innovation and your willingness to see a possibility. I hope you continue share how this store evolves. What Apps are you using with your students?  Love to share them with members of Apps In Education.com

-Antwon