Special Education and the iPad
While I was searching the internet for interesting stories in Special Education, I stumbled across this article involving the connection between Special Education and the use of the iPad. The article mentions how the iPad is significantly cheaper than the devices many Special Education students use, which is true, and how the features to the device, such as the touch screen and "light weight nature" make it very accessible for these students. To most, this may seem dangerous, but it essence, the use of the iPad in a Special Education classroom is very useful. As I stated in an earlier post, I volunteered my time to working in my high school's Special Education department last year and surprisingly enough more than half of the students used some type of Apple device throughout the day. Whether it was listening to music on the iTouch or playing an app on the iPad, the students were always very calm and intrigued. For our students, the use of these devices were to keep them on track throughout the day. Each period was structured that if they completed their work in that class then their "reward", if you will, would be to listen to their music or play an app. The students were classically conditioned to know that if they completed their work then they could play on the devices.
Now I don't mean to make the use of these devices just seem as bribes or an opportunity to have free time. Along with the fun aspect, many of the students that used the devices were also engaging in a game that heightened their learning skills, whether that be numbers, letters, or books. As the article says, "Many different applications can be downloaded to the iPad to maintain schedules, tell stories, learn lessons, and reinforce positive behavior."
Works Cited"The IPad-Breaking New Ground in Special Education." District Administration Magazine |. N.p., 01 Nov. 2010. Web. 25 Sept. 2012. <http://www.districtadministration.com/article/ipad—breaking-new-ground-special-education>.
I agree that iPads are a great idea for students in the special education classroom. I worked in a special education classroom as well last year. I worked with a student who does not talk. He communicated through his iPod touch. There was an app that he used that had words or phrases that he could press and the iPod touch would say it out loud. I think It is pretty cool how we can communicate in all different ways now. Without the iPod touch, i am not sure how this student would be able to communicate.
ReplyDeleteIt is truly amazing what technology is allowing us to be able do in our world today. Having iPads available for special education students in every school would be a great idea. It would help them stay motivated and also help them learn various new skills. As Amanda stated above, it can also be used as an outlet for students who cannot talk so that they can communicate. The iPad is such a great idea because it combines many of the special education tools all into one device. Overall, this would help to save money for the school. I hope to see more schools beginning to incorporate this useful piece of technology into their special education programs.
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