In this video, Lauren Meatty discussed the use of iPads in
the classroom with students who are autistic and non-verbal students. This
video was not only very interesting, but it was also very informative. Meatty
discussed various different applications, or Apps, that can be downloaded on to
the iPad to help autistic and non-verbal students to learn and to communicate. She
discusses how a child with cerebral palsy was able to open her hands to play on
the iPad, playing a piano app to be more specific. She also discussed many more
apps that all included stories, songs, visuals, text to speech software, and
picture that would help students to learn and to communicate. She did say that
the apps should not replace social interactions, but they should help students
with them.
In my school students do not have their own iPads, but they
are all given laptops. I think that iPads may be better devices for these
students because of all of the different advantages that iPads have against
laptops. One of the main advantages is the plethora of educational apps that
are available for all students, especially those with special needs. I would be
very comfortable integrating the use of iPads in my classroom because iPads are
such an easy to use product. I have had an iPad for about 4 years now, so I am
very familiar with the product. I think that I would be able to help the
students with any issues that may arise. iPads have a wealth of information and
any student who was given the opportunity to use them would benefit.
Tom, I really enjoyed the video that you shared. I really enjoyed reading your reflection of the video. It is truly amazing the impact that using assistive technology can have on students with disabilities. I also agree that the use of iPads or other electronic touch tablets can, in some ways, be much better for our students as compared to the typical laptops that are more commonly found in the classrooms! There are so many great apps and resources available for these devices that can be manipulated and used in a variety of ways!
ReplyDeleteThank you Andrea! I really enjoyed your input on my post. I have to agree with just how amazing assitive technology can be. The fact that there are so many educational apps is incredible to me, and I am excited for the future because it can only get better!
ReplyDeleteI love how students are able to use iPads to communicate and enhance their lives. The amount of apps that are available to students is overwhelming but they always catch on so quickly and learn new things so well. Technology is a great thing for children to utilize as long as it is used appropriately.
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