Definition:
The iPad is a line of tablet computers designed and marketed by Apple Inc. The user interface is built around the device’s multi-touch screen, which includes a virtual keyboard. Also included is built in Wi-Fi and on some models, cellular connectivity. The iPad is capable of shooting video’s, taking photos, playing music, reading ebooks, and preforming online functions (i.e. web browsing and emailing).
The iPad is a line of tablet computers designed and marketed by Apple Inc. The user interface is built around the device’s multi-touch screen, which includes a virtual keyboard. Also included is built in Wi-Fi and on some models, cellular connectivity. The iPad is capable of shooting video’s, taking photos, playing music, reading ebooks, and preforming online functions (i.e. web browsing and emailing).
iPads in Education:
For years now, iPad’s have been making themselves known as invaluable tools within both the general and special education classroom. Focusing on the special education classroom, the iPad comes with assistive technology (AT) already programmed in. This AT is provided through means of accessibility options. These accessibility options include magnification, VoiceOver, a simplified user interface, a speak audio text option, and an inverted colors option.
However, where the iPad really shines in education is in its Applications, often shortened to apps. Countless apps have been created to support both the general education student and the special education student. Considering the special education student, the iPad become not only a classroom tool, but a tool that greatly improves the living standards of the student themselves. Apps for each subject can be found on the iPad. Below are some of the best AT apps for each subject:
English/Language Arts:
-Read2Go- Read2Go is Bookshare's app for the iPad. Read2Go provides text-to-speech, highlighting, and note taking. Read2Go can also be customized in regards to audio, font, and visual settings. The app itself is $19.99 and requires access to a Bookshare account, which are free to qualifying students.
For years now, iPad’s have been making themselves known as invaluable tools within both the general and special education classroom. Focusing on the special education classroom, the iPad comes with assistive technology (AT) already programmed in. This AT is provided through means of accessibility options. These accessibility options include magnification, VoiceOver, a simplified user interface, a speak audio text option, and an inverted colors option.
However, where the iPad really shines in education is in its Applications, often shortened to apps. Countless apps have been created to support both the general education student and the special education student. Considering the special education student, the iPad become not only a classroom tool, but a tool that greatly improves the living standards of the student themselves. Apps for each subject can be found on the iPad. Below are some of the best AT apps for each subject:
English/Language Arts:
-Read2Go- Read2Go is Bookshare's app for the iPad. Read2Go provides text-to-speech, highlighting, and note taking. Read2Go can also be customized in regards to audio, font, and visual settings. The app itself is $19.99 and requires access to a Bookshare account, which are free to qualifying students.
iThoughts- iThoughts is a writing preparation app that helps students organize thoughts and ideas of a story in order to aid in writing an essay. Many different map formats are available so students can find the one that suits them best. This would prove greatly beneficial to those students who have trouble with both reading fluency and comprehension.
Mathematics:
-Talking Scientific Calculator- This simple app is a talking calculator that also has options for high contrast visuals, audio feedback when pressing buttons, and allows for speech answers, formulas, and button names. This proves immensely useful to those students with autism, motor skills, and visual impairments.
-Talking Scientific Calculator- This simple app is a talking calculator that also has options for high contrast visuals, audio feedback when pressing buttons, and allows for speech answers, formulas, and button names. This proves immensely useful to those students with autism, motor skills, and visual impairments.
-Math Magic- Math Magic is an app that promotes learning of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division through asking problems and having the student tap on the correct answer. Math Magic provides auditory praise at the student's learning, and through positive reinforcement, including a prize system, Math Magic helps to make learning fun. The ease of use and vibrant colors would prove beneficial to those students who have learning disabilities and/or motor skill problems.
History-
-Timeline 3D- Timeline 3D is an app that allows students to create and customize their own timelines in a visually appealing format. This would prove beneficial to students who may have learning disabilities and have trouble concentrating, as each fact is focused in on one at a time and can hold the student's attention.
-Timeline 3D- Timeline 3D is an app that allows students to create and customize their own timelines in a visually appealing format. This would prove beneficial to students who may have learning disabilities and have trouble concentrating, as each fact is focused in on one at a time and can hold the student's attention.
Sources:
-http://read2go.org/
-https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ithoughts-mindmapping/id294144368?mt=8
-https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/talking-scientific-calculator/id411433609?mt=8
-https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/math-magic/id291478690?mt=8
-https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/timeline-3d-make-present-timelines/id522442098?mt=8
- Dell, A., Newton, D., & Petroff, J. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom:enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities. (2nd Ed). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
-https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ithoughts-mindmapping/id294144368?mt=8
-https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/talking-scientific-calculator/id411433609?mt=8
-https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/math-magic/id291478690?mt=8
-https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/timeline-3d-make-present-timelines/id522442098?mt=8
- Dell, A., Newton, D., & Petroff, J. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom:enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities. (2nd Ed). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.