iPads+in+Action

Even though iPads are a new tool to Special Education classrooms, they have become a huge trend in schools throughout America! We can discuss the positives and negatives they have to offer, but seeing them in action is what matters!

media type="custom" key="9292016" align="center" This is a [|video] of a young boy, Cade, with Autism and Apraxia, using the iPad as a learning and communication device. He uses the iPad at home and in the classroom. Recently, Cade headlined the Forum newspaper in North Dakota: [|"Touched by an iPad: Tablet computer powerful tool for kids with special needs"] (2011). His Special Education teacher has noticed a significant difference in his learning and communication growth, "Cade has definitely become more communicative and is independently trying to say new words that he was previously only signing." His mother has also seen the benefits of the iPad when she tries to communicate with Cade. She explains how she can understand him more clearly through his customized Proloquo2Go program.

iPads can be used for more than just Autistic Children. In the next video, "[|iPad for Innovative Teaching]," the students are using the iPad for a science lesson, and they all have hearing impairments. The iPad has given the students an opportunity to learn in a new way, something they wouldn't have without this tool.

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The follow up article to this video, "i[|Pods & iPads are Innovative Tech Tools for Special Education]" (2010), explains a company that schools can get iPads from, the Conover Company. One package the [|Conover Company](2010) offers for special education classrooms provides the iPod touch already loaded with videos to learn about functional skills.

The iPad isn't guaranteed to work for everyone because every learner is a little bit different. With that said, the goal of using the iPad with special education students is to try it with them and let them take risks. Special Education students, and all learners for that matter, often need a little motivation to learn. In the video, "[|Anne Carlsen Center Students Use iPad]" (2011), the young boy finds motivation to learn by using the iPad. The results are amazing for him, and could be for thousands of other learners.

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