The Big "Apple" Debate

As a special educator, I have heard MANY great things about Ipods and Ipads. After going to many accredited conferences (such as Closing the Gap) as well as learning about integrating these pieces of technology in my Grad Classes, I want to use this in my classroom.

Currently, Shakopee Public Schools do not support Apple. I've been ask, "what is so great about Ipods/Itouches and how would you use them?". The following information explains why an Ipod/Ipad would be beneficial in the classroom.

* For students who struggle with academics, communication, emotional regualtion, and social understanding, Ipods and Ipads can be used within the special ed setting and mainstream settings.

* Supports often times make students "stand out" and look different from his/her peers. Ipod/Ipad helps a student look more socially acceptable

* Assertive technology will allow students to learn to become independent with in a mainstream, inclusive environment.

* Students will be able to use special education apps within the mainstream environment without looking different from their neuro-typical peers

* Ipods/Ipads can be used to work on IEP goals and objectives related to academics, communication, emotional regulation, social understanding, friendship skills, and much more.

Mainstream and Educational Settings:
* Students can look at visual schedules and check off items as they are completed
* use homework app to keep track of assignments and tests
* use writing web apps to organize ideas before writing
* use "voice to text" or voice recording to record answers to questions
* type notes, answers to questions and homework assignments
* listen to relaxing sounds/music during independent work times or as a break if student is becoming overwhelmed
* visually communicate needs
* research information related to a topic of study and cut/paste information into notes on ipod touch
* reading or listening to a story
* practicing academic skills
* playing a game with a friend at break time
* creating/reading social stories related to specific social needs
*viewing videos of themselves engaged in appropriate target behaviors (video-self modeling)
* previewing social behaviors before lunch, recess, assemblies, fire drills, and other social situations.
* AAC apps for students who are non-verbal
* Speech and Language Apps

For more information, check out httpL//www.delicions.com/kkautz
and
iTeach Special Education- iDevices in Special education (Facebook)