In my exploration of so many assistive technology devices, one of my favorites was the Ipad. I was the most familiar with the Ipad and it's something I have and continue to use in my classroom. In the following link, you'll be able to watch a video on using Ipad apps with students who are nonverbal and students with autism.
The video begins with the presenter speaking about a 2.5 year old girls with cerebral palsy who would typically have closed fists. This is very common as my brother with cerebral palsy has the same attributes. When given the Ipad however, she started to open her hands and use only one finger to play songs on the virtual piano! The presenter mentioned that some students who wouldn't use other devices would however use the Ipad. The main focus of the lecture was that Ipads are effective and easy technology to use with a wide variety of learners. However, the Ipad and coordinating apps shouldn't replace social interactions or other processes such as writing, puzzles, mazes, etc.
Introductory Apps:
-Duck Duck Moose: Students use the touchscreen to interact with childhood songs.
- Drum App: Helps students to practice using one isolated finger to interact with the tablet.
Communication Apps:
- Going Places: Stories about social interactions.
- Yes, No: Great for making choices rather than using picture cards.
-Sonic Pix: This makes social stories about various topics. How to order at a restaurant, etc.
-Speak It: Text to speech app.
- Tap to Speak: Not customizable (i.e. "I want fruit, please" Then click desired fruit)
- Proloquo2Go: This app is fully customizable but very costly at $200.
-Sono Programmable: Multiple and customizable ways to communicate.
-Sound Touch: This was used with triplets at different communication levels. One verbal, one receptive, one nonreceptive. The app taught about generalizations.
- Leonard: Used with a boy who had a brain tumor and speech difficulties. The voice back-up motivated the boy to speak more clearly.
- Vocal Zoo: All about animals and sounds.
Writing Programs:
-Little Sky Writers: Used with a 2nd grade child with down syndrome who was working on handwriting. She could spell and read. Used app to trace letters correctly. This helped her work up to 20 minutes of nonstop handwriting.
- Doodle Buddy: Practice writing letters and creating pictures with stamps.
- Various: Different puzzles and connect the dots activities.
Apps for Younger Students:
- Elmo's Monster Maker: Helps students learn about body parts.
- Grover's Restaurant: Great for hand/eye coordination.
- Maze: More hand/eye coordination.
- Monkey Preschool Lunchbox - Teaches about size, puzzles, fruits, colors, and letters.
- Following Directions Fun Deck - Teaches children how to follow directions.
- Matching- Match pictures.
Apps for Older Students:
- Angry Birds and Cut the Rope: Teach finger isolation and physics. Also, good reinforcement of cause and effect.
Books:
- Toy Story- Read words, look at pictures, then swipe finger to turn the page.
- Disney books can also become coloring books for students!
Closing:
- iPad apps are NOT for everyone
- Think about skills- Communication? Writing? Motor skills? Physical skills?
- Can be used as a reward or motivator for many students
I really love using the Ipads with my class. It's taught them a sense of responsibility. They take care of the Ipad when we're using them, they understand they are tools, not toys, in our classroom, and work very well with them. I understand not all districts have the funds to support purchasing Ipads, but they are an excellent addition to any curriculum!
Introductory Apps:
-Duck Duck Moose: Students use the touchscreen to interact with childhood songs.
- Drum App: Helps students to practice using one isolated finger to interact with the tablet.
Communication Apps:
- Going Places: Stories about social interactions.
- Yes, No: Great for making choices rather than using picture cards.
-Sonic Pix: This makes social stories about various topics. How to order at a restaurant, etc.
-Speak It: Text to speech app.
- Tap to Speak: Not customizable (i.e. "I want fruit, please" Then click desired fruit)
- Proloquo2Go: This app is fully customizable but very costly at $200.
-Sono Programmable: Multiple and customizable ways to communicate.
-Sound Touch: This was used with triplets at different communication levels. One verbal, one receptive, one nonreceptive. The app taught about generalizations.
- Leonard: Used with a boy who had a brain tumor and speech difficulties. The voice back-up motivated the boy to speak more clearly.
- Vocal Zoo: All about animals and sounds.
Writing Programs:
-Little Sky Writers: Used with a 2nd grade child with down syndrome who was working on handwriting. She could spell and read. Used app to trace letters correctly. This helped her work up to 20 minutes of nonstop handwriting.
- Doodle Buddy: Practice writing letters and creating pictures with stamps.
- Various: Different puzzles and connect the dots activities.
Apps for Younger Students:
- Elmo's Monster Maker: Helps students learn about body parts.
- Grover's Restaurant: Great for hand/eye coordination.
- Maze: More hand/eye coordination.
- Monkey Preschool Lunchbox - Teaches about size, puzzles, fruits, colors, and letters.
- Following Directions Fun Deck - Teaches children how to follow directions.
- Matching- Match pictures.
Apps for Older Students:
- Angry Birds and Cut the Rope: Teach finger isolation and physics. Also, good reinforcement of cause and effect.
Books:
- Toy Story- Read words, look at pictures, then swipe finger to turn the page.
- Disney books can also become coloring books for students!
Closing:
- iPad apps are NOT for everyone
- Think about skills- Communication? Writing? Motor skills? Physical skills?
- Can be used as a reward or motivator for many students
I really love using the Ipads with my class. It's taught them a sense of responsibility. They take care of the Ipad when we're using them, they understand they are tools, not toys, in our classroom, and work very well with them. I understand not all districts have the funds to support purchasing Ipads, but they are an excellent addition to any curriculum!
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