iPad+as+an+Educational+Device


 * iPad as an Educational Device **

Apple introduced the iPad in the Spring of 2010. Although similar to a tablet laptop, it has created its own technology niche. All other competitors are struggling to create a device that is similar in scope.

Features of an iPad include: Challenges
 * touch screen
 * long battery life
 * number of software apps
 * Support for playback of closed-captioned content
 * VoiceOver screen reader
 * Full-screen zoom magnification
 * White on black display
 * Mono audio
 * Multifunction Device
 * At the current time the iPad must be synched to an iTunes Account.
 * You must be a minimum of 13 to have an iTunes Account.
 * Operating System (OS) Updates must be done on each individual iPad.
 * There is no automation for OS updates which will limit a large scale implementation.

With these features, students who may benefit from this include:
 * Students with limited vision: Voice over feature allows students with low vision to access information on the iPad
 * Students who lack fine motor control: Apps on an iPad can be controlled by simple gestures on the huge screen

Some points to ponder when assessing whether iPad as an appropriate AT solution:
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">As a student controlled device the student would need to have some fine motor control and cognitive ability.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">An adult will need to maintain the hardware, software updates and troubleshoot minor issues.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Informal observations and formal observations of a student struggling with reading fluency
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Extended trials with students. Both informal and formal observations by the classroom teacher, reading specialist and student to evaluate if this is the appropriate technology.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Set short term goals and evaluate if they have been met

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Training materials (e.g. quick start guides, tutorials, screen demonstrations, videos, etc.) that would help teams learn how to use the technology media type="custom" key="10035361"


 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">iPad Guided Tours from the Apple website

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Strategies and suggestions for implementation in classroom settings:
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Fraser Speir's Blog
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Please visit the Apps pages on this wiki to see examples of how an iPad can be a useful tool in the classroom

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Student resources for using the technology:
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Resources are located inside some of the Apps