In earlier blog posts I discussed different assisted technology devices. After watch the video, “iPad Apps for Autistic and Nonverbal Children,”( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGU1ELjS7bQ) I have learned a lot of useful apps that help students with autism, Down syndrome, weak fine and gross motor skills, and nonverbal children.
In the beginning of the video, the woman talks about a 2 1/2
year old girl with spastic quadriplegia (cerebral palsy) who typically had
closed fists. After given an iPad to use, she started to open her hands and
used one finger to play a song on the piano! The woman in the video stated how
some students she has worked with will not be engaged in certain things, but
was very engaged when using the iPad to do a similar task..
The main idea of the video was about using iPad apps to make
accommodations for students with certain disabilities. She also stated that the
apps should not replace social interaction or actual processes.
In the video, it gave numerous app examples for students
with communication, social skills, and writing disabilities. Some of these apps
that I found to be useful are:
- Yes- No App: Allowed students who were nonverbal to answer questions and make choices between two objects by tapping a picture or word depending on their level. (Milk/Juice, or Music/Story, Yes/ No questions)
- Model Me Going Places: This app allowed social stories to be shown by pictures and read aloud sentences. This would be beneficial for students who lack social skills, or autistic children who need help with seeing appropriate actions and feelings when it comes to certain environments.
- Little Sky Writers: This app is for students who struggle with writing. It uses an airplane to help guide and trace letters using their finger or an electronic pen.
- Speak It: This app was designed to help students who are nonverbal or have low vocal tone, who struggle with being heard in the classroom setting. As long as the student is able to type this is a great app. The student will type in what they need to say and it will repeat exactly what is typed in a loud voice.
- LunchBoxes: This is a game app for students who may have ADHD and short attention spans. It supplies numerous games for students to use to learn shapes, colors, puzzles, and other math concepts. This would be great to use a reward.
In my teaching
experience, I have had little experience using iPads to accommodate student
needs. In the future, after watching this video and learning different apps to
help with social skills, writing skills, and communication skills, I would have
no problem incorporating this types of apps. I think it is an assisted device
that has positive outcomes for students who need such accommodations to
participate in the classroom setting. Although, when using the iPad it is important
to have a rubber protective case for it, so that it is protected from being
broken, because they are a more expense assisted device.
Here is the video that is being discussed:
References:
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