Ipad+Apps+for+students+with+additional+needs

During the course of this unit it has become clear how much technology can benefit both students and teachers in the classroom. This is even more evident for students with additional needs. The biggest jump in technologies used in the classroom setting appear to be the [|iPad],([] although ipads are still being trialled throughout Australia, research has suggested that iPads are providing teachers with another tool to engage students. Results from a trial study of specialist schools in Victoria conducted by the [|Victorian Government] were recently released, the common theme throughout the evaluation seemed to be on engaging students; "With the iPad as a learning tool teachers are seeing new possibilities for engaging special needs students. This is partly a function of the way in which students interact with device (i.e. it is visual and tactile), and partly due to the variety of apps that have been developed forstudents with special needs." (Department of Education and Early childhood development) This in turn brings me to the next obstacle, once a student has access to an iPad there are thousands of apps available, whilst some are for free others such as Proloquo2Go cost upwards of $200, it can be difficult to find the apps that will be most beneficial to a particular students needs. There a numerous sites that offer information about apps designed for students with special needs, and as a teacher I would do as much research as possible before purchasing or recommanding an app to a parent. some useful sites that I found included:

Ipads for education VIC [] - This site provides useful information regarding the apps being incorporated into an educational setting. It also uses icons as a guide to apps, so that you are able to see at a glance which apps might be suitable for students with special needs or are ESL students etc. It is also an Australian site which can be helpful as some apps aren't available around the world.

[|Learning and][|Teaching with iPads] - Catholic Education, Diocese of Parramatta [] - This site provides a list of apps, with a brief description of each targeted at students with dyslexia. It also has some reviews from parents in regards to which apps have worked best for them. Once again an Australian site.

Apps for students with special needs [|ttp://a4cwsn.com/?p=879] - This site was fantastic! It not only gives you a detailed review of the apps but also provides a video demonstrating the app in use. This site would be an extremely valuable tool when assessing if the purchase of an app would be suitable for a particular student. It does give he option to promote apps on their site, so I can't vouch for them being completely inpartial or independent, but still a useful resource.

References

Apps for students with special need Retrieved from:[] 5/7/2011

Department of Education and Early childhood development. (2011). //Using iPads in specialist schools - Evaluation Note April 2011.// State Government of Victoria Retrieved from: [] 5/7/2011 //Learning and teaching with iPads.// Catholic Education, Diocese of parramatta Retrived from:[] 5/7/2011