iPads
Overview of iPads and iTouches in the CCSU
CCSU currently owns iPad 2′s and iTouch 4′s for use specifically with special education students, together they are called iOS devices. iPads are larger than iTouches and offer thousands of applications, or apps, that may be of helpful for students receiving special education services. iTouches are identical to iPhones but without the ability to make telephone calls, and can access all the same apps that an iPad can, although it utilitzes a smaller touch screen which may be more difficult for students with fine motor difficulties.
Advantages of using iPads and iTouches include:
- Touch Screen access for students who have difficulty with keyboards (although you can use a physical keyboard as well) or holding pens or pencils.
- Over a half a million apps covering numerous topics and learning content areas (look below for links to apps specifically recommended for education) many of which cost $.99 or are free.
- Built-in technology to read text to students called Voice Over.
- A free app called Dragon Dictation that allows students to input text using their voice with no training required!
After an Assistive Technology Assessment Plan (ATAP) is completed, if the team feels that an iPad or an iTouch is appropriate for the student to trial, the equipment (as long as the item is available) will be provided to the student. If one is available, another iPad or iTouch can be loaned to the special educator to increase their orientation and introduction to the device.
Please contact the CCSU Assistive Technology Integration Specialist (ATIS) if you are interested in discussing the possibility of utilizing this technology with one of your students or require support in implementing an iPad or iTouch.
Information about Implementing iPads and iTouches in the CCSU
Currently the ATIS, with the support of the IT department, is in charge of updating the operating system (OS) on all iPads and iTouches for use with students receiving special education services. This means that you do not have to update iTunes on your computer, sync the iPad ever, or update the OS ever for the iPad or iTouch your student is utilizing.
The ATIS is also responsible for updating apps on the devices students use. Please contact him with suggestions for apps you would like to use with a specific student. Many apps are extremely inexpensive to try, some costing as little as $.99, and this way the ATIS can provide your suggestion to other special educators in the SU.
Once the student has the device, please determine a safe and secure place to store and charge the device. Please try to fully charge the device whenever the battery charge is below 50% so that power is not an obstacle to student learning. The battery should last approximately 10 hours when fully charged.
Initially, students new to iOS devices will not take them home. In consultation with the ATIS and the special educators involved with that student, after the student has shown that they are responsible and that the device is crucial to the student’s education, the student may be allowed to take the device home.
Please contact the CCSU Assistive Technology Integration Specialist (ATIS) at any time if you are having problems with your student’s iOS device.
iPad and iTouch Support Online
Can’t wait for help or want to learn more? Check out some of the following resources -
- Check out an article on the 10 best apps for education.
- Look at the best education apps for each content area for 2010 ranked by i Education Apps Review (iEAR). (Click on each link to learn more about the app).
- Read reviews on educational apps from iEAR with summaries of the app, cost, applicable grade levels, and classroom use examples and ideas.
- Look at the top 50 free education apps and the top 50 paid education apps from appstoreapps.com. Each app title has a link which will bring you right to the page for the app on the itunes preview website.
Last updated: Oct 26, 2011 at 2:22 pm
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