Michelle's Journey through Assistive Technology: Perspectives on the Ipad

So I've discussed many different AT devices in my last several posts, but I think we could all agree that the Ipad seems to be the king of technology items these days. There still are different perspectives to consider though, when discussing Ipads. Those perspectives are from the parent, child, and teacher.

First as a teacher, I love the use of Ipads. Although my 2nd graders don't get access to them yet at our school, they are always talking about when they get to use them at home. I also am able to witness my fellow colleagues use the Ipads for the older students that are provided for them, for the entire school year for in class and at home, and I see the benefits of having online books and the internet readily available at anytime! I also see the change in pace from learning and then reviewing with an educational game on an app. I do believe the proper use and care and reasoning behind having Ipads in school needs to be fully addressed to students since these are fairly new in schools. We have had instances of them not being used properly in older grades, but once it is established that they are hear as an extension and supplement to learning, the students were able to appreciate having them.
Here are some other teacher perspectives!

From a child's perspective you may automatically think they enjoy them and I would too! It is a different way of learning and exploring concepts similar to a SmartBoard. Some of our classrooms have an Apple TV which is essentially an Ipad on a SmartBoard. That is a nice alternative to providing Ipads to all students. Here is a video of how these children use the Ipads ad well as a teacher!

Now we have parents. How do they feel? Here is one I feel represents a lot of parents out there!

Now I've added below are Top 10 reasons Ipads and similar devices should be used in classrooms!