iPads in the Special Education Classroom

The iPad is a device that is second to none when it comes to use in the special education classroom.  Dictation, Speech Selection, Guided Access, and Word Completion are built into the device itself without downloading the first app.  Today's presentation and resources focus on how to keep a student with special needs (or any student!) focused on their learning and what they are creating instead of their shortcomings.  

General Special Education Resources


Accessibility Overview of the iPad from Apple

Integrating Technology into The Special Education Classroom- Charleen Cullen- (Presentation)

Free Must Have Apps for Special Education- TCEA (PDF)

Lauren S. Enders- Assistive Technology Consultant: Pinterest Boards

Apps for Special Education- Eric Sailors

Apps 4 Children with Special Needs


Autism Resources

14 Expert Recommended Apps for Autism- Parenting (Website)



Speech Resources

Apps for Speech (PDF)

Apps for Articulation and Expressive Language- Lois Jean Brady (PDF)

iPad Accessibility for Visual Impairments- Oklahoma School for the Blind (PDF)

Switch Accessibility for the iPad- Apps for Stages (PDF)


Students with special needs are using iPads, equipped with software called Proloquo2go, to communicate with their teachers and boost learning. It's already having major benefits for kids and teachers.

What are your favorite apps in the Special Education classroom?  Do you have any accessibility features that you love?  Let me know in the comments below!
  
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iPads in the K-6 Classroom

The iPad is a tool that can transform a classroom.  But, it isn't about the tool as much as it is about the teaching.  This presentation will help to show how an iPad can be incorporated into your classroom with ease.  Keep in mind however, teaching and learning are the most important aspect of incorporating technology.  You will see some amazing "life changing" apps but please use them in your classroom to help your students learn and you to teach.  Not just to say you are using an iPad!





Free Must Have Apps for Primary- TCEA

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iPad Apps In and Out of the Classroom

It's true- I'm  a little bit obsessed with finding and trying new apps.  I don't believe I have gone more than 2 days without downloading a new one.  So I am constantly deleting subpar apps to make room for new exciting apps.  So when I was asked to present "iPad Apps- In and Out of the Classroom"at the Tech Expo held at Sidney Local Schools I jumped at the chance!

I took note of all of my favorite apps- both those for classroom use and without.  My list grew to about 60 different apps- seriously!  And these are all ones that I actually use.  :-D  So I am so excited to be able to share this list with you!  Not all of the apps are free but many are- so I hope you learn about a few new ones!  

What are your must have apps?  Did I leave any off?  

iPad 2 Wi-Fi 16GB - White (Google Affiliate Ad)

Felt Board

Have you seen this app?  It is Felt Board and it is just like it sounds.  It has 27 different backgrounds to choose from, tons of people, animals, clothes, and props.  It has all of the pieces for common felt board activities including 5 monkeys jumping on the bed, Humpty Dumpty, I Know and Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly and more.  At $2.99, you will be WAY ahead when you consider all of the time and money put into making a felt board activity.

In college, we had to make all of the pieces for a felt board story.  I did Mama, Do You Love Me?  It took FOREVER.  I remember staying up late putting sequence onto this fish only to have it look a little sub par.  With this app, I hope that assignment is obsolete.  

This would be an awesome center activity.  You could have the students make a picture and then write or tell a story to go along.  I did this activity with first graders and they LOVED it.  Worth every single penny spent!  :-)

Could you see yourself using this app with in your classroom or with your own students?  My three year old daughter loved it!  What other free or paid apps do you have and consider a must buy?  

QR Code Treasure Hunt Generator

By now, most of us are familiar with QR codes.  We see them all over the place, although, I feel as though it is slowly starting to fade- or maybe I just don't notice them as much as I used to!  One of the things that I have really wanted to try was to do a QR code treasure hunt.  With QR Code Treasure Hunt Generator it is easier than ever!  

The process is very simple.  You input a series of questions and answers- it allows you to cut and copy from a word processor.  Then it will generate a series of QR codes, you will take these and display them throughout your school.  And then you send students on the challenge.  This is a great way to get students up and moving.  It would be an awesome first day of school activity.  :-D  Let me know if you have any great ways to use a QR treasure hunt with your students!  Have a great day!