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AT and AAC: Practical Tips and Strategies

iPad : Should I Buy One?

Published September 21, 2011 8:09 AM by Angela Desideri
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I bought my iPad when they first came out over 2 years ago and have used it everyday  since then with my students. 

iPadShould YOU buy an iPad? 

The best way for me to answer this question is to explain the three major benefits I have found so far using the iPad with my students.

Access: 

The majority of my students have learned how to access the iPad. Most have learned how to turn it on, swipe the screen, flick, scroll, and zoom while interacting with the selected apps. 

Motivation:

I have witnessed a greater motivation to learn from my students.  With a large selection of cost effective apps, we are able to work on many targeted areas including:

  • Expressive and receptive language
  • Social skills
  • Organization
  • Communication
  • Much, much more. iPad

One of the largest motivating factors has been many students initiating preferred activities on the iPad.

Attention:  

Some of my students have very short attention spans. Therefore, I find myself looking for activities that can help sustain their attention for longer periods of time. I have found many apps that can help achieve and expand my students' attention. 

For me, the iPad has definitely been a game-changer. For those of you that already purchased an iPad, how has it benefitted you and your students?  

posted by Angela Desideri
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7 comments
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I've enjoyed using it with my students too! They come in asking to do anything on the iPad, but I reserve it for the end of the session. They play the free memory, categories, and puzzle programs that I've found. But what about the programs that you buy? Which ones have your used? I'm ready to buy something a little meatier, but need some recommendations.
Sara, Speech Teacher September 22, 2011 8:04 PM
Gloucester VA

I purchased an ipad for use with my articulation and language groups in the school setting. I love using it because it allows me to work with the group for 15 minutes in an environment that is closer to their classroom, thus eliminating the time it takes to travel to my classroom. This has forced me to split the 60 minutes that is required on the IEP into 4-15 minute blocks. More frequent, quick spurts of practice and the stimulus words are on the ipad. It has made a difference with my students and I've only been implementing this plan for a month. It would have been difficult without the ipad. I LOVE it!!
Christy, school - SLP, elementary school September 22, 2011 2:04 PM
AR

I have an adult post CVA patient who has her own iPad and was wondering if there are any good apps out there for this population.  She has some significant left neglect.  Any leads I can give her for possible apps would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!
Hannah Cohen, , SLP SNF September 21, 2011 9:19 PM
Fairfield CT

I have been able to apply some apps working with toddlers!  The  skype, video abilities also let you consult with co workers on difficult to dx cases as well as doing language sampling, keeping record of progress over time...I initially declined because I felt that I couldn't justify cost to useage. No more....
Kathi, Early On - SLP, Berrien RESA September 21, 2011 4:56 PM
MI

I 100% agree with this entire article! My iPad has changed my therapy sessions for the better! Thank you for posting this.

Stevi McCrum, Speech Language Pathologist September 21, 2011 3:42 PM
Mars Hill ME

Great post! What age are the students you usually use the ipad with? Have you seen it used successfully with little ones - say ages 3-5 ?
stephanie dowling, slp/blogger September 21, 2011 3:33 PM

I just got an iPad a few months ago, and I use it in a private practice with kids AND adults. I can already see how they are motivated by the apps.  There are some great free apps as well that can help with pragmatic skills, attention, memory, etc.  Creating "rules" for using the iPad also can help with pragmatic skills as well!  It can also save yourself from lugging materials around :)
Nisha Malavia, , Speech-Language Pathologist Brennan & Burns, LLC September 21, 2011 1:06 PM
Skokie IL

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