Perspectives on iPads in the Classroom

After all of this talk about AT, I want to focus on one type of AT that many of us are familiar with or at least have heard a lot about: the iPad.  In my last post, you saw all of the positive apps the iPad can bring to a student with a disability.    However, everyone (teachers, parents, students, etc.) has their own opinions on how useful or effective using the iPad can be.  I believe the majority of people would agree that iPads are extremely helpful and advantageous.  The main point of discussion would be when students should first be exposed to them.

Parents often don't want their children to be using iPads at a young age for fear of delays in the development of other vital areas.  However, I think teachers, parents, and students are in agreement that when students touch an iPad, they are engaged!  There are so many options, as far as downloading apps, that the device can truly be customized to each student's needs.