Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

I have been working with iPads for three years now and my feeling towards them have developed as I see different users working with them.  iPads can do amazing things, there is no question in that.  We have heard in this class hours of testimonials on how they can be utilized to assist students with their writing, reading and organizational challenges. iPads have revolutionized the AT world they are a convergent technology like none other before them and at a price that many can afford.  They are easy to use and the apps are incredibly priced.  I do love them!

BUT!

They must be treated as a tool, not the only tool under the realm of Assistive Technology.  iPads still face the threat of abandonment if they are not tested in each case before purchase.  Over the past three years I have seen too many cases where "buy them an iPad" has been stated before any other tool has been tried.  If there is currently no programming in place  and the proper tool selection process has been ignored, the iPad will not 'cure'  the challenges people face.  There still needs to be proper consideration of the task they are trying to accomplish, the environment in where they are using it, and MOST importantly if the user is on board.  You can have the best intentions and the best support if there is no buy in by the user there is no deal! end of story!  They will tell you or show you if it works for them.  Not everyone is suited for an iPad.  There are issues that need to be considered before making the leap.

There is an ever increasing amount of apps out there and what I have seen over the three years is that many are the same.  There are some apps that stand out but after you have seen one it is hard to get excited about every app until you witness a really amazingly well thought out app.  In class we were able to experience some of these apps.  Co-Writer, symbol reader, read iris and claro PDF were wonderfully useful.

When the iPad is selected as an appropriate tool after going through a proper AT assessment and having access to on going support it can be life changing.  Just make sure its not blindly the go to when it may not be right for the client or student.

iPads are amazing but without the proper training and imagination they become glorified fish ponds and game machines.  Teachers need to have their horizons expanded in the ways iPads can be useful in class.  There were many times in class that we were shown how iPads can replace frustrating scenarios so students can have success. With thoughtful practice, and breaking the idea that compensatory strategies are 'cheating' exciting new developments for students will occur.