Why iPads?

The iPad is a powerful instructional tool that increases students’ engagement and independence. iPads bring traditional classroom instruction to life. Far from the static text and images of a workbook, students can participate in the learning process by watching and creating videos, listening to audio, and interacting with concepts in a way that has never been possible. Being portable and having a long battery life, iPads afford students the ability to use them across many different settings.

iPads provide students the opportunity to be more active participants in the learning process. Presentation of instruction can be tailored to each student in a meaningful way that helps them learn at their own pace and in their own style. 

The multi-touch screen lets students interact with electronic learning resources in a natural, direct, and intuitive way. This is especially important for students who might have a difficult time using a traditional keyboard and mouse. 

Touch interfaces are on track to becoming a leading modality of computer interaction It is vitally important that we expose our students to this technology now, so they can be well prepared for their future. 

There are over 80,000 educational apps targeted toward K-12 learners that are currently available for the iPad. At Kennedy Krieger, we continue working to identify those apps that can best help our students understand classroom concepts and reach educational goals.

The iPad can be a:

• Augmentative Communication Device for students who are nonverbal
• Dictionary
• Thesaurus
• Encyclopedia
• Atlas
• Textbook
• Calculator
• Whiteboard
• Movie Theater
• Art Gallery
• Musical Instrument
• Word Processor
• Film Studio
• Note Taker
• Internet Portal
• Translator
• Key to a whole new way of learning