Article # 4

iPads as instructional tools to enhance opportunities for students with developmental disabilities: An action research project

This article was written by Therese Cumming, Iva Strnadova, and Sylvie Singh. Their project looked at the introduction of using iPads in the classroom to assist students with developmental disabilities and also highlighted the perspectives of teachers and students during this process.

The authors strongly support the UDL model and remark of many different studies that demonstrate that while using a UDL model, mobile technology is proven to successfully support learning for students with disabilities. The teachers involved in this action research project investigated two main questions:

1. How can mobile devices such as iPads assist and enhance learning opportunities for students?
2. What are the perceptions of students with developmental disabilities and their teachers in regard to using the iPad as an instructional tool?

Concerning the first question, the project revealed that that iPads had increased learning opportunities

for students in the areas of communication, access, engagement, learning, and independence. Teachers and students also appreciated the ability to personalize apps for the individual needs of each students. They also reported higher engagement from students.

As for the second question, both students and teachers enjoyed using the iPads as instructional and learning tools. They found the iPads offered more vivid graphics of diagrams than textbooks. They also liked the portability of the device, it can accompany the student in a variety of different environments. Students really enjoyed the read-aloud apps, cutting the novel reading time in half in some cases. The iPads were found to be useful in all content areas, from math class to cooking class, there's something for everyone.

I found this article interesting to read and it reminded me in a sense of my own school. Mind you there are many differences, the fact that they are exploring the impact of using iPads in the classroom is similar. Our school is very fortunate to have many iPads within the school. We meet regularly to discuss what is happening on in our classroom in regards to iPad usage and special projects. We also receive a lot of PD, both school and board based, surrounding implementing iPads in our teaching practice.  There is never a negative comment made, except maybe expressing frustration with networks and "out-of-our-hands" tech issues. I feel very fortunate to work in such a eager school.