EDUCATION FOR AUTISM
All children have the right to an education and educational resources that enables them to 1/learn how to learn 2/learn how to think as a part of the thinking curriculum and 3/achieve success in their learning according to their own individual learning style.
Children with autism seem to naturally gravitate to technology and computers so it makes absolute sense to allow them opportunities to learn using technology. My latest project is that I am trialing the use of iPads in my classroom for all curriculum areas for the majority of the school day. The students I have had a history of being reluctant learners; have difficulty focusing to tasks and would often wonder around the room avoiding the work provided. The results have been remarkable and I have to say has surpassed my own expectations. We are into Term Two of the trial and the students have become independent learners, including those who have some real learning issues; they can't wait to use the iPads and so enthusiasm and motivation is high; they are thinking all of the time about what application to use; how to use the application and how they want their work to look. Today I did a very simple activity where we used an Art/Drawing application and the kids explored every aspect of that application and the pictures they produced were just brilliant....they then decided to take screenshots of their work and use the pictures for their wallpaper.
I went to a seminar today (June 5, 2011) with Apple and Warringa Park School who are part of the Department of Education's IPad trial. The seminar reiterated much of the success that I have seen, but ultimately I was impessed by a quote by a teacher from the school: "We believe that it is possible for every child to discover their own genius".
AND THAT HAS TO BE A STEP FORWARD!
http://edseminars.apple.com.au/seminars/index.php
http://www.warringapark.vic.edu.au/Warringa_Park/IT.html
IPADS™ FOR STUDENTS WITH AUTISM
I've included a paper I've written about the impact of iPads™ in an educational setting for children with autism and diverse needs. If you are interested in research hopefully this article will provide you with food for thought. However, if you want to read from passion and imagination take a look at some of the articles in my blog. I believe there is a place for both and it takes a lot for me to say this, but spending almost two years researching to do my Masters has taught me that we need research to inspire the passion!
http://edseminars.apple.com.au/seminars/index.php
http://www.warringapark.vic.edu.au/Warringa_Park/IT.html
IPADS™ FOR STUDENTS WITH AUTISM
I've included a paper I've written about the impact of iPads™ in an educational setting for children with autism and diverse needs. If you are interested in research hopefully this article will provide you with food for thought. However, if you want to read from passion and imagination take a look at some of the articles in my blog. I believe there is a place for both and it takes a lot for me to say this, but spending almost two years researching to do my Masters has taught me that we need research to inspire the passion!
| ipads_in_a_special_settingforwebsite.pdf |
| research.docx |
Below are some of my favourite applications - you can browse as a slide show.
I'm will eventually add a video for each of my favourite applications. Pleae feel free to email me, or make a comment on the cotact page if there is an application you have discovered that you love.
There is a small comment about the applications' use.
There is a small comment about the applications' use.
EXAMPLE of Thematic Unit using iPad Technology -The Amazing Race
I've inlcuded this unit I created for another subject I did for my Masters. I had to design a
unit of work for gifted students, so I chose to develop a unit for children with autism
who also have gifts using iPad and specific applications. The theme is based on the TV
program The Amazing Race. I hope to develop more units in the future.
unit of work for gifted students, so I chose to develop a unit for children with autism
who also have gifts using iPad and specific applications. The theme is based on the TV
program The Amazing Race. I hope to develop more units in the future.
| a_curriculum_unit_for_students_with_autismforwebsite.ppt |
APPLICATIONS FOR IPADS
I've created a series of videos showing a variety of applications that I use in my classroom for children with autism. I trust they will give you some idea about what applications are available and how you might use them.
Keynote
The first video is about Keynote and how to use it in an educational setting.
Spellboard
The second video is about Spellboard and how to use it to create spelling lists for your students.
MathBoard
A fantastic math's application for many ages. Can be tailored to suit the individual student.
Intro to Numbers
The next video is about Intro to Numbers by Montessorium which is a numeracy application for Junior students.
Intro to Letters
The abc counterpart to Intro to Letters. Is very similar to Intro to Numbers, except this application teaches the 'abc'.
Story Patch
A fantastic application to create stories - has pictures and text & also creates stories for those children struggling to write.
Puppet Pals
One of my favourite applications and is also a favourite of the students. Students can create fun and clever audio/visual skits with characters and background.
