2. Taking a bite out of the Apple

3. What’s it for?

6. WHAT IS THE MOST IMAGINATIVE THING YOU HAVE DONE WITH AN APPLE?

10. Communication and Literacy Spelling: games such as SBSpelling can be individualised to student’s needs and abilities. The tutor can input words that the students are currently learning and the app creates a game. The tutor can then assess the progress made and identify words that still need to be worked on. This can help with differentiation allowing students with a range of abilities to take part in the same activities There are apps designed around listening skills and communication, however none of the apps we have come across are free and appear to be mainly based at lower ability students.

11. Numeracy There are a lot of games aimed at increasing numeracy skills and our learners have found these useful and fun. Although a common stereotype of people who have ASC is that maths is a preferred subject, in reality many of our students find maths difficult and using the ipad to develop their numeracy skills can alleviate the stress caused and make learning a more calm and stress free experience Apps based around telling the time have been really positive for learners who still need support and teaching in this area. This has been useful as adult learners can be embarrassed that they still struggle with telling the time and using an app on the ipad can be a more subtle way of accessing the required learning

12. Assessment… Using the ipad can be great for structuring sessions. Students can use a variety of timers helping them to know how long an activity will take and when breaks will happen etc Makes assessments more relaxed and fun – students more likely to engage when they don’t feel their ability is being ‘tested’ Great apps you can switch between if the student is becoming stressed/anxious to help them relax

15. Socially speaking… Ipads have been useful for developing social skills in many ways, including: Encouraging and motivating students with turn taking skills Engaging students who would not normally engage in group activities ‘Normalising’ learning – many young adults play games on ipads Allowing students with differing abilities to work together Great conversation starter

16. How using technology has improved my social understanding By Dominic Murray

17. Routines… Routine is something that many people who have ASC like and need. Learners can use apps to build a personalised timetable which they can regularly check and which can be more discreet than traditional methods Learners who need reminders about routines and timetables can increase their independence by not having to rely on others to give prompts and reminders – this can also remove perceived ‘nagging’ by staff, lowering frustration felt by students

18. Student and Staff feedback Feedback from staff and students has been very positive: The ipad is really easy to use and is useful for reinforcing learning The games are fun and learners don’t feel like they are being tested The ipads are portable and can be used and transported easily Easy to use

19. Food for thought… There were some concerns raised… A lot of the ASC specific apps appeared to be aimed towards lower ability learners Although apps may be ability appropriate, the language used in the instruction section can be too complex and not match the complexity of the game Apps and games that have to be paid for can be costly Could become easily addictive and become detrimental to learning, sleep, social skills and communication Games with flashing lights may case problems with hypersensitivity or associated conditions such as epilepsy If the ipads were broken they are expensive to replace

21. James…Reminder app Loud noise that wouldn’t stop until it was deactivated Bright lights to catch attention Reminder would still work even if ipad was switched off Only need to be inputted once so it would set the reminder off at the same time every day or when required Options of colour and noise settings This app would be useful for me as I often forget to take my medication The lights and noise would help grab my attention as I can easily become really focussed on something The most important element of the app is that it must work even when ipad switced off

22. Dom…Social skills app This game would hep with social skills The key elements would be a variety of social situations incorporating speech, body language, facial expressions and tone of voice options. The player would select the options they think would suit the situation The game would give relevant feedback on whether the options selected were appropriate or not and why Multiple choice options Visual feedback

23. The student and staff users of ipads have very quickly integrated the devices into their teaching and learning sessions and many have displayed innovative practice which has led to improved learning. This pilot year has clearly shown us the positive impact of the tablets and we will be investing in more of the devices. Paul Cook, ESPA College Principle

24. Thank You for listening