1. Using iPads to Improve the Learning Outcomes for Students with disabilities, complex needs and autism

2. Solution – focused Action Research
Context
Knowledge Exchange
Solution – focused Action Research
Collaborative
Partnership

3. Open Image CC BY 2.0 Flickr user Fancy Jantzi
Why iPads?
Multi-Purpose
‘Cool Factor’
Usability
Open Image CC BY 2.0 Flickr user Fancy Jantzi

4. Where we started
Knowledge Exchange Funding Awarded
Small Scale Pilot Study
Staff and Students review practice and evaluate technology
Action research informs
Resource Development

5. Staff Comments - Benefits of using iPads to support learning

6. Staff Comments – Challenges of using iPads to support learning

7. Key Themes
Benefits
Usability
Age appropriate
Accessibility
Universal appeal
‘Age appropriate cheap easy to use when you know how current students love them’
‘It gives a student a "voice" and opens doors to communication, choice making autonomy and independence’
‘easy to use touchscreen, colourful visual aid, portable and wireless’
‘They are current in line with the real/what is happening in the outside world. Parents/carers can buy iPads to use enabling to transfer of knowledge and skills.’ 

8. Lack of staff development
Key Themes
Not enough knowledge and not understanding how the ipad can be best used’
Challenges
Lack of staff development
Confidence
Lack of knowledge
Usability
‘people fearful of new technology!’
‘Staff fear of technology’
for me I have no idea how to use one but with training think would be fine ‘
‘I feel that I would need further training as I feel that it could do so much more’
‘Variability in quality of apps’

9. Student App Evaluations
Participant Feedback
Comments
Draw it
n=13
Fantastic: 13
Not sure: 0
Terrible: 0
‘I like it, I think the drawing is good.’
Photo booth
N=7
Fantastic: 7
‘I think it was special being able to use the iPads.’
Skitch
N=6
Fantastic: 5
Not sure: 1
‘Wow, I think this is fabulous and fantastic!’

10. Student App Evaluations
Example of students work created using iPads: