Deborah Hilliard from Newham Sixth Form College discusses implementing iPads to improve mobile learning for students with visual impairments and dyslexia. Previously the college provided specialized laptops with magnification and screen reading software, but these were heavy, had long start up times, and faced delays in software updates. iPads were chosen as the software is built-in, they are portable, customizable to individual needs through thousands of apps, and start up instantly. With support from management and training for staff and students, iPads are now used successfully in classes and exams. Students report increased independence and confidence, while teachers can provide resources and feedback more easily. The college aims to expand iPad use to support a wider

1. Accessible Mobile Learning
Deborah Hilliard
QTVI
Newham Sixth Form College

2. Introductions
• Deborah
• Uzma
• Liam

3. Context
• East London Sixth Form College
• 2,700 students on wide range of courses
• VI students with a range of needs

4. Previous provision
• Laptops with specialist
magnification and
screenreading software
• CCTV
• Large print
• Braille
• Tactile diagrams
• Adapted equipment

5. Advantages
• Independence
• Adaptability to student need
• Access to curriculum

6. Disadvantages
• Emphasised student difference
• Heavy/cumbersome equipment
• Slow start up times
• Long delays before access software is updated
following mainstream software updates

7. Time for a change
What was considered:
• Ultrabooks
• Convertibles
• Tablets

8. Why iPads?
• Access software built into iOS
• Adaptable to student need – thousands of
apps
• Ready for use instantly
• Easily portable
• Can be paired with keyboard or braille input
• Mainstream device
• Move to develop mobile learning in college

9. Implementation
• Support from management/mobile learning
project
• User guides – VoiceOver, Zoom, keyboard
shortcuts
• Staff training
• Student training

10. One year on …
• iPads in use by students with visual
impairments or dyslexia
• Use in class
• Use in exams

11. Student view - Uzma

12. Student view - Liam

13. Benefits to Teaching and Learning
• Independent student access to teaching
resources, internet and e-mail
• Work can be e-mailed to student directly,
cutting down on preparation time
• Students receive resources at the same time
as everyone else

14. • Teachers can see the work in class and provide
appropriate feedback
• Increased student independence and
confidence
• iPad can be configured to suit individual user

15. What next?
• Impact: using iPads with a wider range of
students – dyslexic, ESOL, literacy …
• More teachers using iPads for admin, use of
electronic resources etc, able to work more
efficiently …