This document provides tips and guidance for using iPads in the classroom. It discusses both the benefits of iPads such as their portability, cost effectiveness, and growing number of educational apps, as well as potential downsides like distractions, accessibility limitations, and expense if the device does not meet a student's needs. It also offers advice on iPad basics, built-in accessibility features, assistive accessories, determining appropriate apps through assessment frameworks and peer reviews, and finding new apps through online sources. The goal is to help educators make informed decisions about how to effectively integrate iPads to support learning.

1. Tips & Tricks
for using iPads
in the classroom

3. Subscription
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4. facebook.com/Spectronics
twitter.com/Spectronics
Spectronics.com.au/Blog

5. The upside
• “Cool” factor
• Lower cost
• Portability
• Battery life
• Multiple uses
• Growing number of apps
• Moderate learning curve

6. The downside
• Backups
• Potential distractions for user
• Limited range of accessibility options
• iPad seen as a “cheap” fix
• Potential expense if not going to meet individual’s
needs
• Lack of guidelines to help consumers make informed
decisions

7. iPad basics
• Physical features
• Organising apps
• Multitasking tray
• Rotation lock/volume
• Taking a screenshot
• Gestures

8. Tips and Tricks
• Restrictions
• Hide iPad apps
• Language
• Avoid deleting apps
• Stop in app purchasing
• Game Center
• Settings within apps

9. Accessibility
• In built accessibility features
• Settings -> General -> Accessibility
• Vision
• Voice Over
• Zoom Magnification
• White on black display
• Large text
• Assistive Touch
• Guided Access*

10. Access Options
• Styli, switch interfaces, mounting systems, key guards,
gloves and keyboards

11. Accessories
• Cases
iGuy Gripcase Big Grips

12. How do we determine
which apps (tools) are
appropriate?

13. Assessment Frameworks
spectronics.com.au/blog/tools-and-resources/sett

14. App Rubrics
Originally created by Harry Walker: Edited, with permission, by Kathy Schrock: Updated by Greg Alchin

15. Action Research
In Victoria
www.ipadsforeducation.vic.edu.au/ipad-student-trial

16. Sandpit
• Meet regularly
• Time to play with apps
• Discussion and review

17. Peer Reviews
Websites
• Broxterman’s Bugle
• SpedApps2
• Apps for Children with Special Needs
• Digital Media Diet
• Inov8 Educational Consulting
• iEar – Education Apps review
www.spectronicsinoz.com/blog/category/apps-and-mobile-
learning/sources-for-quality-app-reviews

18. Video demonstrations
• YouTube or Vimeo

19. How do we find apps?

20. Apps that find apps
Autism
AppAdvice
Apps

21. Social Media
Facebook Groups and Pages
• iTeach Special Education- iDevices in Special Education
• iTeach: Apps for the Classroom
• Educational App Talk
• Resources for Special Needs – Australia
Twitter
• #spedapps
• #AACapps
• #spedchat

22. iTunes App Store - Education
• Reading
• Writing
• Special Education

23. App Store - Genius

24. App store – Top Charts