i-Pads...The New Wave in Technology

This post is to share the information that I have learned concerning the many uses of i-Pads, and how they can benefit everyone.  In the video, "i-Pad Apps for Autistic and Nonverbal Children," Lauren Meatty, an Occupational Therapist, takes viewers on a journey sharing various i-Pad applications and describes how these apps can be used to assist different types of learners.  She believes that i-Pads are a great way to motivate children of all ages.  However, she doesn't think that electronics and media should replace social interaction completely, and she describes ways to promote social skills while working on applications with children.  Also, she broke the apps into categories such as, preschool apps, communication apps, writing apps, games, and books.  Furthermore, she stated that the best place to find apps for the i-Pad is by using Google.  Ms. Meatty was so informative and the video was so interesting, that I believe every teacher and parent should take time to watch it. 
I am lucky enough to have experience working with students of all ages with i-Pads.  In the school district that I work for, each student has their own i-Pad, as well as, every teacher.  We use many of the applications that Ms. Meatty discussed, along with many more.  I agree that by using the i-Pad as a motivator, a teacher can get a child to do anything.  We do use the first work, then i-Pad technique a lot, and it works great for our students.  Also, we use i-Pads during whole group instruction in math, writing, and science activities.  It is a great tool for our nonverbal autistic students, our students with fine motor difficulities, and for our students with Downs syndrome.  I wish that every school was able to implement i-Pads into their curriculum, especially, because I have seen first hand, how many our students have progressed with its use.

The following is a list of i-Pad applications:

Limited Mobility Apps (child can work application by using one finger)
Magic Piano
Duck, Duck, Moose
Communication and Social Skills Apps
Going Places (Social Story)
Learn ASL Lite App (Sign Language)
Tap To Talk (nonverbal students)
Speak it (good for verbal, but quiet voice)
SonicPics (Social Stories)
YesNo Apps (nonverbal, good for assisting with making choices)
Leonard (Repeats words spoken)
Math
Monster Squeeze
Candy Count
Writing Apps
Little Writer (Trace letters with finger)
Doodle Buddy
Show Me
Games
Cut the Rope
Angry Birds
Mouse Maze
Books
Disney Digital Books (read story, highlight words, and coloring book)

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGU1ELjS7bQ