A brief overview of iPads for Autism.

1. Karina D. Barley iPads in an Autism Setting©
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Authored by: Karen D. Barley (Diploma
Teaching, Graduate Diploma Education,
Masters in Education) ©
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2. Karina D. Barley iPads in an Autism Setting© 2
 I believe iPads and their use in educational settings have incredible
implications for learning and learning outcomes.
 I trialled using iPads across the main curriculum areas in my classroom
with students who have autism and there were significant improvements
across the board for all students’ learning.
 Research on Computer Assisted Learning or Technology Assisted
learning indicates learning outcomes can improve but we need more
research on iPads & Autism learning of children with disabilities.
 I wanted to see what this technology could do & was able to trial using
iPads for one year. Within one term, I noticed significant changes in the
classroom.
Why are they iPad so effective for
students who have Autism?

3. Karina D. Barley iPads in an Autism Setting© 3
 Children who struggled to concentrate previously had no issue
sitting & working with the iPad.
 They worked hard, consistently & didn’t even realise they were
doing ‘school work’.
 They were motivated & eager.
 Were able to tell their parents what they
were achieving.
 Vocabulary & communication improved.
 Behaviour within the classroom improved.

4. The iPad within the Classroom
This technology has extraordinary implications and its
design, functionality and capabilities make it an
extremely valuable tool for those students with Autism:
•iPads are small enough to sit on the desk.
•Using a case they can be tilted for ease of use.
•The teacher is able to sit anywhere and observe how
the student is working.
Karina D. Barley iPads in an Autism Setting©
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5. The iPad within the Classroom
•This makes learning especially easy for those children
who have fine motor or hand-eye co-ordination issues.
•It is extremely easy to individualise
programs & have students working
at their own pace & ability.
Students become more student
centred & the teacher’s role changes from teacher to
facilitator/mentor.
Karina D. Barley iPads in an Autism Setting©
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6. •Visually the graphics are fantastic.
• The interface, with the touch screen enables
•almost any child to use this equipment unaided.
•The iPad is multi-sensory in that the children can
physically touch the screen, look at the graphics, listen
to the sounds and in many instances use their voice.
•There are literally 1000’s of apps that focus on all
subject areas
Karina D. Barley iPads in an Autism Setting©
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7. The iPad Classroom is buzzing with
ideas, imagination and learning.
Karina D. Barley iPads in an Autism Setting©
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8. As students achieve more success their
confidence grows and as their
confidence grows they are more willing
to attempt new challenges.
Karina D. Barley iPads in an Autism Setting©
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9. Karina D. Barley iPads in an Autism Setting©
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Using the iPad for learning for students with Autism &
special needs provides for differentiated learning.
There is a huge amount of research that indicates that
Autism is a difference in learning style.
Therefore providing opportunities to learn in a variety
of ways, allows the student to achieve success.
The variety of apps and app types allows students to
find one that suits their style.
Learning Styles

10. Karina D. Barley iPads in an Autism Setting©
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11. Karina D. Barley iPads in an Autism Setting©
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