iPAD TECHNOLOGY FOR

STUDENTS WITH
LEARNING DISABILITIES
Cecilia Shinn
EDUC 515

Why iPads?

Offer Immediate Response and Feedback

increases engagement and decreases frustration
Variety of Sensory Input

accommodates different learning modalities
Adaptive Settings

text-to-speech, close captioning, color and font size
Apps for Reading Disorders
Read2Me

Import a text file
and read it aloud
to weaker readers
Flashcards Deluxe

Customizable colors
and themes will help
students tailor cards
to their needs
GoodReader

Annotating
capabilities when
studying
LetterReflex

Fun way to help
overcome
common letter
reversals.
Apps for Writing Disorders
iWriteWords

Encourages fine
motor skills for
writing letters,
numbers, and
words

Idea Sketch

Draw mind
maps, flow
charts, and
more

Dragon Dictation

Speak and instantly
see your text
Abilipad

Customizable
keyboard and
adaptive notepad

Apps for Math Disorders
Talkulator

Helps students with
visual problems
count and do
arithmetic
Mathtopia

Entertaining
math facts
game
Algebra Touch

Drag to rearrange,
tap to simplify, and
draw lines to
eliminate identical
terms
Counting
Bills and Coins

Counting money
making change,
showing the value.
Apps for ADHD
iEarnedThat

Track and reward
good behavior
myHomework

Helps students
with trouble
concentrating keep
track of their next
task.
Next Thing

Task manager and
scheduling aid
iReward Chart

Reward students
for good behavior
and keep them
motivated
Research Evidence
According to surveys of special education teachers:

Benefits of iPads included self-directed learning, personalized
learning, extension of learning, accessibility, and enhanced social
interaction
iPads targeted the core curriculum areas of literacy and
mathematics
Student motivation and engagement increased
iPads were customizable, an essential aspect of individual
program plans
Research Evidence (cont.)
The Accessible Resources Project (2010)

Demonstrated benefits of providing learners with access to
electronic books and worksheets with text-to-speech.
56% of learners improved their reading
70% of learners improved their writing
71% of learners improved their level of achievement
45% of learners improved their homework completion
References
1. 40 Amazing iPad Apps for Children with Learning Disabilities
www.disabilitynetwork.org

2. Apps for Students With LD: Organization and Study
www.ncld.org

3. Can Tablets Help to Remove Barriers to Reading for Learners
with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities?
www.mirandanet.ac.uk/casestudies/297

4. Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology
www.cjlt.ca/index.php/cjlt/article/viewFile/767/381

5. Tablets for Schools
www.tabletsforschools.org.uk