Based on the latest educational research, our SEES Resource Team, Technology Team and T-1 classroom teacher found potential benefit from new iPad technology available to teachers. As all educators are aware, multi-sensory activities provide all students the opportunity to place and transfer information from working memory into long term memory more quickly and with deeper levels of comprehension. We are also aware that the process of consistent repetition of information followed by diversification of that same information develops broad spectrum learning for the child.
With all of these factors in consideration, we purchased 5 student iPads for use in the T-1 classroom. This new technology incorporates multi-sensory learning with the specific skills developed for that child based on their individual needs. T-1 teacher Christina Neiswander normally provides individualized and small group instruction each day for approximately 10-15 minutes per child in phonics and language. With the assistance of these specialized apps, this time can be doubled. Due to the detailed nature of the instructional strategies used in T-1, previous technology available had only been able to provide enrichment activities with limited benefit. A handful of apps are now able to truly extend and expand the teacher's instruction based on these instructional strategies.
Initially, we will use the iPads to assist in phonics, language and science. As this specialized technology develops, we hope to find apps in math also.