iPad

A mainstream tool with built-in accessibility, the iPad has become a go-to device for a huge range of users. With the same operating system as the iPhone, the iPad provides students with an opportunity to learn and develop skills they can later transfer to a more portable device.

iPads come in a variety of sizes, from the mini to the 'regular' 9.7" screen, to a 10.5" and a 12.9" size. Each runs the same operating system and supports the majority of apps.

The iPad is often the tool that students are happy to use as it is the same tool as the other students in their class are using and as such they don't stand out as different.

Whilst it is not the be all and end all of technology, the iPad presents a range of potentially useful elements to students at a more affordable price than many of the more specialised technologies.

Classroom Applications

The huge range of apps available through the App Store, the iPad can be useful in the classroom in a huge range of different subject areas. Clear areas of usefulness include:

Literacy - creation of content and consumption of content.
Numeracy - range of calculators to suit the needs of individuals
Internet research
Access to emails
Recording of content (video and audio)
Accessibility features built in (as shown below)
Touch typing apps

Apps

iAnnotate 4 ($14.99)

iAnnotate 4 is an annotation app that allows the user to take a photo of a worksheet (or receive a digital copy) and then enlarge to a size that suits and write on that worksheet. Students are encouraged to use a stylus with this app to practice writing with a device rather than a finger.