February+7+Assignments

1. Sloan can now communicate better with students, and she has more confidence because of the new iPad application, Proloquo2Go. 2. For students with poor fine-motor skills, the touch screen of a tablet computer is much easier to use than a keyboard for a computer. 3. We, as educators, should try and find ways to reach out with students with special needs and make them excited about learning. Tablet computer apps have started to do this. 4. Tablet computers are easy to carry and lightweight, and they cost less than laptops. 5. Students with ASL being their first language can learn to read with an app on a tablet computer. 1. Will iPad apps that allow students to order food at a restaurant really help them do this in real life? 2. Is it always safe to put these expensive tools in the hands of certain students with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders? 3. Will teachers have to order iPads for all students, or just those with special needs? Is this "fair"?
 * Reading:** Special Ed. Pupils Find Learning Tool in iPad Application
 * Five Most Interesting Key Concepts:**
 * Three Questions/Ideas to Pursue**:

1. Mobile computer labs were an effective way to save space and not have to have a whole classroom just for desktop computers. 2. Now, we might be able to provide students with a mobile iPad lab. 3. This would also provide teachers with unlimited apps and resources for teaching their students. 4. The iPad has a "cool" factor which will get students excited to use this piece of technology. 5. The iPad has the ability to make learning fun again. 1. What about the students who started off with regular keyboards? Will it be hard to adjust to a touch keyboard on an iPad? 2. What about the students who like to have actual textbooks? Are they just going to have to deal with using online books? 3. Can iPads be connected to school printers?
 * Reading:** iPad As A Mobile Classroom and the Newest Tool for Special Education Teachers
 * Five Most Interesting Key Concepts:**
 * Three Questions/Ideas to Pursue:**

1.The features on a Mac can accommodate learning disabilities. 2. Blind and low-vision students are allowed to magnify the screen, increase cursor size, and adjust the display contrast. 3.iCal is a built-in calendar that keeps students on task and organized with all of their work and due dates readily available with this tool. 4. Deaf students can record video messages on Photo Booth of them using sign language to communicate an idea. 5. Slow Keys adds a delay, if needed, between the pressing of a key and the accepting of the action. 1. By having a computer read text out loud to a student, are they really learning the material? 2. What other ways can these be tools be used in a classroom to help all students learn? 3.Is it really necessary to get rid of all books and use only e-Books?
 * Reading:** Apple in Education: Useful to everyone. Right from the start
 * Five Most Interesting Key Concepts:**
 * Three Questions/Ideas to Pursue:**

1. Tablet sales are supposed to reach those of laptop sales by 2015. 2. Tablets are being used for mentoring and coaching employees. 3. The iPad is a way to integrate learning into what people do every day. 4. Business men can make deals with people from all over the country, regardless of the language they speak. Translators can be used to translate short passages into any language. 5. Mobile devices are quick and easy. Simple as that! 1. Will this increased use in technology cause a loss of older employees and a hiring of younger people who have already grown up with this type of technology? 2. What happens when technology goes wrong? 3. What kinds of apps can be used in the workplace to improve employee performance?
 * Reading:** 2011: The Year of the Media Tablet as a Learning Tool
 * Five Most Interesting Key Concepts:**
 * Three Questions/Ideas to Pursue**