Recently, we were asked by a parent to describe a couple lesson plans that would go along with the iPad use in the classroom and we though it would make a great post for anyone interested to know more about how our class will use the technology to its full potential.
Picture Exchange Learning System (PECS)
This a communication system is used by students who have difficulty with their speech. Pictures are used that represent a specific item. For example, an apple would be represented as a picture and the word apple on a card. The cards are arranged in sentence order (subject, verb, etc.) to express what the student wishes to communicate. Directed instruction is used to help the student drill and review what they have learned. Once a student has practiced enough they are able to formulate simple sentences on their own. The use of iPads greatly expands the students ability to use PECS by replacing cards with pictures directly on screen eliminating the need to carry cumbersome equipment and provides an enormous library of picture/word combinations easy to use in a fraction of the time.
The second lesson plan involves an inquiry-based learning approach where the student is encouraged to use the touch pad to finger paint pictures of their own design. Students use the iPaint application that comes with every iPad. This exercise enables students to explore creativity without getting paint everywhere while at the same time developing fine motor skills in a fun and expressive way.
What are your thoughts, do you know of other ideas we can implement with iPads for our students?
Let us know and post a blog about it! Thanks.
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