Innovation is not always about new unattainably expensive technology; sometimes it can be finding new uses for existing technology. iPad apps are one such vehicle for innovation.

Though the sight of ipads and ipods in the classroom might seem like a distraction, they can be of great help for students that require different or personalised teaching methods. Those that find it difficult to read from a textbook or read from a board, those with autism and those with motor disabilities all have different needs from non-disabled people, learn in different ways, and can, as a consequence of limited teaching resources, be left behind.

Technology is shrinking this gap. It helps teachers and learners bypass areas of difficulty. One example of this: should a pupil find it difficult to read from a textbook, he/she can use an e-textbook, with dynamic changeable text size and text that the device can read out loud. Simple, but potentially a massive difference in that pupil’s life and education. There are other simple examples; ipods and ipads can play mp3s and podcasts, hold hundreds of books, and are lighter to carry around. Should the student have mobility issues, these devices prove less cumbersome than multiple textbooks and other student paraphernalia.

Ipads and Ipods have been seen by many as the best devices for independent living because of the multitude of functions they carry out, and the many apps they can run. Apps are also steadily replacing dedicated devices that cost more money for less functionality. For example,  dedicated communication aids could cost several thousand pounds, whereas an app that carries the same function may cost a couple hundred.

One example of an app that can be downloaded is called “Proloquo2go”.  This app is described as an “Augmentative and Alternative Communication” solution. It is a communication aid that helps children to construct sentences with symbols and pictures, using the ipads touch screen, and consequently express themselves. This is of course one of many examples of itunes apps available.

http://www.assistiveware.com/product/proloquo2go

There are also devices that help visually impaired students to read; the device scans the page and reads the writing out loud, ensuring the student is not left behind. These are called “Optical Character Recognition devices”.

SoundAMP professes to act as a mobile hearing aid, amplifying sound in case the user misheard or simply did not hear the last thing spoken to him. It can also be used to record lectures or lessons for later use.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/soundamp-r/id318126109?mt=8

Innovation is not always about new and expensive technologies. Existing widespread devices such as smart phones and tablets (ipad etc) can be used in new ways for new purposes. Having multiple apps on an ipad rather than multiple specialised devices allows the user to avoid lumbering around several pieces of equipment. Having the same piece of technology as everyone else also helps you feel part of the crowd, and less conspicuous. Having an inconspicuous mobile device that can aid learning and understanding could have a profound effect on education, and the school experience.

There were almost too many specific examples of new technologies in education. What are your individual experiences? Do you know someone whos education was improved and aided with new technologies?