iPads and learners with autism: the risks and rewards
We consider the rewards and risks of using iPads with autistic learners in the classroom.
With Chris Barson & Richard Hirstwood
21 April 2023: 9 am – 12 pm
We ask: what is the most effective way to take advantage of the creative and accessible teaching opportunities the iPad offers?
We share how you can personalise this potential for individual learners, capitalising on their unique interests to increase attention; focus and engagement in the curriculum. We also address the use of iPads to meet the diverse speech, language and communication needs of learners with autism.
But is it a ‘wonder’ tool? What can go wrong? We assess how to minimise the risks that using an iPad in the classroom also brings. What about using apps and iPads as a reward? Which are the most common mistakes to avoid? Finally, we explore the considerations when using iPads in the classroom and suggest possible solutions.
9 am Admission, welcome and a virtual tea/coffee to start the session.
9.05 am Welcome. Warm-up: Switching on the brains!
9.10 am Session 1: iPad good and iPad bad?
This session explores the conundrum of the rewards and risks of using iPads in the classroom.
You will learn:
Are iPads a good fit for autism? What’s the evidence base?
How to use the iPad for social learning
Using the iPad to meet a learner’s sensory needs
Troubleshooting: what to do if it doesn’t work
Observations and strategies for using apps and iPads as a reward
Top ten mistakes to avoid!
9.40 am Break out room activity – ‘Your stories of success or not!’ A forum for sharing iPad ideas and exchanging experiences.
9.50 am Session 2: Apps and Communication
Increasingly iPads are being used to support communication for autistic students. This session will share practical ideas for meeting the speech, language and communication needs of autistic students.
You will learn:
How to create a quick communication aid
Where to look for paid-for communication apps and how to evaluate their offer
How to create meaningful communication opportunities
Taking the ‘voice’ out of the classroom
using iPads as a communication aid/device – what specific management issues do you need to know about
10.25 Chat Task – App Smash! What are your favourite apps, and why?
10.35 Coffee and Task – Case Study
11.00 Session 3: Apps and Special Interests
The session will look at how to use an autistic learner’s unique interests as a tool in curricular activities.
You will learn:
How autistic learners’ special interests influences their behaviour
How to capitalise on a learner’s special interests to increase attention; focus, and enjoyment of an activity
Using your knowledge of their unique interests to re-engage with you and the curriculum.
Using apps matched to a learner’s unique interest as a teaching tool
Apps to develop self-regulation
Using guided access on the iPad
11.45 Session 4: Apps to develop practitioner knowledge
This short session will signpost you to a selection of apps to develop an awareness and deeper understanding of autism. Useful for individual, group or whole school CPD, we’ll cover ideas for using these across your school.
11.55 am Q & A
12 pm Thank you and goodbyes!
This will be appropriate for classroom practitioners from special schools and colleges, mainstream settings with specialist SEN provision and early years settings, who are working with pupils with Autism.
The following resources will be available in your account for one week after the course date: a digital recording of this event, any resources shared/signposted during the session and a transcript of Zoom chat.
Each place costs £75 plus VAT (£90 in total.)
You can choose to pay by credit card for this booking. You can also request an invoice by confirming your booking by entering a Purchase Order Number on the booking form.
To make a group booking, please select the number of places you wish to book using the drop down menu in the ‘Book event’ section. Select ‘next.’ Complete the requested fields and the name and email addresses of those wishing to attend. If you don’t know the email address for any delegate, you can email this to lois@hirstwood.com later.
This is a new course for 2023!
