Using the iPad to Support Students with SEN

About the course
This course aims to outline the benefits of using tablet technology and its integration in special needs settings. In particular, the accessibility features of the iPad will be presented and apps to support specific needs (communication, sensory, etc) will be reviewed. Particular focus will be placed on Literacy and Numeracy, as well as general curricular areas. The apps which we feature reflect the shift in recent years towards supporting content creation, rather than passive drill and practice. In the final section, the course aims to equip teachers with a range of online supports which they can use throughout the academic year.

Who is this course aimed at?
This course is designed for teachers, SNAs, therapists, youth workers and those working with learners in many different contexts.

Approved by the Department of Education
This course is approved by the Department of Education.

Three EPV days will be allowed for primary school teachers who take the course during the summer term. Please note this provision applies only to the summer term as per Department guidelines.

This course will run during our Summer & Autumn terms
We are now accepting enrolments for the Summer term.  If you are doing a course for EPV days, you must complete it by 20th August.

We begin the course by discussing the relevance of tablet technologies for special needs settings, from a technical and pedagogical perspective. In particular, we will discuss successful models of integration suitable for our classrooms. Next, we will examine the built-in accessibility features that can support a wide range of learners with special needs. These are very powerful features that are very easy to fine tune for our pupils’ needs. The next section features apps that support learners with challenges in the following areas: Behaviour, Communication, Social Skills, Managing Transitions and Sensory needs. Our next focus is on apps for Literacy, Numeracy and other curricular areas and how they can be used with a wide range of learners. Where possible, we feature free or low-cost apps. You will learn the value of  ‘following’ key iPad experts on social media and how to plug into the vast amount of excellent advice and content available from selected online sources. We conclude our course by discussing free CPD options to help keep us abreast of this fast-moving area.

Highlights

• Comprehensive overview of best practice in using the iPad to support all learners
• Avail of our course blog featuring updated content, videos and step-by-step tutorials.
• Each module features free downloadable content and features on key iPad experts active on social media.
• Enjoy rich opportunities for collaboration with our online network of learners and tutors.
• Save printable course materials and resources for future reference.

Interactive Learning Assignments accompany each module. Each student is also required to complete a Reflective Assignment as well as a CPD record.

All of our tutors are experts in the area of special needs education and will provide you with one-to-one guidance as you complete your studies online.