Using ipads as a Communication Tool for Learners with Complex Learning Support Needs

Friday 16 March 2012

This one day workshop looked at appropriate apps for learners with complex needs, accessibility and management issues surrounding the use of ipads in colleges.

Delegates were able to practice using the accessibility options built into ipads as well as lite versions of apps. Demonstrations were given on how switches and separate input devices can be added to ipads.  Reference was made to current blogs which evaluate applications suitable for the focused learner group.

The event gave delegates lots of ideas but it was agreed that thinking on how ipads would be used with learners was crucial: would they be used be for individual usage, for linking to a smart board for group work or would they be used as sharing devices? Should/could ipads be used in place of PCs? Each option will have separate management issues.

We were reminded that the development of ipads was as a personal device but as they have become so popular usage is changing into a learning device which involves the management of multiple ipads by colleges. Management solutions are only now being developed. For certain their usage is growing in colleges by the number of delegates who reported that they were in the throes of purchasing more ipads.

View the presentations and additional resources below:

• Apps to Support AAC presentation (700.18 kB)
• Apps to Support Learning and Teaching Across the Curriculum presentation (702.61 kB)
• Multiple iPad Management presentation (532.36 kB)
• So Whats So Good About the iPad presentation (2.87 MB)
• Using iPads to Support Workflow presentation (1.01 MB)
• iPad Event - Video Clips (6.79 kB)
• Suggestions from iPad Event (12.17 kB)

Bag Books

Bag Books is a UK-wide charity providing tactile and multi-sensory stories to people with learning disabilities. Multi-sensory stories can be enjoyed without being understood. Bag Books audience is children and adults who are living with severe or profound learning disabilities.

Borders College Video

 

This short ten minute video demonstrates a number of areas of good practice in engaging and empowering learners with severe and complex learning difficulties.  The group is mixed ability mainly working at Access 1 level or below, with a range of additional learning needs.  The task they are undertaking is planning for and carrying out shopping for the cookery class which they will take place in the afternoon.  This is a routine which has been built up over the college session.  The cooking class prepares the same food on consecutive weeks to encourage learners to develop greater confidence and independence.

Features to watch out for are:

• the use of real life activities which have relevance for the learner
• use of repetition and routine
• the integration of numeracy, literacy
• the use of visual prompts i.e. recipes in symbols, photographic images of shopping items and supermarket locations
• the use of ICT i.e. interactive whiteboard, supermarket website
• using strengths within the group
• the encouragement of independence by providing “task approach strategies”

Brown and Brown Publishing

Brown and Brown provide material for adults wishing to improve their basic skills in reading, spelling, writing and maths. Some materials are in the form of cards, showing everyday signs and symbols.

The  aim of the publisher is to produce relevant, clearly printed books at the lowest possible cost. Many of the publications are in the form of workbooks and worksheets which could be used independently by students, with guidance when needed.

CALL Scotland

CALL (Communication, Access, Literacy and Learning) Scotland is a small unit within the Moray House School of Education, The University of Edinburgh. The Centre is co-located with the Scottish Sensory Centre. CALL is both a Service and a Research Unit.  CALL Scotland offers a range of CPD opportunities.

Communication Passports - Find out about communication passports by visiting the dedicated mini website from Call Scotland.

Free Training Resources Communication - link to training resources produced by Call Scotland. Call Scotland have given us permission to access these resources.  Please note if you see any useful resources on this link please download as the link will not remain live indefinitely.

Books for all

Books for Allis about learning materials in accessible, alternative formats, for people who have difficulty reading ordinary printed books.

Drama Book Resources

• Special Talents, Special Needs by Ian McCurrach and Barbara Darnley  (ISBN 1-85302-561-5)
• Drama Therapy and Storymaking in Special Education by Paula Crimmens (ISBN 1-84310-291-9)
• Games for Actors and Non-Actors - Augusto Boal (ISBN 0-415-26761-7)

'I find these to be excellent resources, and have used many of the exercises straight from the books, as well as adapting the ideas within the books for use in class.' Borders College

Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment Programme

Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment Programme – thinking skills.

Learning to tell Learning to tell is a handbook for inclusive storytelling.  It includes lots of ideas and activities that can be used as ice breakers or for group work.  Includes a CD of resource materials.
Let's Sign Dictionary The Let's Sign Dictionary can be purchased from a number of companies.  It has clear illustrations with written descriptions. 192 comb-bound A4 pages. Introduction explains; the importance of facial expressions and body language etc. Around £15.00.
Looking and Thinking Booklet Looking and Thinking Booklet - A photocopiable series to develop reasoning skills in which illustrations hold clues to help answer questions.  Published by Learning Materials there is a link on the homepage to 'Secondary Titles' .  You can download sample pages from all titles by scrolling down to the link below each cover picture - no registration required just click. Pegasys Educational Publishing Pegasys Educational Publishing provides photocopiable materials available from around Access 2 level.

SEN Worksheets

SEN Worksheets is a brand new concept in worksheets, Teachers, parents or schools can purchase an annual subscription and have access to over 4000 worksheets, with more being added every month.

All the worksheets on the site can be browsed through without subscribing so teachers can find out if the worksheets are suitable for them. The worksheets have been designed to be age appropriate and can be used by any age pupils. You can search for worksheets by subject, area or keyword and find the worksheets that you want.

Speechmark Speechmark publish high-quality, practical resources for education, health and social care. The resources cover speech and language theraphy, special needs, elderly care, emotional and mental health, and social and emotional skills.
Tribal - Target Skills Target Skills: Entry 1 (Access 1) Level Literacy CD resource - Multimedia resource that can be made available from VLE or server. Incentive Plus Incentive Plus offers an inspiring range of practical and professional educational resources encouraging all to learn. The current range offers a wealth of choice for special needs plus personal, social and emotional development.
Easi-Speak Microphones Record voices, sounds or music on the move with this MP3 Recorder. Easi-Speak Microphones can be charged using the USB point through any PC.
Disgo Video Pro Disgo Video Pro is a simple, ready-to-go point and shoot digital camcorder. It has a simple one-touch recording button which can play, pause, delete, rewind and fast forward clips on the 1.5 inch colour LCD screen. Available from Disgo.
Talking Mats Talking Mats is a low tech communication framework involving sets of symbols. It is designed to help people with communication difficulties to think about issues discussed with them, and provide them with a way to effectively express their opinions.
Primary Games Series The Primary Games Series provides a wide range of highly engaging and enjoyable maths and literacy games which allow learners to learn while having fun. Can be used with an Interactive Whiteboard (such as SMART or PROMETHEAN boards). This software is inexpensive.