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It is very important that in any case for learning and using technology, the appropriate content is being used. When we focus on the student, the disability and the goal, then we will have a better understanding on how to proficiently provide instruction with the assistive technology that is available through iPads.

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I think that the "along with proficient instruction" applies to both students and educators. As long as we understand how to appropriately use technology then we can use it to benefit our students and ourselves.

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I agree with you that appropriate apps and iPad usage can increase student motivation. I have been in plenty of classrooms where younger students are working towards iPad time as their "free time". All students learn differently and all students work for different things. If iPad usage increases a student's engagement and motivation, then I will use that to my advantage in getting them to work. I also think that in using the iPad, having students only using apps that are educational and beneficial to the student, can even further the benefits of using apps and iPads in the classroom.

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I think the keyword here is "appropriate."
Not all apps will help all students, but it is possible to find an app for every student. Like Yu Gu was saying, it can be difficult to choose an appropriate app for certain students.
With that being said, they can also distract from learning. For example, if there is a certain math game, a student might want to get to the fun part and breeze through the educational part without paying close attention. It's important to keep the students' characteristics in mind when choosing an app.

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Assistive Technology can increase, maintain, and improve students' learning capacities. Dell, Newton, and Petroff (2011) thought that iPads increase students' motivation, concentration, and engagement in learning activities with appropriate apps. My concern is how the IEP committee members choose an appropriate app for the student. As we know, most apps are developed for the group of people with similar characters instead of the individual. Some students with disabilities are very individualized. It is not easy to choose appropriate apps for them. If an inappropriate app was chosen for them, I am afraid that they might be stifled by the inappropriate app.

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I think that AT does helps students increase their interest and learning capabilities. It will be interesting to see how much further AT can help students with disabilities as technology improves. AT can help students in many different ways in which to accommodate them

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I do believe that AT helps students increase interets and learning capabilities on subjects. I am excited to see assisitive technology increase as modern technology advances. iPads have been a great assisitive technology tool for all ages.

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AT can greatly improve a students education. For example if a student has a visual impairment a low tech AT device like a magnifying class can allow them to actually see what is on the paper.

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I really like how you included, "along with proficient instruction" to your statement. I think AT devices can certainly increase student interest and learning but should not be the sole component in learning. I think that there should still be human interaction to reinforce what was learned or to teach how to use the particular AT device for the specific lesson.

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I think AT increased the students interest because they find different ways to do course work. They find a way that is more fun and are more engaged. It good to used different type of AT in the classroom. These devices can also be used in different place aside from the school.

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I agree with your understanding of how AT can increase the student's interest and learning capabilities. I particularly like the fact that you mentioned "along with proficient instruction" because this speaks to the importance of providing not just the technology but also the services of instructing all related personnel on how to use the technology to enhance the student's learning.

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You make a good point and I think that when using appropriate apps students will be more motivated and engaged. The issue is that finding the right apps to aide in the educational process is difficult, especially for young children. We use iPads in the classroom I am in quite often and many of the apps are fantastic but there are some “math” and “spelling” apps that are more game than work and while the students are concentrating hard on the games I see no real benefit when the iPad is put down.

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I agree that AT can increase students interests and learning capabilities. However, I also think that technology can also be a distraction if it isn't implemented properly, which could ultimately decrease concentration and motivation. Overall, I feel like it is beneficial in most cases.

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Trisha, I agree with your overarching understanding. When students are motivated, engaged, and interested in what they're doing, their learning is much more meaningful. Since AT is meant to increase students' independence (Dell, Newton, & Petroff, 2011), an iPad is the perfect device. Students can use an iPad in school, at home, and in the community, giving them the opportunity to continue learning in all settings.
Dell, A., Newton, D., & Petroff, J. (2011). Assistive Technology in the Classroom: Enhancing the School Experiences of Students with Disabilities. (3rd Edition). Columbus, Ohio: Pearson

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Trisha,
I found this nice video to support your overarching understanding.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So2eDnKosJc

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iPads are transformative in Special Needs Classroom.