Research for Individuals

As a part of our inquiry process, we want to know if reading apps are appropriate and helpful when it comes to individual students.

iPads and tablets can be very helpful for children with Autism in a variety of ways. Apps can help children with Autism communicate with others, as they can use apps that have photos or words for them to indicate to. Many apps are also customizable, which is helpful as children with Autism have unique needs (McGrath, 2013). Some apps are helpful as they help children write by exercising their hand, or have flashcards to help with reading sight words (McGrath, 2013). There are also apps that show videos and asks children comprehension questions to check for their understanding.

Children with dyslexia and other learning disabilities often have issues when it comes to reading. Using apps that are on an iPad or tablet helps children feel like they fit in with their class as they are able to participate more (Ullman, 2014). Technology such as iBooks or Read2Go can help children with learning disabilities as it can do different things, such as read it aloud for them, change font, text size and colour, and can be highlighted (Read2Go, 2012). Apps can also be used for children who need speech- language therapy, as there are apps to help when therapists aren't available (Ullman, 2014).

Using apps and technology can help students not feel different, but special because they get to use technology (Ullman, 2014). The technology also helps hide the fact that they are working and reading at different levels than their peers, as no one can see what they are reading (Ullman, 2014).

One issue that appears in research is that teachers need to be aware of the down falls of using technology. One of the issues is that speed reading apps can help with identifying sight words, but not with comprehension (Szokan, 2014). There are also a lot of apps out there, and not all of them may be beneficial or helpful for everyone, so teachers should test out apps before letting their students use them.

Apps can be a good tool for students who are struggling to use in the classroom. There are many different ways that technology can help individuals, and so it may take some time to find an app that benefits that specific individual. Teachers should also be aware of both the benefits and the downsides of using apps and technology with individuals, so that they can make informed decisions.

References

McGrath, R. (2013). Autism? There's an App for That. Young Adult Library Services, 11(2), 20-24.

Ullman, E. (2014). HELPING CHILDREN TO HELP THEMSELVES. Tech & Learning, 34(6), 36-37. Read2Go. (2012). Technology & Learning, (7). 20.

Szokan, N. (2014, December). Apps intended to speed up reading rate may reduce comprehension. Washington Post, The.