Advantages+and+Successes

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Many of the great features discussed in the general background info regarding iPads make it a positive for educational use as well. The large screen and clear picture make it great for viewing content such as educational videos. It is also a great eReader, and the built in speakers and microphone allow for the use and creation of podcasts. The battery life of iPads is also a plus in terms of its use in the classroom, as a single charge can last the entire school day.=====

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=Changing Education =

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Laura Milligan explains “ways the iPad will forever change education.” The number one way she lists is that students will have unlimited access to information that is constantly up-to-date. Districts will no longer have to wait for funding to purchase new textbooks to replace old ones, and students can be sure they are learning the latest information. Also, in addition to providing engaging, active learning, iPads can help students be organized and productive while promoting a social community while learning.=====

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=Educational Apps =

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There are hundreds of educational apps available for iPads. While many apps are geared towards younger learners, apps for all grades and subjects exist. Many lists of useful apps can be found online, and one of the most extensive lists contains nearly 200 apps for education.===== []

Another site offers "40 Amazingly Educational iPad Apps" and breaks them down by subject. []

= = = = = = = = =iPads for Special Education =

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Perhaps one of the most effective and positive outcomes regarding the use of iPads in the classroom is with special education classes. Many apps are available for special needs students that encourage learning and promote interest in students. Many of these apps help students with communication through colorful visuals and with text-to-speech options. Blogger Shannon Des Roches Rosa calls the iPad “a near miracle for my son with autism.” She speaks of the transformation of her son Leo’s life after winning an iPad in a raffle. Though Leo had difficulty with fine motor skills, the size of the iPad allowed for him to master its use fairly quickly. Early learning apps such as FirstWords and iWriteWords are fun and engaging ways for Leo to learn who to spell and write. Rosa also explains that her son’s communication skills were lacking, but as a visual person Leo is able to use many of his apps to visually express himself. As Rosa puts it, “I don't usually dabble in miracle-speak, but I may erect a tiny altar to Steve Jobs in the corner of our living room.”=====

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= = = = = = = = =Grants and Other Programs =

While specific grants towards the purchase of iPads for classrooms do not appear to exist, schools can often qualify for general technology grants. On his site, iPadsinschools.com, Michael Kaufman provides links to many articles and news stories about schools who used grant money to purchase iPads for their students. []

Apple allows for the easy ordering of iPads and carts for them, but does not seem to have any grant opportunities. However, Apple does have the App Store Volume Purchase Program. In this program, a school official becomes a Program Manager who will manage an account used to purchase apps in large quantities and distribute them to multiple users. Apple.com does not clarify whether buying in bulk provides schools with discounted pricing, or whether the program is used for convenience purposes. []