Autism affect one out every 110 children today in the US. Teachers will face the challenges this presents for almost every classroom. Technology could be a critical tool for students that need assistance. There are several digital tools available with software specifically designed to help with this need. The touch screen features of iPads and iPods make access to this knowledge even easier for students.
This is a video about how the iPad has changed the life a of a family with an autistic child. In the interview on the video, the mother of daughter with autism expresses her delight with the Apple iPad. Her daughter hardly speaks, but when using the iPad, she says the word ball. This is a huge challenge that she accomplished just by touching the screen and seeing and hearing the word "ball". There is also an anonymous viewer who gives the family their own iPad. I think teachers would see this video as inspiration to see how technology could begin to affect the lives of families dealing with autism. The parent is affected as well as the student.
You are right, technology will be of great use for EL students. That was a great inspirational video showing the power of technology to engage people on all levels. It doesn't matter how old someone is or on what level the are cognitively, if you put an iPad in their hand they will start to play and interact with it.
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