To begin with I decided to incorporate the ipad's into our daily 'Morning Work' contract. 'Morning work' is time where students complete various repetitive activities to consolidate literacy and numeracy concepts as well develop independent work skills. There are three compulsory tasks (spelling words, reading and writing) before they are able to choose another activity. Adding the iPads has motivated students to stay on task so they can choose an iPad activity. Some students, unfortunately, are learning the hard way and rarely get all three compulsory activities completed so they rarely get to choose iPads. Having said that they are making progress and staying focussed for longer periods. One student never completed set tasks, but he is now able to work independently through the contract. At the moment I don't mind too much what they play on the iPads. The apps available to them have all been choosen for various reasons (literacy, numeracy, fine motor or problem solving to name a few). The motivational factor of the iPads is unbelievable and I'm sure in time that will make a difference to the learning of my students.
The next step for me is find ways that I can use the device in small group sessions to target specific skills.
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