Ipads help special education students in Roanoke County.
Different apps help students improve communication, math and other skills.
ROANOKE CO., Va —
Technology has the power to change a person's life for the better. That's exactly what's happening in Roanoke County schools.
Ipads are helping special education students both inside and outside the classroom.
Connor Smith goes to Glenvar Middle School and he's quick on his Ipad. From math problems to memory games, his Ipad has it all. The games are fun but also educational.
His mom, Cheryl Smith, says the Ipad is easy to navigate. All Connor has to do is use his fingers.
"For us it's been a long journey from when he didn't move anything and then he started moving a leg then he moved his elbow," says Cheryl Smith.
Connor suffered a severe brain injury after a car crash nearly six years ago. The 13-year-old is now able to use his right arm.
"Part of his injury involves the loss of short term memory shortage and retrieval and learning," says Smith, "So a lot of times repetition is what's needed."
Technology has the power to change a person's life for the better. That's exactly what's happening in Roanoke County schools.
Ipads are helping special education students both inside and outside the classroom.
Connor Smith goes to Glenvar Middle School and he's quick on his Ipad. From math problems to memory games, his Ipad has it all. The games are fun but also educational.
His mom, Cheryl Smith, says the Ipad is easy to navigate. All Connor has to do is use his fingers.
"For us it's been a long journey from when he didn't move anything and then he started moving a leg then he moved his elbow," says Cheryl Smith.
Connor suffered a severe brain injury after a car crash nearly six years ago. The 13-year-old is now able to use his right arm.
"Part of his injury involves the loss of short term memory shortage and retrieval and learning," says Smith, "So a lot of times repetition is what's needed."
Connor could soon be using Ipad to read books. It's a lot easier than having to open a real book.
"Just turning the pages of a book is something that you know unless you get one hand to hold it down its really hard to keep it open," says Smith.
The Ipad is also helping a student in Glenvar High School. Taylor Parks is both blind and deaf from a brain tumor.
"You're talking about taking two of your senses away that are the most important senses you have for gathering information," says his mom Alicia Parks.
Parks can't use the Ipad but his team does. The Ipad allows them to track the 17-year-old's progress, contact specialists and it helps his mom at home.
Alicia Parks can search words using a sign language app. She can also look at videos of Taylor with his therapist.
"If I'm at home and I'm getting ready to put his jacket on what I can do is pull up (a video called) 'jacket' and it shows me how she's showing him what jacket is and then how he's responding back to her," says Parks.
Dr. Jessica McClung is the Director of Special Education for Roanoke County public schools. She says the school system introduced Ipads two years ago as part of a trial. The results were significant.
"They're learning while they're enjoying themselves and that makes a difference in their academics," says Dr. McClung.
It also gives a voice to students who don't have one.
"Some of our students with disabilities don't use words like you and I do but they can completely speak to others and communicate to others through their Ipad," says Dr. McClung.
"Just turning the pages of a book is something that you know unless you get one hand to hold it down its really hard to keep it open," says Smith.
The Ipad is also helping a student in Glenvar High School. Taylor Parks is both blind and deaf from a brain tumor.
"You're talking about taking two of your senses away that are the most important senses you have for gathering information," says his mom Alicia Parks.
Parks can't use the Ipad but his team does. The Ipad allows them to track the 17-year-old's progress, contact specialists and it helps his mom at home.
Alicia Parks can search words using a sign language app. She can also look at videos of Taylor with his therapist.
"If I'm at home and I'm getting ready to put his jacket on what I can do is pull up (a video called) 'jacket' and it shows me how she's showing him what jacket is and then how he's responding back to her," says Parks.
Dr. Jessica McClung is the Director of Special Education for Roanoke County public schools. She says the school system introduced Ipads two years ago as part of a trial. The results were significant.
"They're learning while they're enjoying themselves and that makes a difference in their academics," says Dr. McClung.
It also gives a voice to students who don't have one.
"Some of our students with disabilities don't use words like you and I do but they can completely speak to others and communicate to others through their Ipad," says Dr. McClung.
After the iPod revolutionized how society listened to music
and the iPhone pushed the boundaries of smartphone technology, the iPad stands
poised to alter the face of mobile computing. Many have praised its potential to
make personal and professional lives that much easier – and that certainly
includes the education industry! 
