The U.S. Department of Education indicates that schools can use the iPad as a unifying device for educational videos, games, websites and other digital content. Combining these tools with other media and teacher-led learning rapidly increases literacy, bridging the gap between low-income and middle-class children. Also, with the variety and number of available iPad apps, preschoolers can take advantage of enhanced social, math and problem-solving skills. Some apps specifically address challenges associated with learning disabilities, such as autism, providing interactive activities to improve one or more problem areas. For example, Autism Speaks states the free Happi Reads app assists with language development by having children match a word with one of three pictures.
Try effective free apps or others that have a small to moderate cost depending upon the publisher. Some provide a child-proof environment that provides access to age-appropriate content while preventing children from inadvertently changing settings or accessing inappropriate content. Kid Mode by Zoodles not only locks the device but provides parents an online method for monitoring which apps kids are playing and how much time they are playing them. As for iPads, they can be costly, but schools qualify for a discount. Apple has portable labs that secure and charge iPads when they are not in use, helping schools manage the cost of devices by allowing students and classrooms to share.
PBS, part of the U.S. Department of Education’s Ready to Learn program that implemented and evaluated the effectiveness of using multiple media in early learning, offers several iPad apps. These interactive games and video viewers couple with television programming to enhance the learning experience. In addition, publishers offer apps for recognizing letters, numbers, colors and emotions; improving social skills and manners; and tracing programs for learning to write. In addition to audible stories, other apps allow caregivers to participate in literacy development by making the child the main character of stories as in Storybot’s Starring You StoryBooks app.
An iPad can also develop artistic skills in preschoolers by providing access to apps for drawing, coloring and making music. Some even use the iPad’s built-in camera to take photos preschoolers can manipulate and share. Crayola Lights, Camera, Color, offered free, turns photos into color pages children can recolor on the iPad or print and color with real crayons and markers. Other apps provide step-by-step instruction for craft projects preschoolers can complete in class or at home with the assistance of a parent or teacher, developing each student’s ability to follow direction. One application called Kids’ Craft not only provides craft projects but includes information about goals and outcomes. In addition to all of the benefits of art projects in preschoolers, including building self-esteem, adding the digital media iPad to the learning plan also enhances fine-motor and computer skills.
Pen pals still have their place in early childhood education, but students no longer have to wait until they can read and write to get to know their peers across the state or around the globe. The iPad brings the potential for video pals. With a little teacher coordination, preschoolers can use the native Apple Facetime app or take advantage of the Skype app global audience and compatibility with other computing devices. By coordinating with another teacher whose class uses iPads and the appropriate app, teachers and parents can assist preschoolers in creating a private Skype account that they use to “call” each other over a wireless Internet or mobile data connection. Using the iPad’s built-in camera, microphone and speaker, students can talk to each other face-to-face about the foods they like to eat, games they like to play and, of course, what their favorite iPad app is.