Tablet transforms child's education

WESTFIELD, Ind. (WISH) - Schools across Central Indiana are trying to figure out the best ways to use new technologies in the classroom.

iPads and other tablet computers are making frequent appearances in otherwise traditional lessons. Several districts have started using them for topics ranging from foreign languages to mathematics.

One area of particular promise is in special education.

Take, for example, the challenges and successes of a fourth-grader from Westfield. He deals with physical and developmental challenges that used to make it a struggle to keep pace with his peers.

But his access to a high-tech tool suddenly has him at the head of the class.

Connor Foley attends Maple Glen Elementary. He has been diagnosed with Mitochondrial Disease and Asperger's Syndrome   - conditions that present physical and developmental challenges. For example, Connor's hand muscles are weak. He can write, but it takes him far more time than his peers to do so.

"Yes!" Connor explains. "I got frustrated a lot!"

Instead, he had to rely on adults to serve as his hands whenever something must be written quickly or at length. His mother, Michelle, would help him at home by writing out the words and numbers necessary in his homework. The process is cumbersome; Michelle Foley figures a typical 45 minutes of homework can take three hours.

"90-percent of my time in the evenings — from the moment he hit the door til the time he hit the bed at 10 o'clock — was physically writing for him,” she said.

During his class work, an instructional assistant named Amy McClelland helped Connor keep pace. McClelland says the teamwork works well, but can put Connor in an awkward spot.

"When you have to walk around with an adult to write for you, you stand out from your peers," said McClelland.

All that changed this school year, when Connor's teachers, school administrators, and the Hamilton-Boone-Madison Special Services Cooperative teamed up to find technology that would help Connor complete his work more quickly. In his case, an iPad appeared to be the most promising option. So for the last few months, he's had access to one all day in school and at home. An app called "Dragon Dictation" lets him speak words into the microphone and have them appear on the screen. Other apps let him use the touch screen to quickly perform fine-motor tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible for him. He can now set up a calendar or sketch out a story timeline quickly enough to leave a visitor amazed at his speed.

All who know Connor say the difference is remarkable.

"This iPad — for his hands — becomes his voice," said his mother. "Now everybody can see what he's capable of doing."

"I like writing because now that I have the iPad, I can write freely and put my ideas down easier," explains Connor.

Amy McCelland says Connor used to be reserved and reluctant to participate in class, but now is a frequent and valuable contributor.

"And he has so many ideas," McClelland said. "Not just creative writing, but math, science, social studies. And he knows so much."

Connor's mother is excited that his classmates now know the 'real' Connor. "They see the technology, but then he uses the technology to help them see him."

Now, the marathon writing sessions in class and at home are almost completely over. 45 minutes of homework now takes 45 minutes. And in class, McClelland can spend far less time as a stenographer and more time helping with other needs.

"I'm feeling a little outsourced right now," she jokes.

Connor jokes easily now, too. When asked whether he's happy that his mom no longer serves as his secretary at home, he replies with a laugh, "My mom's handwriting isn't that legible either."

Connor's disabilities also point out another benefit of tablet computers. His muscle weakness would make carrying a huge backpack full of books a dangerous endeavor. Now, with most of his homework and texts available in on-screen form, he can carry everything he needs in one hand.