Exploring the use of tablets (iPads) with children and young adults with disabilities in Trinidad.
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to review data gathered during a pilot project which trialed the use of a tablet computer, the iPad.


METHODS
Students from a segregated special education school and pre-vocational centre, with a wide range of intellectual and physical disabilities, were previously observed participating in 5-10-min introductory learning sessions with the iPad. This study reviewed quantitative and qualitative data collected during these sessions which included data regarding students' level of engagement and overall ability to learn how to operate the iPad and its applications.


RESULTS
Results were positive for level of engagement and ease of use with cause and effect applications. For lower functioning students or students not previously exposed to tablet technology, scores were lower but overall remained high based on the 5-point scaling used in this study.


CONCLUSIONS
Regular use of tablet technology in the classroom with applications appropriate to the level of ability of the student has the potential to enhance engagement in learning as well as maximise independence in the classroom. Implications for Rehabilitation The iPad has the capacity to be used with learners of all different ability levels if applications are selected appropriately and learners are given equal opportunity to access this type of technology. Enjoyment when using the iPad was high overall and this type of technology has the potential to promote more engagement in the learning process. Many applications are easy to use and progress students through step by step increasing the potential for independent learning in the classroom.
a Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada and.
Brittney
B
Wiley
a Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada and.
Deb
D
Cameron
b Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada.
Sonia
S
Gulati
a Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada and.
Alison
A
Hogg
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003200:Computer User Training / Q000379:methods*; D034201:Computers, Handheld / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012574:Schools; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014300:Trinidad and Tobago; D055815:Young Adult
Assistive technology; occupation; occupational therapy