iPads remove barriers to education

NINE non-verbal students at Armstrong Creek Primary School use iPads to communicate and further their learning thanks to the State Schools Relief program.

The iPad’s will assist children to communicate with teachers through a series of apps during class and allow them to improve their language learning and ability to engage within discussion.

The rollout of the devices is thanks to a partnership between Bank First, the Australian Schools Canteen Association and State Schools Relief program.

The initiative has equipped more than 1000 students in specialist schools throughout Victoria with more than 400 iPad’s to assist with their learning since 2019.

Armstrong Creek Primary School speech pathologist Chanel Loncaric said the initiative would have a long-lasting impact on the students’ lives.

“It’s amazing that the State Schools Relief program can provide these opportunities for nonverbal students.

“It gives our children a voice to effectively communicate with their teachers and peers but also the wider community.

“It gives them independence to tell us what they need and be active participants in and out of the classroom.”

Depending on each of the student’s needs, Ms Loncaric and speech pathologists at the school will assign particular apps to the children.

“There are many communication apps and tools out there that are compatible with the iPad’s which is just fantastic.

“It provides the students with great opportunities to learn and we are just so thrilled to be part of it”.