December 29, 2011

App Thursday: Tabelts Open Up New Roads to Work, Fun, Learning

Before getting out of bed, Topekan Keith Sconiers is on his iPad2 conducting an interview with a photojournalist from The Topeka Capital-Journal for this story.

Sconiers, 28, is a deejay and photographer who got his first iPad a little more than a year ago.

“I had a chance to play with a friend’s iPad, and it kind of grabbed me,” Sconiers typed on his iPad2.

During the interview, which lasted an hour, Sconiers was able to make breakfast, get dressed, make coffee, go to the leasing office at his apartment, feed his fish, order Christmas cards for a limousine company he works for and pay his telephone bill online.

“At home, it’s by the bed and goes from room to room with me while I am cleaning,” Sconiers said. “It has helped increase my productivity a lot. It’s nice to have a source of information always on tap.”

Tablets are a popular trend, with the iPad leading the way. Since the iPad first launched in 2010, Apple has said it has sold more than 39 million tablets, according to the Los Angeles Times.

And it’s a popular draw for all ages.

Jocelyn Powers reaches for her iPad2 and makes a selection on the screen. A fan sitting on the desk turns on, giving her a blast of air.

Jocelyn, is a 20-month-old from Lawrence who has cerebral palsy. She was introduced to the iPad through an infant child development program.

“The iPad2 was the first learning-type toy she showed interest in,” said Jocelyn’s mother, Angie Powers.

Jocelyn uses the iPad2 during sessions with Julie Erb, an Easter Seals Capper Foundation speech and language pathologist.

“The iPad2 is a great learning tool,” Erb said. “It is a huge motivator. Children think it is fun. They forget they’re doing work.”

In Jocelyn’s case, the iPad2 has replaced a traditional augmentative communication device, which cost about $7,000. Erb emphasized there is still a role for the traditional augmentative communication devices, such as with adults who have more complex speech.

Erb said over the past six months she has seen developers coming up with new attachments and developing new applications for the iPad2.

“The iPad2 is great,” Erb said. “But it is still important to have a speech and language evaluation to determine your needs.”

Angie Powers said the iPad2 is just what Jocelyn needs. Without it, Powers said, the learning process would be much more difficult.

“We would be nowhere near where we are developmentally,” Powers said. “It gives her the opportunity to feel successful and to learn.”

The iPad2 also is being used locally by members of the media.

Melissa Brunner, an anchor at WIBW TV, is just one of many who take advantage of the technology.

“We are using iPads to replace the paper scripts,” Brunner said.

She jokingly said anchors play “Angry Birds” and “Words with Friends” during commercial breaks.

Topeka Capital-Journal reporters and photographers often use the iPad2 to record and edit video to be displayed at CJOnline and on its iPad app.

Meanwhile, Sconiers said one of the main reasons he purchased an iPad was to show clients their photographs.

“I was awed at how easily I would be able to show off photos without handing off my iPhone,” he said.
(Source: cjonline.com)

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