By NICOLE VALICEK
THE Western Autistic School in Laverton has welcomed the donation of electronic devices that are being used as educational tools to enhance student learning.
The Inner Wheel Club of Williasmtown last week presented the school with six iPads.
Club president Val Heriot said the group recently worked with the local Rotary Club to raise funds for a new school playground and the latest donation was the result of leftover funds.
“It’s such a worthy thing to do. For these children, life is hard for them, so why not try and make it easier if we can, so that’s why we’ve done it.”
Assistant school principal Julie Halls said the donation would make a great contribution to the school’s learning program.
“Our students are strong visual learners, and iPads are a visual medium.”
“They’re also high motivating and they’re able to engage the students, so we use (iPads) to support our teachers in all curriculum areas.”
The school currently has around one iPad per classroom.
The donation will mean they will be available to help more students, and teachers can incorporate these into more learning programs.
Ms Halls said iPads were used to support student learning in areas like mathematics, writing and reading.
For some students, they are also a visual tool and support communication for students with little verbal language.
“We teach them to communicate through various programs that use pictures and symbols.”
The Inner Wheel Club is currently looking for more local ladies to join the worldwide organisation. For more information, visit www.innerwheelaustralia.org.au and follow the links to the Williasmtown club.
