[Trainer-talk] IPads?

[Laine Amoureux]

I've been using and training people to use the I-Pad and I-Pad 2 for
about 6 months now.
It is hard to compare the I-Pad to a PC or even a MacBook Air, in
general terms.
I've been comparing the devices for specific tasks, and specific
groups of people. The number 1 question I've been asked recently, what
is the best note taking device for a college student?  here I have
done a lot of comparing of teh dedicated devices like the BrailleNote
and the I-Pad.  When it comes to doing homework though, a student
still needs to have a computer, and if they use an I-Pad for taking
notes, using I-Tunes to transfer files from one device to the other
can be tiem consuming and frustrating for some people, especially
those using JAWS.
I recently had to decide on a note taking device for myself in an
employment situation as well, and have to say, I'll take a full
keyboard, on a laptop any day!
The touch keyboard, while accessible, is not the most efficient tool,
and certainly not for someone taking notes in a fast-paced lecture or
business meeting.
I prefer taking notes in Braille though, because, while I can type
quickly, I cannot type, on a qwerty keyboard, as quickly or
efficiently as I can with a Braille keyboard. You can connect an I-Pad
to a Braille display, via blutoth, but there is some delay (nature of
bluetooth) and the IOS system can automatically translate  things,
like the letter L for the word "like" so if you do not type fast
enough, or if it misses the next letter you end up doing a lot of
editing. I personally find that to be frustrating, but manageable for
the quick notes I take while observing on a job site etc. However, for
more fast-paced meetings lectuer etc, I'll take my handy BrailleNote
back any day!
All in all, the I-Pad cannot replace a computer for writing reports,
formatting documents etc, but it is most definately a solid and
affordable option for taking notes, reading books, and a lot of the
social stuff...



On 9/27/11, Jim <jp100 at earthlink.net> wrote:
> Thanks, Jonathan,
> Now, what do you see regarding differences in an IPad and a PC laptop?
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: trainer-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
> [mailto:trainer-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jonathan Tyrer
> Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2011 3:33 PM
> To: List for teachers and trainers of adaptive technology
> Subject: Re: [Trainer-talk] IPads?
>
> Hi Jim
>
> I got one day one last year. I'm on my second one now, got the iPad 2
> the day it came out.
>
> I can't put it down - my wife has started calling me iTyrer!
>
> I use it for everything, reading, listening to the radio, watching
> catchup tv, reading the paper, seeing what's on TV, reading my Audible
> books - the list goes on and on.
>
> The in-built accessibility is amazing and although it doesn't work
> with every app, it works with far more than you might think.  The
> excellant AppleVis.com site is a great place to find accessible apps
> to.
>
> Oh, I also use it for email and web brousing to and for listening to
> all my podcasts on to.
>
> Best wishes.
>
> JT
>
> On 27/09/2011, Jim <jp100 at earthlink.net> wrote:
>> Hi guys,
>>
>>
>>
>> Just wondering if anyone has begun playing with and using the IPads.  They
>> intrigue me, but I'd like to hear from other folks.  What is your
> experience
>> with them?
>>
>> Is anyone teaching them?
>>
>> Jim
>>
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