We Care About Your Privacy
By clicking “Accept all”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy.
Assistive technology plays a crucial role in education, by removing barriers to learning, especially for students who face challenges in traditional classroom settings. It is becoming a greater priority within education.
For the first time, the UK’s Department for Education plans to include training on assistive technology for all new teachers. There is a vast range of assistive technology from mobility aids to communication tools and visual aids.
Tip or idea: Learning Village is a member of BATA (British Assistive Technology Association), a UK-based organisation dedicated to ensuring that assistive technology (AT) transforms lives. It champions the use of AT to enhance independence, accessibility, and learning outcomes for individuals with diverse needs. By working with educators, policymakers, and technology providers, BATA aims to create a more inclusive learning environment for all students.
To find out more, visit www.bataonline.org
Learning Village resource: AI tools such as text-to-speech can support your learners. Our Fun ways to improve English using AI technology article and associated resource explore this topic further.
Understanding the needs of your learners is essential. Learners who use English as an additional language may also have additional learning needs, and sometimes separating language needs from learning needs can be challenging. Assessment results and classroom work offer some insight; however, taking the time to carefully observe your learners’ behaviours can provide a deeper appreciation of their needs. This can help you consider necessary adjustments or interventions, or support further assessments of specific SEND needs.
For some learners, including those with SEND, the thought of a writing lesson can be daunting and unappealing. However, by finding creative ways to engage and 'hook' your learners, they will be more likely to feel motivated and engaged.
Tip or Idea: Start your lessons in an unusual or exciting way! Set up a scene or have props that give clues to a character or event, play an engaging video or audio clip or perhaps transform your classroom into a courtroom for a debate...
Listening is an essential skill for learning and understanding, building relationships, communicating effectively, and developing independence. However, for some learners - including those with additional needs such as ADHD, autism, hearing impairments, or language processing difficulties - listening can be challenging. We can support learners in a range of ways, including using simplified instructions, visual supports, repetition, and reducing distractions in our learning environments.