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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.
All learners have times where they may become less engaged or motivated with their learning. This can be for a range of reasons but learners with additional needs may face even more challenges. It is important to get to know your learners well and learn what motivates and excites them. Try to incorporate this into your lesson planning and help them to progress and reach their full potential.
Non-verbal communication such as body language, facial expressions and tone of voice convey information beyond words alone. It is an integral part of communication, building relationships and developing shared understanding. For some learners interpreting non-verbal communication is not always simple.
Tip or Idea: Understanding non-verbal communication can depend on many factors including cultural norms, situational context and the unique combination of words, actions and expressions used. Try to put communication in context and focus on more than simply the words used.
Learners with speech and language difficulties may find it difficult to remember words or think or the word they want to use when they are talking.
Tip or Idea: Think of a category such as ‘animals’ or ‘things in a kitchen’ and then see how many words you can name. Each time you think of a word place a Lego piece on top of another and see how tall a tower you can build!