National Digital Learning (for All) week 2018

Posted by Shirley Lawson on the 14th May, 2018

Today is the first day of National Digital Learning Week 2018 which is celebrating the Year of Young People. Teachers and learners from all schools in Scotland are encouraged to take part in digital learning and teaching activities and to showcase their ideas and talents. For most students, almost everything they do involves using digital technologies so to learn, share and collaborate using a device is intrinsic.

For some students, the use of digital technologies is vital because without them they would not be able to communicate or access the curriculum. For them to be able to showcase their ideas and talents, the correct assistive technology must be in place for them and their teachers need to have the skills and relevant training to ensure they can fully support this group of students. For example, a student with reading difficulties should not be required to struggle reading a web page for topic research; Text to Speech software - or an app - should be provided to enable the student to hear the text spoken aloud.

CALL Scotland are working on a new Professional Learning calendar for 2018-19 which will provide opportunities for teachers, support staff, Support for Learning staff, tutors and parents to learn how to use assistive hardware, software and apps to support students with Additional Support Needs and disabilities.

We understand that it is increasingly difficult for staff to get out of school for training opportunities and to travel to our base at the University of Edinburgh so we are offering new Online Training courses which will be 90 minutes long and cost £30. Participants will be sent a URL link to a web conferencing room and once they log in, they will be able to access the expertise of our Professional Learning team remotely.

National Digital Learning Week is a good time for teachers to be planning their CLPL ahead for next term and be sure to include learning new skills which will help them establish a fully inclusive learning environment.

Watch this space for further details or contact shirley.lawson@ed.ac.uk to directly register an interest in our new Online training.