Technology should help my learners with ASN but I don’t know how

Posted by Shirley Lawson on the 8th January, 2020

This is a comment that I frequently hear from people that are honest enough to admit that they are not fully aware what is possible with assistive technology to support their learners with additional support needs.  And as technology is an ever changing, evolving area it can seem daunting to always be trying to keep up and learn new things.

But it doesn't need to be!

Inclusion of even the very simplest type of assistive technology (for example, using a Text to Speech reader to support reading difficulties) can make a huge difference to the dyslexic pupils who are struggling daily to decode text.  And the result of offering something to help them can have far reaching consequences beyond raised attainment and boosted confidence levels: it can contribute to the reduction of anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions.  These problems can emerge when the right tools are not in place to make learning easier leaving pupils feeling isolated and dejected.

We have a wide range of Professional Learning opportunities to find out how assistive technology can be used to support pupils with additional support needs.  And remember, you can use your PEF money to pay for training.

• Courses and online learning workshops.
• Free webinars.
• Courses we can deliver at your school.

Whatever your training needs are, we can provide the solution. Start 2020 with a commitment to brush up on your technology skills and putting this knowledge into practice to provide your pupils with a fully inclusive learning environment.

Get in touch to have a chat shirley.lawson@ed.ac.uk

While you're here

We are also running our Masters level blended learning Inclusive Digital Technology (IDT) course starting in March 2020.  This course is unique in the field of assistive technology in Scotland. It is set within a context of underpinning academic literacies, legislation and policy at national and local levels in relation to inclusive digital technologies and resources for pupils with additional support needs.  SPACES STILL AVAILABLE!