Technology to Support ASN - a new course for 2024!

Posted by Craig Mill on the 4th January, 2024

Category Assistive Technology Dyslexia

If you are looking for an exciting and innovative course in technology to support learners with ASN then look no further than CALL's 10-week introductory course 'Technology to Support ASN'.  

Starting in February 2024 and run in partnership with Edinburgh Unversity's School of Professional Learning the course will highlight and explore a range of assistive technologies and resources for pupils who require additional support within an educational context to address barriers to learning.

You will learn about strategies and processes to help you make the most of technology, either specialised software and freely available tools that are built into the operating system of devices, e.g., Windows, iPads (iOS) and Chromebooks.

Who is the course for?

This course will be of interest to education professionals who wish to promote inclusion, using technology;

• Learners with literacy and numeracy difficulties arising from dyslexia and/or dyscalculia.
• Learners who experience visual difficulties, e.g., sight loss, visually impaired, blind.
• Learners with communication difficulties.
• Learners with physical difficulties.
• Learners with complex learning needs.

Technology to Support ASN in Education is aimed at an introductory level for;

• Teachers, Learning Support staff and Pupil Support Assistants in primary and secondary schools.
• Local Authority staff whose remit includes education for learners with additional support needs.
• Anyone with an interest in assistive technology and digital resources who would like to learn more. 

The course content was excellent including the extensive knowledge and experience of the CALL Scotland team, the opportunity to read so extensively, and the access to so many online resources. The overall course has had a very positive impact on the development of our service going forward.

Why is this course important?

Access to personal technology has huge potential for learners with disabilities or who have additional support needs, but pupils need more than a device. They need the device to be accessible, to use appropriate apps and resources and teachers to provide training so learners can maximise the potential of their devices. 

Under the right circumstances, access to a digital device in class offers increased potential for learners with additional support needs to become more successful, confident, responsible and effective.

Course delivery

The course will be delivered online by the CALL Scotland team using a mix of online workshops (which are recorded), discussion boards and self-study materials including video presentations.

Participants who have engaged actively with the online course and complete a small reflective task will receive a certificate of completion which can be used to evidence professional learning.

All the course tutors are committed to working with you, providing support when and where possible if required.

The opportunity to discuss best practice, ask questions of various professionals contributing to the course. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to undertake professional reading. I really enjoyed the course.

For more information, and to book your place visit the Professional Learning website and/or contact professionallearning@ed.ac.uk