Our websites:
Posted by Craig Mill on the 1st August, 2024
If you are looking for high-quality learning activities to support literacy and numeracy, Doorway Online offers a range of colourful, engaging, interactive, and fun learning - all for free!
Doorway Online, originally conceived and developed by Philip Whitaker (a retired ICT Support Teacher for Inclusion in the Scottish Borders) was recently acquired by CALL Scotland and given a new makeover by our fantastic Technology Resources Officer, Robert Stewart.
There are currently 17 learning activities grouped into 5 sections (some can be accessed straight from the website, others require a download):
As well as working across a range of devices and browsers, the activities are all very accessible, particularly for learners who rely on alternative methods such as switch access and eye gaze. The software is also suitable for classrooms via an interactive whiteboard (IWBs).
Doorway Online also includes the touch typing (keyboard familairity) app Text Type - which offers a step-by-step approach to help improve keyboarding skills.
Doorway Text Type includes a series of exercises that, if followed properly, can lead to a high rate of accuracy in typing and a good rate of words per minute.
Touch typing is an overlooked skill that can help improve spelling and grammar difficulties and boost confidence (see the research articles at the bottom of the Doorway Text Type link).
CALL has developed a Text Type 3 Practice Workbook that consists of daily and weekly activities to help learners track and record their progress. On completion, learners can print a Certificate of Completion as a reward for their work.
To access the free Doorway Online activities, go to www.doorwayonline.org.uk
Coming soon - new 4, 5, 8 and 10 week courses for the new school term: www.callscotland.org.uk/training/self-study-courses
8-week short study online course
Newsletter: join thousands of other peopleOnce a month we'll send you an email with news, research and thoughts, as well as training courses and free webinars you may wish to attend.
Our social media sites - YouTube, Twitter and Facebook