Technology to support ASN in education

This innovative and exciting 10-week online course is aimed at educators who would like to increase their knowledge on how technology can expand educational opportunities for learners with Additional Support Needs (ASN) such as those arising from conditions such as dyslexia, sensory impairment, severe and complex learning needs, autism, and communication difficulties. 

The course focuses on highlighting and exploring 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 or tools that are built into the operating system of devices, e.g., Windows, iPads (iOS) and Chromebooks.

Course dates

The course starts 4 February 2025 and runs for 10 weeks.

Course structure and weekly workshops 

The course will be delivered online by the CALL Scotland team and includes weekly 1-hour online workshops, supplemented with relevant, practical and engaging resources to support each session. 

The online workshops are on Tuesday from 4:00 to 5:00 pm and are delivered by the CALL Scotland team.

Week 1	An overview of the course and an introduction to assistive technology and ASN. Find out about  the  Inclusive Digital Learning & Assistive Technology Staged Intervention model, what is it and why is it important? Also, meet your tutors and colleagues and feel free to ask any questions about the course.
Week 2	Developing the early literacy and writing skills of learners with additional support needs and communication difficulties.
Week 3	Supporting literacy difficulties, what are the options?
Week 4	Augmentative and Alternative Communication technologies (AAC) and strategies for learners with additional support needs.
Week 5	Technology to support learners with visual difficulties.
Week 6	Technology to support learners with complex needs.
Week 7	Switch access, wheelchair mounts and access solutions to support physical impairments.
Week 8	Technology to support autistic learners.
Week 9	Assistive Technology assessment models, what are they and why are they important? An overview of SETT and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) – what are they and how do they relate to assistive technology?
Week 10	An opportunity to review content from previous weeks. CALL staff will be on hand to answer questions.

Please note -Arrangement of the weekly content is subject to minor changes.

If you choose, you can submit a small reflective, practical task to consolidate your learning, thereby offering  a unique opportunity to undertake ‘practitioner enquiry’ to enhance education inclusion.

The workshops are recorded so you can review them at your leisure along with the course resources.

On completion of the course you will receive a CALL Scotland Digital Badge as evidence of your learning. 

Who this course is for

This is an ideal course for anyone new to assistive technology and ASN and also for those who have some experience.

The course is suitable for all:

• teachers
• Support for Learning teachers
• Pupil Support Assistants
• other professionals working with primary and secondary pupils

Aims of the course

• develop your understanding of assistive technology and how it can be used with learners who require additional support

• extend and enhance your knowledge of best practice when using technology with learners who require additional support
• consider and engage with assistive technology assessment frameworks to provide appropriate technologies to meet different learning needs
• consider legal and policy requirements relating to inclusive policies, strategies, assistive technology, and accessible materials
• increase confidence when working with technology to address barriers to learning

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• identify a range of assistive technologies (including tools built into mainstream devices), resources, and strategies to support learners with additional needs
• apply practical assistive technology knowledge and skills within your workplace to facilitate new inclusive opportunities for your learners
• consider assistive technology frameworks to provide the correct support to meet different learning needs
• explore relevant theories such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and how they can be applied to create inclusive learning opportunities

Cost

£450 per individual.

Comments from previous participants

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.

"The variety, range and quality of materials was excellent. It was also great to have the opportunity to hear from others who are working in this area."

"The course content was excellent and also the extensive knowledge and experience of the CALL Scotland team was very apparent. 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."

Course tutors

CALL Scotland team members Paul Nisbet, Kirsteen Stevens, Claire Harrison, Joanna Courtney, Ceanna MacGregor and Craig Mill are your course tutors. They have many years of experience in supporting learners with ASN using technology.

Find out more

For more information please contact CALL Scotland or visit CALL Scotland Professional Learning.

Email CALL Scotland

Visit CALL Scotland Professional Learning