One of the key ideas that emerged from our member conference in December, which focused on neurodiversity, was the need to “usualise” the use of assistive technology. In other words, bringing assistive technology into the ordinary, everyday practice of the classroom can benefit the learning of everyone.
Both Nic Ponsford, from the Global Equality Collective and Dr Freya Spicer-White, a clinical psychologist, argued that assistive technology shouldn’t be limited to targeted support for particular individuals, but something that everyone can access and explore. Assistive technology can offer engaging and motivating learning opportunities for everyone. For many of us, it can be helpful, even if we are able to manage without it. Plus, normalising its use in the classroom is obviously a good way of removing any stigma that might be attached to its use.
There is no doubt that assistive technology can provide transformative opportunities for some neurodivergent young people. At a previous member conference, Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock, the eminent space scientist, gave a memorable address in which she explained that her dyslexia meant that her abilities were largely overlooked at school, but that now she uses technology to listen to text being read aloud.
Last week, speaking at the BETT conference, Bridget Phillipson announced that training in assistive technology will become mandatory for all new teachers – it seems likely that this will come into effect from September 2025.
Following the conference in December, there was a lot of interest in further learning about assistive technology, and so we are delighted that we are partnering with the team at Microlink to offer Be ThAT Teacher a free training programme for member schools. Marius Frank, who will be leading the sessions is the co-head of Education at Microlink, with a wealth of experience in this field.
The training will show participants ways in which free or very low cost technology can be used to support pupils’ learning. The ideas do not require the purchase of additional resources, but rather demonstrates additional functionality in resources you probably already have.
If you would like to find out more about Be ThAT Teacher, come and join our briefing session on Tuesday 25th February at 16.00.
Or you can book a place on the training straight away.
