A guide to digital tools for comprehensive education
Accessibility in the classroom is a growing need. Technology helps educators meet their needs. Many NeuroDivergent students thrive after learning how to use new e-learning tools during daily lessons. Exploring ways to integrate technology to support diverse classroom learners can help students overcome educational barriers.
Examples of e-learning tools for students from Neurodivergent
If you discover e-learning tools that help teachers every day, you may have an easy time drawing new classroom resources. Learn more about the benefits they offer to see if Neurodivergent students are suitable for your class.
1. Audio to Text Tool
Many students find it difficult to read. Dyslexia affects 5% to 17.5% of children, but attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ASD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can also impair reading comprehension. Students who struggle to understand written lessons may spend a simple time from speech to text tools.
By reading the pen, students speak loudly when they touch the textbook. There is also software that adjusts the text size and transforms it into an audio experience. Students can listen to the assignment, follow written words about their assignments and create a more seamless learning experience that will boost their confidence.
2. Audiobook Program
Books are the basic parts of any classroom. They make it easier for nervous students to embrace e-learning tools that use artificial intelligence (AI) to turn books into listening experiences, and to improve students’ reading comprehension and speed.
You will work with your parents to create an effective communication plan [1] Introduce notes about the children’s needs and tools students use in the classroom. An AI-powered audiobook program can reassure parents if their child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) includes dyslexic reading strategies.
3. Visual Task Fault Platform
Some NeuroDivergent students will find tasks that require executive functionality, such as time management. Decompose and visualize the steps required for these types of tasks help students achieve their goals less stressful. Virtual platforms can turn tasks into colorful blocks, such as Gantt Outlines and Digital Sticky Notes.
Looking at everything represented as individual objects on the screen helps students plan and complete tasks throughout school day. Also, if you’re working on a virtual board that can be customized with your favorite colors, they may be more proud of their achievements.
4. Apps designed for overstimulation
Children with neural body conditions can be overstimulated by a variety of factors. Children living with ASD may find themselves overwhelmed by bright light, certain noise, certain textures and a variety of colors. Teachers with Neurodiverse Classroom should have resources for those moments so that students can refocus and return to lessons.
The app is now available to anyone who needs stimulation help. Meditation calms students with soothing sounds, but there are apps that maintain communication when young people are unable to communicate verbally during a panic attack. Adding these types of apps to the classroom gives students resources when they need help the most, empowering times when they feel otherwise helpless.
How do you integrate technology to support diverse class learners?
To change the way classrooms work, some kind of plan is required. Use a step-by-step integration strategy to find the best path for students and new tools.
1. Choose the software that is most relevant to your students
Think about the students who interact with each other every day. Think about what they may need help. Identifying these needs will point out the most effective e-learning software and tools for a particular classroom.
2. Invite other teachers and parents
Some IEPs involve teachers from different parts of the school. If students use new tech-based resources for most of their lessons, update other teachers they learn daily. Young people may have a more simple adjustment period if the tool is consistently available. This requires e-learning updates in other classrooms.
You should also meet with the students’ parents to explain how the classroom environment is changing. Please mention the new technologies and their advantages. Meetings with parents are especially important when your students use e-learning tools at home, as they may need help with homework.
3. Slowly introduce technology
Young people at Neurodivergent may find themselves overwhelmed by sudden changes in the classroom. Slowly introduce the tool by allowing students to use it for several minutes at a time. Once they become familiar with software, they can be encouraged to use it for a longer period of time until the technology becomes the basis of school day.
Challenges you may face when updating to e-learning tools for NeuroDivergent Learners
Although e-learning tools make classrooms more accessible, implementing this technology could also present several challenges. Prepare to encounter them to make your tech updates as seamless as possible.
1. Students may need time to practice using new software
It takes time to learn anything. Neurodivergent students may need more time for multiple reasons. Cognitive flexibility affects youth with numerous nervous conditions. Changes to those routines can feel unsafe and lead to resistance. Giving more time to implement classroom coordination can slow down the timeline of established IEPs. Requirements from states and parents may mean that lessons will go smoothly according to the expectations of others, as technology needs to be updated.
2. Distractions can become more common
Platforms with interactive elements like customizable visual blocks offer new opportunities to distract you. Instead of listening or completing tasks, students can tinker with a variety of functions. When learning how to integrate technology to support diverse learners, plan how you will respond to distractions to prevent disruptions in the classroom.
3. Parents may be worried about data privacy
Software programs and apps collect user data and provide services. When these resources become the foundation of the classroom, parents may be concerned about their children’s data privacy. Consider sharing each tool’s specific data privacy policy so that parents can use it whenever they need peace of mind.
4. Funding may limit technology upgrades
School district funding changes over time. You may not have the financial resources to add multiple e-learning tools to your classroom any time soon. Work with principals and district representatives to allocate the resources needed to upgrade virtual learning, but prepare funding to spend the time to reach the classroom.
Create a better learning environment in the classroom
Integrating technology to support a diverse range of learners can feel like a big project. However, adding e-learning tools to the classroom can be innovative for nervous students. They will feel empowered, supported and cared for.
References:
[1] Preparing a child with autism in kindergarten
