Using Technology and Digital Exams

Whether it's on a PC, Mac, iPad, Chromebook or smart phone, there are various apps and programs that can help all young people achieve their potential as independent learners.

Young people use technology across their learning and they are encouraged to do so in a safe and responsible way. Many of the tools can be a huge support for pupils and help them overcome barriers.

Text Help by ReadWrite

Text Help is a Google Chrome plug-in available to all young people in Aberdeen City schools. We are currently working to train all pupils to use Text Help across their learning. Text Help offers a variety of features that can be accessed on any device using Google Chrome, including:

Text - Speech (listen to the computer read your work aloud)
Speech - Text (verbally dictate to the computer and it'll type for you)
Phonetic Spell Check (it spell checks based on how words sound)
Picture Dictionary
Vocabulary List Generator
Study / Revision List Generator and Highlight Tool

Where there is sufficient evidence to warrant its use, Text Help is approved for SQA Examinations.

Find out more about Text Help by visiting their website.

G:Suite for Education

All young people at St Machar have access to a range of tools, which can enhance their learning experiences whilst developing essential skills for life and work beyond school. Staff and pupils across the school are using these tools to develop digital literacy, innovate learning experiences, and promote independence and collaboration:

Google Drive (cloud storage)
Google Docs, Sheets and Slides
Google Forms (for assessments, surveys, questionnaires and quizzes)
Google Classroom

G:Suite have guides dedicated to accessibility, which can be accessed here.

Google_EDU_Map_05172018_web.pdf

Google_AppliedDigitalSkills_Poster_36x24.pdf

Who else can help?

TASSCC

TASSCC is Aberdeen City Education Service's assertive technology service. They provide targeted support to identified individuals across Primary and Secondary schools, enabling young people to achieve their potential with the support of technology. Young people with an identified barrier to learning can be referred to the service by our Pupil Support Faculty. TASSCC work with the pupil and assess the most appropriate provision for their needs.

CALL Scotland

CALL (Communication, Access, Literacy, Learning) help children and young people across Scotland to overcome disability and barriers to learning created by their environment, and to fulfill their potential. They've been around since 1983 working as a Research and Development Centre as well as a working Service unit. Both elements are necessary and important - they inform, enrich and support each other.

More information can be accessed via CALL's website.

Did you know that Chromebooks, iPhones and iPads have in-build accessibility features?

Click the pictures to find out how these devices can be configured to suit your individual needs.

Staff can used their G:Suite credentials to access the teachers' centre, which offers a host of training opportunities.

This includes the accredited Level 1 & Level 2 programme.

There are strict regulations regarding the use of digital accessibility resources in SQA examinations. More information can be accessed via the SQA's website or by contacting the Targeted Support Faculty.

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