Some ideas to apply Technology in the Inclusive classroom

Welcome back! This post is intended to show two apps/tools that can be really useful to work with SEN students. But first things first. Let's recap what SEN is. 🙂

SEN stands for ‘Special Educational Needs’. This refers to learners with a wide range of needs that require special support in the language classroom. SEN covers different needs, such as cognitive and learning challenges, learning difficulties, autism and ADHD among others. According to Delaney, M. (2016), Assistive Technology (AT) gives students tools to work more independently and can help overcome barriers to learning. In the English class it can help with reading and writing, organisation, motivation and working memory. By using Assistive technology students will be able to gain confidence and build self-esteem, improve literacy, work independently, show what they know and overcome frustration and tiredness.

Evernote is a note-taking tool to create and organise digital notes. You can either download the app on your mobile phone or tablet or you can use the webpage version. It has a free version that allows you to work from two different devices at the same time. 

What can you do with Evernote? 👀

• Notes: You can take down notes and share them with others. Evernote offers you a blank sheet of paper where you write your content.

• Calendar: You can draw up a calendar from scratch (or connect your Google calendar to the app).

• To-do list: You can draw up a "TO-DO LIST."

• Notebooks: You can write in different notebooks which contain a collection of notes according to the subject/topic.

• Tags: descriptive words you can add to link your notes.

• Shortcuts: quick links to your favorite notes—the ones you come back to over and over.

• And more! You can add pictures and documents, search within your pieces of work and the web or even record your voice.

HOW CAN I USE THIS TOOL WITH SEN STUDENTS?

Evernote is great for SEN students, especially those with motor skills challenges. Instead of using pen and paper to take notes, they can use their finger and write on a tactile interface more easily.

BENEFITS OF EVERNOTE

This website offers versatility, accessibility, and organization capabilities, which can assist SEN students in managing their learning materials effectively and easily. Since it is available through the web or its app, students can choose the best device for them: computers, tablets, or even smartphones. This accessibility makes it easier for students with different needs to access their notes and materials. Evernote also allows students to organize their notes into notebooks and tags. This can be particularly helpful for students with organizational difficulties, as it provides a structured way to manage information. Another great benefit that the app has is that it includes options such as typing, writing by hand, or even recording audio notes. This flexibility can accommodate different learning styles and preferences. SEN students often benefit from multiple modes of learning, such as combining text, images, and audio. Evernote allows users to incorporate these elements into their notes, providing a richer learning experience. The app also enables collaborative work on notes and projects. This can be useful for students who require peer support or collaborative learning environments.

Let's work! TASK with EVERNOTE

A possible task with Evernote is to create with the students a digital visual learning journal. Students can decide on a theme such as "My Day," "My Hobbies," or a theme of their choice. They have to make daily journal entries within Evernote and write notes, add images, create sketches using a stylus or their fingers and even attach pictures taken with the device's camera to make the journal more engaging for their audience (their classmates). After some days, if students are comfortable, they can share their digital journals with their classmates and even family members, or teachers.

References:

Dudeney, G., & Hockly, N. (2007, April 12). How to Teach English with Technology Book for pack. Pearson Longman, ELT.

Hockly, N.(2017) Unit 45: 10 things to know about SEN students and technology. EtPedia: Technology. pp. 159-161. Hove: Pavilion Publishing and Media Ltd.