Learners having Special Educational Needs (SEN) require special support in the language classroom. They are considered unique individuals with their own strengths and weaknesses.

Technology is used to support SEN students focusing on what they CAN DO so that they feel engaged when learning. It provides different ways of representing information, expressing knowledge and engaging in learning (including assessment). 

Gamification tactics and applications can be used to promote learning through games, competition and achievements. Students are motivated because they want to use and experience the technology rather than looking at a text book.

The following tools can be used in an inclusive classroom:

Why use genially in inclusive education ?

• Content is presented in an organized and visually attractive way, making it possible to be interactive. 

• Dyslexic students, for instance, will find Genially helpful to have all the information presented in class organized and sequenced in a visual way.

• It is also useful for students with visual and hearing impairments, as the content presented in class is in the presentations created using Genially. There is a wide variety of fonts and sizes to be displayed as well as attractive templates to keep students engaged. 

how to use genially

Suggested activity

• As part of the routine in a young learners class, I prepared an interactive calendar to set up the date, weather conditions and how students feel. Students or the teacher can drag the different items.

Why use LEARNHIP in inclusive education ?

• Learnhip has some useful and simple activities designed for English language learners but it's also useful for speech and language therapy as there is a wide variety of activities that prompt communication. For instance, by using conversation or story cards in the classroom, educators can help children improve their communication and language skills. Students are encouraged to express their thoughts and understand what other people are expressing. 

• Learnhip may be particularly useful as a warm-up or to make use of a short amount of extra time in a session. For example, there are plenty of activities to practise English pronunciation in a simple way. 

• Activities in Learnhip are short and effective, and pictures accompany each task. They help students practise vocabulary and grammar in a quick way. 

how to use LEARNHIP

Suggested activity

• Story Cards: students deal picture cards and try to create a story using as many of the pictures as possible. The way they interpret the cards is up to them. This is a useful activity to practise writing skills as well as oral ones. It can be carried out in groups, in pairs or individually. Students can then present their creations to the class. 

REFERENCES

• Hockly, N. (2017) ETpedia Technology:10 Things to know about SEN students and technology. Unit 45. 

• Ledesma, P. (2021) Characteristics of learners who have some of the identified as Special Educational Needs.