SEND Five-a-day

The EEF’s 2019 guidance report ‘Using Digital Technology to Improve Learning’ states that in this digital age, the question is no longer whether technology should have a place in the classroom but how technology can be effectively integrated to improve learning . Technology is much more likely to improve learning if it is introduced in response to an identified need. One way of reducing the risk of technology being ‘a solution in search of a problem’ is to ensure that school leaders focus first on defining the problem to be solved before identifying programmes or practices to implement as the solution. So, when we are thinking about technology and SEND, we should take the focus away from the labels attached to children. Instead, we should consider what it is that each child needs help with .

Technology doesn’t just offer assistance to students with SEND, it benefits everyone. It can improve the speed of working or presentation. For SEND students it can help create continuity between home and school, as well as allow greater independence. For most students, allowing for repetition and rehearsal space has a positive impact on motivation and self - esteem. For example, those on the autistic spectrum will often engage and socialise on screen in a way they find difficult away from the screen.