Promoting Independent Learning Through Technology

Effective Learning Support -The Key to Quality and Success

Promoting Independent Learning Through Technology

Presented by:

Alexis Johnson, Deputy Director of Education & Quality Manager, Henshaws College

Rose Slimani, Additional Support Coordinator, Sheffield College

Regional Strand 4 – Yorkshire & Humber

Report on the potential of technology for further promoting independence

Rationale: Technology, be it specialised or mainstream, can be used creatively to promote

increased independence for learners and reduce reliance on physical support. This does not exclude a

role for LSAs who need to develop confidence in supporting learners to use technology effectively.

Technology & Learners

What technology?

Activity: List what technology you know about that is used to promote independence

Which learners?Activity: List which categories of learners use technology to promote independence

Promoting Independence

Activity: How does the technology identified promote independence?

How effective is technology in promoting independence?

How do you know?

Is it measurable and if so how?

Impact of Technology

What is the impact of technology on promoting independence?

Activity: Look at the case studies provided and do one or more of your own.

Technology Demonstration

Activity: Packing a prospectus using technology.

Choose one of the technologies and consider how to adapt to your own choice of learning activity.

Key Messages from the training events

• Need senior management support to develop and optimise ILT and increase access including CPD

• Infrastructure in terms of technical and teaching staff and hardware/ software is essential to promote ILT

• Targeted strategy to implement training and support to develop ILT in the staff teams

• Time needed for training and development for staff and learners

• Training for learners and then use learners to train others• Need to be proactive at bidding for additional funding• Modify and adapt existing, affordable, off the shelf ILT

Key Messages from the training events

• Technical IT roles need to be broadened to support access and training in using technology

• RSC free training and support – Out of the Box• ILT does not have to be expensive• DART (Disseminating Assistive Roles in

Technology) – project with an emphasis on technologist/support role

• CPD should be built into LSA contracts as a requirement

• Needs commitment from the very top

Thank you