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Date
11 November 2024
Link
inclusive.tki.org.nz/guides/technology-tools-for-learning/offer-a-range-of-supports

Offer a range of supports

Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Using low-technology options’

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Environmental considerations

Environmental considerations

Making small changes to the learning environment is another way to increase learner participation and access.

In your design, consider:

  • where learners are positioned in relation to the teacher, the whiteboard, or classroom screens
  • the height of tables or desks
  • access to flexible learning spaces, for example, quiet areas, groups tables, and independent work areas
  • work spaces that are quiet and have low stimulus
  • clear labels for areas and equipment
  • the visibility and accessibility of key information, for example, timetables and resource links
  • the ease of access to key equipment and resources, for example, height-appropriate  storage shelves, uncluttered pathways, and access to power points.

Offer useful supports

Offer useful supports

Try small, inexpensive equipment.

Always consider the needs and sensitivities of your learners before introducing any supports.

Offer supports to everyone, such as:

  • fidget tools for concentration
  • reading rulers to highlight single lines of text
  • sticky notes or removable Post-it flags to mark important words or sections of text
  • calculators 
  • magnifiers
  • slope boards
  • coloured pencils and felt-tipped pens
  • pencil grips to support fine motor control 
  • headphones
  • earmuffs to reduce noise
  • timers
  • inflatable seat cushions.

Light and sound

Light and sound

Check to see if adjusting the lighting or room acoustics helps.

  • Minimise shadows and glare on whiteboards and screens.
  • Increase contrast (it is best to present materials on backgrounds that make objects stand out).  
  • Use black or blue whiteboard pens to maintain high contrast.
  • Minimise background noise (such as the noise of computers, heating and ventilation systems, fish tanks, and other learners).
  • Minimise background noise outside the classroom (such as traffic noise, playground noise, noise from other classrooms, and rain).

Give support with visuals

Give support with visuals

Visuals support instructions. They can reduce learner frustration, support independence, and increase access to learning.

11683 [9-reasons-to-use-visuals-graphic.jpg]

Source: North Star Paths (opens in a new tab/window)

Source:
North Star Paths
http://northstarpaths.com/

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Offer a range of tools

Offer a range of tools

Work with students to identify types of supports that will help them.

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Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

Source:
Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

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Utilise learner profiles

Utilise learner profiles

Use a learner profile to identify accessibility and technology needs and preferences.

For more information explore Develop learner profiles.

6357 [Learner-profile2.png]

Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

Source:
Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

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Next steps

More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Using low-technology options”:

  • Current page Offer a range of supports

Return to the guide “Technology tools for learning”

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Technology tools for learning

How to use this site

Guide to Index of the guide: Technology tools for learning

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This is a Ministry of Education initiative​​​​​​​. We shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes.

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Information on the Inclusive Education website is regularly updated so we recommend you check the website version of this information to ensure it remains current.