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Date
17 April 2024
Link
inclusive.tki.org.nz/guides/technology-tools-for-learning/support-implementation

Support implementation

Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Reduce barriers to learning’

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Support learner wellbeing

Support learner wellbeing

Some learners may feel embarrassed or singled out because they need specific technology.

Consider how you can support learners to feel positive about using their technology.

Use these supporting strategies.

  • Ask learners what will help them to transition the technology into their classroom.
  • Where appropriate, offer the same options to all learners, for example, text-to-speech.
  • Build a class culture that respects individual learning needs and preferences.
  • Work with students to understand the difference between "fair" and "equitable" access to technology.
  • Model and use technology as a natural part of learning so everyone sees the benefits.
  • Check in frequently with your learners to ask what supports they need and whether their current supports are still working well.

Create individualised plans

Create individualised plans

Develop a technology implementation plan that travels with the learner.

11755 [Technology-being-used.png]

Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

Source:
Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

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Prepare and support all staff

Prepare and support all staff

Support the staff as you implement new technologies so they all feel confident and capable.

Think about using these strategies.

  • Familiarise all staff, for example, teacher aides, with any digital and assistive technologies.
  • Give all staff the time to practise and become familiar with technology.
  • Provide training. 
  • Offer regular check-in opportunities for staff to ask questions, upskill, or share successful strategies.
  • Provide professional learning based on feedback from staff.
  • Ensure all staff are aware of the specific needs of the learner and how the tools support their goals and access to the curriculum.

Support times of transition

Support times of transition

Use these ideas for connecting, sharing information, and planning ahead so learners have a positive transition.

  • Share specific tools and technologies that learners use before transition.
  • Offer professional learning opportunities so that staff can upskill and become familiar with used technologies.
  • Allow staff to connect and build relationships ahead of time.
  • Offer opportunities for all staff to observe and work alongside learners who may be transitioning into their classroom.
  • Share successful strategies, for example, changing classroom layout and using visuals, supports, and online tools.
  • Support all staff to understand the importance of technology tools in providing access to the curriculum and meeting learning goals.

Support learners to use technology effectively

Support learners to use technology effectively

Take time to establish an implementation plan regardless of the level of technology.

  • Talk with learners about how their device or tools will be stored, moved around the school, and maintained.
  • Develop strategies for taking care of personal equipment
  • Work with learners to identify any learning or training needs.
  • Consider best times to introduce new tools so that learners are not under pressure to engage with new learning on top of other expectations, for example, exams.
  • Provide learners with time to practise and become familiar with their technology.
  • Support learners to recognise the specific tools they need.
  • Promote self-advocacy and independence.
  • Gather feedback from learners about how the tools are working for them. Use this feedback to design further learning opportunities.

Develop a student toolkit

Develop a student toolkit

Provide opportunities for students of all ages to develop skills with a number of tools so that they have them in their own toolkit.

Create opportunities for students to become confident:

  • recording their voices
  • using text-to-speech software
  • editing video
  • writing and editing collaboratively on Google docs
  • creating slide presentations
  • designing infographics.

Next steps

More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Reduce barriers to learning”:

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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