Episode 6 | Supporting SPLD children in the digital age with Arran Smith

Mark Loveday is joined again by Arran Smith to discuss the crucial role of assistive technology such as apps, software and tools to support children. They discuss technology enabling children to break down barriers and be part of a more inclusive environment. 

Arran questions why assistive technology was rolled out to children during the pandemic to improve their learning but then rolled back following the end of lockdown. They also talk about free or low-cost resources that could be useful for teachers and parents to consider for their children. 

Mark and Arran discuss how to repurpose technology for multiple uses to suit school budgets better, as well as valuing teachers with better resources. They also talk about why a skill like typing isn't taught, but writing is, highlighting the need to prepare children for adulthood in the modern world, where technology is so prevalent. 

📌 To shop for resources relevant to this podcast conversation, click here.    

Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.  

(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)  

Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.