Guest blog: The digital learning trap
23rd June 2020 -We’re delighted that Dr Ciaran McIvor has penned this latest blog post for us. Ciaran is a teacher who is currently teaching mathematics at St Malachy’s College in Belfast. He has a particular interest in the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning in mathematics. Prior to teaching, Ciaran graduated from Queen’s University Belfast in mathematics, and went on to research and devise many novel electronic architectures, mathematical and arithmetic techniques and algorithms for modern data encryption schemes. His book, based on cryptography, was published several years ago. In this blog, Ciaran explores the effect of the recent schools shutdown on his pupils’ learning.
Continue Reading5 pillars of reading instruction
22nd June 2020 -The 5 pillars of reading are the key elements which need to be established in the learning journey for students to have the highest chance of reading success. Check out this handy infographic to learn more.
As a bonus, why not take a look at our free reading instruction resources down below? Featuring three leading experts in the field of fluency and reading, these recorded webinars outline teaching techniques to help students with reading instruction.
Continue Reading7 principles for creating inclusive digital experiences
16th June 2020 -Did you know that a shocking 98% of websites are not meeting web accessibility standards? To help organizations learn more about creating accessible digital experiences. we've been teaming up with industry experts to create lots of informative content on the topic. In our webinar on Inclusive Marketing, Ceri Balston, Head of Digital at Scope shared 7 key principles based on learnings from their own web accessibility journey, and we've outlined them for you below...
Continue ReadingRemote working solutions to support employees with disabilities
16th June 2020 -The nation’s wholesale shift to remote working in response to the unprecedented March 2020 lockdown has demonstrated unmistakably that remote working is a real possibility for many. Tools such as Microsoft Teams, Skype, Zoom and House Party have become synonymous with online meetings, virtual conferences and remote interviews.
Continue ReadingAccessibility by design
15th June 2020 -This is a guest blog post written by Steven Hope, who together with Ben Whitaker and Dan Fitzpatrick make up the hosts of the Edufuturists podcast. They deliver training across the world on education, technology and leadership, as well as continuing to serve in various education settings.
Well before the lockdown, accessibility has been a focus for many Further and Higher Education organizations, due to the changes that will come into force from September 2020. This initially includes the accessibility of their website but will factor in virtual learning environments and course content as well. These changes in legislation coupled with the shift to remote learning are bringing learner inequalities to the fore, helping to shape accessibility by design rather than default across education.
Continue Reading'What’s next for inclusion?' - a remote working checklist for D&I leaders
10th June 2020 -The current coronavirus outbreak is something that has impacted all of us. For many, we are working remotely for the first time.
We are balancing being a teacher, a parent, or supporting loved ones alongside our normal working life. In the first few weeks of a nationwide lockdown businesses had to look at how to adapt, how to commence with remote working and, embed remote working into the way we now do things.
Remote working was, for many organisations, on the horizon prior to Covid-19. The last 12 weeks since lockdown began, has perhaps only served to accelerate more of us working from home and adopting technological advances such as eLearning and video calling. It was perhaps inevitable that we would use technology more and move away from an office environment. Now, we have been forced to do so.
So, what does this mean for inclusion?
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