Assistive Technology In The Classroom

June 1, 2023 Edtech

Assistive technology is a valuable tool in promoting equality in the classroom by providing students with learning difficulties access to the same educational opportunities as their peers. With the use of assistive technology, students can participate fully in class activities, access information, and communicate effectively. This helps to level the playing field and ensures that all students have an equal chance to succeed academically. 

Reading skills are fundamental to children's academic success and future career prospects. Reading support can help students comprehend and analyse complex texts, build their vocabulary, and improve their critical thinking and communication skills. Additionally, students who struggle with reading may become discouraged or disengaged from their studies, but with the proper support, they can develop the confidence and motivation to succeed.  

OrCam Learn is a handheld device specifically designed to help students with reading and learning difficulties. It works offline and even connects to both wired and wireless headphones so students can learn at home, in the classroom, and on-the-go.  

Students use the handheld device to point and click at the text they want to read. The device then reads an entire page, paragraph, or single word out loud - of the student's choosing - including from a book, digital screen, or classroom handout. The device also listens to the student read, provides feedback, and tests reading comprehension. 

Track Progress Over Time 

The OrCam Learn also generates reports based on performance over a given time period – a day, week, or month – enabling parents & teachers to gain insight into students' progress across all metrics.  

Integrated into day-to-day school life, the OrCam Learn empowers students with learning challenges, freeing up teachers to spend less time assessing and more time teaching. 

OrCam Learns Effectiveness Study 

Research on the effectiveness of the OrCam Learn was carried out by Dr Helen Ross, a former SENCO and SEN teacher with over 15 years of teaching experience, who now works as an assessor and teacher for students with dyslexia/specific learning difficulties. She is a leading voice in the dyslexia community, working nationally and internationally, undertaking diverse research on dyslexia/SEN. Helen is also Co-Vice Chair of the British Dyslexia Association and Chair of the Wiltshire Dyslexia Association. 

Research Methodology 

A study undertaken in the South of England between April and June 2022 aimed at exploring the following: 

• The effect on reading comprehension outcomes for students using OrCam Learn versus reading independently. 
• Students' overall experience with OrCam Learn, compared to not using it, drawing on their own broader perceptions of their relationship with reading. 

The study included 31 students aged 10-13 from three school settings. 

Student reading outcomes were assessed using parallel forms within the YARC Primary (Snowling et al., 2009) for year 5 students and the YARC Secondary (Stothard et al., 2010) test protocols for older students. 

 Here are some of her findings:  

View our assistive technology