A new research study at the University of Melbourne is diving into how classroom technology can play a critical role in supporting neurodiverse learners right here in Australia, and across the globe.
The Australia-wide year-long study will partner with schools across the country to investigate the barriers to education faced by students with complex learning needs, and how classroom technology can help to support inclusive access.
The launch follows the findings from the Disability Royal Commission, which sparked strong debates over the phasing out of segregated classrooms and “special schools” in Australia.
Dr Matthew Harrison, senior lecturer and lead researcher at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education (University of Melbourne), will spearhead the project, which has been developed in partnership with SMART Technologies.
He says the research will in-part explore how classroom technology, can be utilised to better allow more students to participate academically and socially.
“There is currently limited research that shares the voices of young students, as well as the challenges and barriers they face at school and in classrooms, whether they have a diagnosed disability or not.” Dr Harrison said.
“This type of research needs input from people who have lived experience with neurodivergent differences.”
Dr Harrison said the research study has been developed in partnership with a team of researchers who have experience living with autism and ADHD.
“They have also come through the Australian school system, and will be able to relate to a lot of the findings we uncover and share their own insights, which will be paramount to the outcomes of the project,” he said.
“The goal of the research is to help remove barriers and create pathways for students with disabilities and learning difficulties by better understanding the different aspects of how they learn, using technology in classrooms.”
Dr Harrison said the research will hopefully help build out practices that schools can put in place to improve student outcomes both academically, and socially.
“We also hope that the research provides insights to teachers, to gain a better understanding of student needs and help to eradicate some longstanding challenges in education by providing an outlook into the future of teaching.”
Together with the University of Melbourne, SMART Technologies, a global leader in classroom technology, will provide support on the project, including the supply of some of the latest in digital technologies and interactive displays in the classrooms involved in the research.
Jeff Lowe, Chief Commercial Officer at SMART Technologies, visited the University of Melbourne to announce the research collaboration.
“The end goal in mind for us is to get real insights as to how teachers and students can make the most of technology in classrooms, and to remove any barriers so that everyone has access to learning,” he said.
“We focus on building connections that matter for schools, students, and teachers – and it’s so important that inclusive learning environments are at the heart of that.”
The original version of this article appeared as a media release from SMART Technologies.