Imagine a place where every child's unique potential is recognized and nurtured, where technology serves as a bridge to understanding and growth. At Vera School for Autistic Learners, this vision becomes a reality every day. As one of South Africa's oldest schools dedicated to learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Vera School understands that each student’s journey is unique. By embracing differentiated learning and innovative technology, the school transforms the educational experience for students who need it most.
Established in 1970, Vera School is committed to an individualized approach to education, leveraging each learner's strengths and special interests to create personalized learning paths. Teachers like Daneil Hime and Juanita Roesch have embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly. With over 20 years of experience, both teachers truly care for the success of each student at Vera School and have witnessed the profound impact of individualizing education on their students.
Juanita emphasizes that lessons at Vera School are highly visual and structured, as students with autism thrive in environments with clear routines and visual supports. This structured approach not only makes the lessons more engaging but also helps students develop independence and essential life skills. The emphasis on building independence through the use of technology has been instrumental in boosting students' confidence and sparking a lifelong love of learning.
Supporting students with autism through differentiated learning
Differentiated learning at Vera School involves using various digital tools and strategies to ensure every learner can access and benefit from the curriculum in a way that suits them best. Daneil shares how Lumio’s Monster Quiz has become a favorite game-based learning activity with her students.
This interactive activity not only engages learners but also helps build their self-esteem. For students who struggle with reading, Monster Quiz offers a way to practice sight words and develop reading skills in a fun and supportive environment. The competitive element encourages students to ask for help and work collaboratively, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
Another critical aspect of differentiated learning at Vera School is the use of various devices in the classroom. Daneil notes that her students benefit from using different types of technology, such as iPads and computers. This practice helps them generalize their skills across different platforms to improve digital proficiency. By rotating the devices used each day, students continuously show up to class engaged, motivated, and excited to learn.
One of the most unexpected benefits of using technology in the classroom is the social connection it fosters among students. Juanita was pleased by how interactive games facilitated social interaction and cooperation. Students who typically struggled with social skills began helping each other and waiting patiently for their peers to complete tasks.
This newfound patience and understanding demonstrated an increased ability to consider others' perspectives. The shared experiences of playing these games together helped students develop empathy, improve their social interactions and support their overall Social Emotional Learning (SEL) skills.
Learn more about SMART solutions designed for special education classrooms and inclusive learning:Enhancing student outcomes with digital tools from SMART and Lumio
SMART Technologies and Lumio have been game-changers for Vera School, providing a rich, engaging, and supportive learning environment tailored to the unique needs of each student. Daneil highlighted how interactive features, such as screen shade and auditory cues, provide teachers with the opportunity to make education a multisensory experience.
These tools help students focus on specific tasks and make learning enjoyable. The inclusion of sounds, games, and interactive elements transforms lessons into captivating experiences, maintaining students' interest and enthusiasm.
Technology's impact on student engagement is profound. Traditional paper-based tasks often fail to capture the attention of students with ASD. However, the interactive features of SMART TechnBoards and Lumio provide a multisensory learning experience that is both engaging and educational. These tools help students focus on specific tasks and make learning enjoyable.
The positive changes in student behavior and learning outcomes are immensely rewarding, validating the effort and dedication teachers put into their work. Their focus on SEL shows a holistic approach to education, caring not only for curriculum but for setting them up for successful social and personal interactions. The technology also provides valuable insights into student progress, enabling teachers to tailor their instruction further and offer targeted support where needed.
But the students aren’t the only ones benefitting from the technology integration. Having the support of interactive tools, widgets, manipulatives and activities at their disposal allows them the ability to adapt their instruction on-the-fly, to create more engaging and effective lessons.
Vera School for Autistic Learners exemplifies the transformative power of differentiated learning. By leveraging technology like the SMART Board GX series and Lumio, their educators provide a rich, engaging, and supportive learning environment tailored to the unique needs of each student.
Discover more destination schools and districts from around the world that are championing technology to support teachers and students. Keep reading inspiring stories from the classroom here: