A joint team of researchers and experts from the University of Melbourne and global EdTech leaders SMART Technologies is looking at how classroom technology can play a critical role in ensuring that neurodivergent students have access to inclusive learning experiences.
Dr Matthew Harrison, a senior lecturer in inclusive education and lead researcher in neurodiversity at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, is spearheading the project. With three commissioners recommending the phasing out of special schools by 2051, and no new enrollments from 2032, he says it’s a highly contentious issue and now is an overdue time to be undertaking a study.
“We believe that it has long been necessary for all teachers to know how to work with children with disability and neurological differences,” Harrison tells EducationHQ.
Jeff Lowe, chief commercial officer at SMART Technologies, says the end goal 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.
“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,” he says.
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