Access UCC has created a resource on Technology to Make Learning Easier course/resource on free/built in tech to make reading, writing, planning and studying easier. Please see the outline and link below. Please see if this is useful to you and please share it also.
Technology to Make Learning Easier – Free Online Course/Resource
Technology can have a positive role in making learning easier and in giving students and educators greater choices in how, where and when they learn. In this free course/resource, aimed at TY students and educators (but applicable to all), we offer training videos, links and advice to make reading, writing and studying easier for students. It explores various free technologies either already on your computer, your phones or technology that is free to download.
Importantly, this course:
- covers free or built-in software to help make reading, writing and studying easier – so there is no cost involved.
- does NOT mention disability/learning difficulties as these tools are applicable to ALL. In keeping with principles of Universal Design for Learning, if this gets embedded in schools for all then those students with additional learning needs will be better included and not excluded by our education tools.
- This resource/course can be used as an important part of the school’s work on Pillar 1 of the Digital Strategy for Schools 2027.
Students can learn how to get their phone to read notes/ quotes/ definitions etc read aloud to them. There are tools to get the computer/phone to read aloud to you. There are even options to have text read aloud in Irish, French, German and other languages to help prepare for oral/aural exams. Making a sound file of text to listen to learn/revise anywhere, anytime even on your phone is so easy and convenient.
Make Reading Easier: Technology to Make Learning Easier
Another section of the course shows how to get your phone /computer to type what you say to speed up project work. It also covers using free mind mapping software to plan/ structure your written work to speed up and improve your homework, projects, classroom based assessments etc.
Making Writing Easier: Technology to Make Learning Easier
In this part of the course students can learn to use mind maps to study and make excellent, visual revision notes with images, video and even sound files. You can then access your mind maps study on your phone anywhere, anytime.
Making Studying Easier: Technology to Make Learning Easier
To allow students to make the most of these learning tools we also examine some fundamental IT skills including touch-typing and file management. Resources to help teachers to share their teaching and learning materials digitally are also included to allow students to utilise technology for to make their learning easier.
Click here to get started exploring this course/resource: Free Technology to Make Learning Easier
Please contact Deirdre Madden if you have any queries: deirdre.madden@ucc.ie
Sincere thanks to the SOAR Project for funding. Created by UCC’s Disability Support Service.
Deirdre also runs online training for teachers and SNAs with the Cork Education Support Centre to help TEACHERS AND SNAs to get to grips with this resource. Please click here to view the CESC training calendar and book the training of interest to you.