Inclusive Classroom and Assistive Technologies

INCLUSIVE CLASSROOM AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES

Introduction and Description

This course offers an in-depth and critically informed examination of Assistive Technologies (AT) as a central pillar in the development of equitable, inclusive and pedagogically responsive learning environments. Positioned at the intersection of inclusive education, educational technology and contemporary learning sciences, the programme adopts a theoretically grounded yet practice-oriented approach to understanding how AT can transform learning pathways for students with diverse cognitive, sensory, behavioural, linguistic and socio-emotional characteristics. Drawing on the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), culturally responsive pedagogy and current research on learner variability, the course interrogates the systemic, institutional and pedagogical conditions that enable AT to function not merely as compensatory tools, but as agents of participation, autonomy and empowerment.

Participants engage with a wide spectrum of AT—from low-tech visual supports and universally accessible digital design to high-tech text-to-speech engines, AAC systems, robotics and switch-accessible interfaces—situating each within a broader theoretical discourse on multimodal learning, neurodiversity, accessibility and inclusive instructional design. Through sustained hands-on experimentation, iterative design thinking processes and collaborative problem-solving, participants develop the capacity to critically interpret learner profiles, diagnose barriers to engagement, and design pedagogical responses that integrate AT meaningfully, ethically and sustainably.

Furthermore, the course encourages participants to consider the socio-cultural and ethical dimensions of AT deployment, including issues of learner agency, digital equity, data privacy, and the professional responsibilities of educators in technology-mediated inclusion. By engaging with case studies, reflective inquiry tasks and cross-national examples of inclusive innovation, participants cultivate the professional judgement required to embed AT within whole-school inclusion strategies and European collaborative initiatives such as eTwinning. Ultimately, the course aims to develop reflective practitioners who can harness the transformative potential of AT to reimagine participation, representation and expression within diverse educational ecologies.

Outcomes

Broadening the understanding of inclusive learning environment.
Developing critical thinking, creativity and innovation using information and communication technology.
Developing computational thinking.
Ability to use ICT and robotics to support learners in inclusive settings
Acquisition of the key principles of inclusive education.
Acquisition of positive and practical strategies for inclusion and intervention in classroom management.
Ability to attend to students differences and diversity by using assistive
technologies.
Ability to make the class more inclusive by use of digital game-based learning.
Improving English fluency (official language of the course).
Promoting intercultural awareness.
Sharing experiences of inclusive education and the use of assistive technologies in education from different perpectives in order to help each of us to be more effective in our work.
Developing the online collaboration platform for preparation, dissemination and networking in order to develop future partnerships and projects.
Strengthening the European collaboration among people involved in inclusive education and the use of assistive technologies in different contexts.
Providing insights into different education systems.

Preparation

After registration participants will receive pre-course questionnaire which will be used by the trainer to learn about participants’ teaching backgrounds and to assess their exact needs. Before the beginning of the course a basic reading list will be suggested to participants to prepare for the training. Participants will also be asked to prepare a presentation about themselves, their professional context and their culture. The presentation will be presented on the first day of the course to facilitate networking opportunities. Participants will receive information about the country they are going to visit in order to prepare them for their cultural experience.

5 days programme (25 hours)

course sessions (Monday to Friday)

Introduction of participants, outline of the programme, warm-ups and ice breakers
Overview of basic inclusive classroom strategies
Effective Teaching Strategies for Special Education
Multicultural education
Collaborative learning strategies
Assistive Technologies
Robotics in inclusive education with Makey Makey
Inclusive education through digital escape rooms
Inclusion and assistive technologies in eTwinning projects
Individual support
Presentation of outcomes, discussion, evaluation and closing session

cultural and social programme

Teambilding and networking activities
City tour or a cultural trip

Follow up

After the course participants will be asked to share what they have learned with the rest of the staff in their schools. Further books and articles to deepen the topic and contacts with some other practitioners all over Europe and in the world will be suggested by the trainer. The methods shared and explored and the bibliography given will allow the participants to complete and improve their educational path.

5 DAYS PROGRAMME (400 €) DOWNLOAD

CERTIFICATE

Each participant will get a course attendance certificate and we will validate the acquired competences on the Europass Mobility upon request. Please note that we have a paperless policy and all the documents will be delivered in digital form.

COURSE FEE

The course fee is 80 € per day. It includes tuition and materials, cultural and social programme, support in preparation and all the administrative work. There are no additional costs or hidden fees. After registration, you will receive a pro-forma invoice which you will have to pay by bank transaction. You will receive the invoice after you attend the course.

SUBSISTENCE

The course fee doesn't include accommodation and meals and participants are responsible to organize them on their own. In some locations we might be able to recommend or organize subsistence for you. Please don't hesitate to contact us to inquire about any specific location.

REGISTRATION

You can submit a non-biding registration and we will reserve a place for you until you are ready to confirm your participation. cancellations are free until you pay the course fee.