From Classroom to Caregiving: Technology as a Tool for Special Educational Needs Inclusion, a Case Study

Abstract

Besides teachers, caregivers also play a key role in the inclusion of SEN (special educational needs) learners, especially in the case of children, for example, by helping them with their homework. Just as it can support teachers, technology can empower caregivers; however, little, if anything, is known about how caregivers do or can use technologies. To begin to fill this gap, this paper reports on the case of a caregiver, Laura, grappling with integrating technology, for instance, text-to-speech or word processing, to help her 10-year dyslexic and ADHD (dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) son with his English homework. Findings reveal that her beliefs and knowledge of her son’s condition determine how she uses the different tools and that her attitude is proactive and pragmatic in that she takes from the solutions proposed by the expert what she finds most useful for working on the aspects that interest her. Implications for further research and teaching are discussed, particularly with regard to the role of SEN and technology-savvy teachers in parent training.