Meeting the diverse learning needs of students who struggle with literacy in the classroom presents challenges to the busy teacher. This workshop will examine how the emerging iPad and other mobile (m-learning) tools, together with the integration of apps in learning programs, can assist teachers in providing curriculum modifications and adaptations to meet the individual differences and diverse learning needs of students. In particular, the principles of differentiated instruction and universal design for learning will be examined to support the learning and curriculum access for all students. Practical examples of applying these principles using assistive apps for literacy support will be explored. A review of the emerging assistive technology research points to the benefits of the key features of these technologies, including text to speech, voice recognition, word prediction, mobile learning and alternative digital formats. A comprehensive list of apps for literacy support will be demonstrated and provided to workshop participants.

Greg O’Connor has been actively involved in supporting the learning of people with diverse learning needs for 29 years. During this time he has worked as a classroom teacher, school executive, district consultant and regional manager with the New South Wales Department of Education and Training. Greg’s areas of interest and expertise include supporting people with complex needs, challenging behaviours and autism, and literacy support technologies for people with learning disabilities. He is passionately committed to the use of assistive and instructional technologies to support the learning of ALL students in school and post school settings. Greg is the Education Services Manager at Spectronics.