Addressing the Diverse Learning Needs of Students in Rural Schools with the Help of ICT

Employing Technologies to Engage Students with Diverse Needs in Rural School Communities. By Charles Forlin and Graeme Lock

Inclusivity in the classroom and ICT's role in achieving this is the primary focus of this paper. It looks at a study examining the technologies being used in four rural schools in Western Australia and the positives and concerns surrounding their use. All schools are isolated, including students with diverse needs as no special education schools exist in the locales. The paper begins by briefly discussing ICT use for students in general and for special needs students across Australia, concentrating on Western Australia. It also examines the various funding initiatives aimed at increasing technology use in schools, and notes a growing focus on recognising and supporting ICT's role in educating those with special needs.

The study's results show that the issues of technical support within schools, appropriate use of funds, teacher knowledge and technical problems such as power outages are the primary concerns. Funding was found to be sufficient. The overall conclusion is that ICT is greatly supporting enhanced inclusivity and educational outcomes for students with a wide range of needs and being used in an intelligent and appropriate way in most cases. If attention can be given to addressing the problems and impediments that still exist, even more effective and rewarding results can be obtained. The authors warn, however, that these positive outcomes cannot be fully achieved without continued and improved staff support and better technical maintenance.

This paper confirmed once again the benefits of using ICT in the classroom in general, particularly for students with special needs. It was encouraging to read that there has been recognition by the government that ICT for special needs students is an important issue, although from my research it seems that more emphasis on ICT and specific funding would be very positive.

Forlin, C., Lock, G.(2005) Employing Technologies to Engage Students with Diverse Needs in Rural School Communities. Retrieved from http://ajte.education.ecu.edu.au/issues/PDF/311/Forlin.pdf