AEN Information Sheet Ten: ICT as an aid to learning for children with Down’s Syndrome

Research has shown that children with Down’s Syndrome learn better from a range of stimuli, including visual, than just from spoken input. Many have an intermittent hearing loss and benefit from the sound capability of the modern multimedia computer. Computers offer the child the opportunity to take control of the learning process, which can be particularly rewarding for a child who is rarely in control of their day-to-day life. Since many children with Down’s Syndrome are able to use computers in the same way as their peers, this supports effective inclusion in mainstream classrooms.

Computers can

Sustain a child’s interest for longer periods.
Offer a highly organised environment in which children can learn at their own pace and consolidate learning.
Be adapted to meet access requirements.
Support access to differentiated work.
Boost self-esteem by enhancing appearance and accuracy of a piece of work.
Support the development of independence.
Help overcome specific difficulties such as fine motor control for handwriting and drawing.

Pre-School and Early Years

Many educational packages are useful in breaking down tasks to their basic components, building confidence and targeting specific skills in the early years.

Suggestions:

Cognitive software - using ‘space bar’ and ‘return’ keys – Switch suite (Inclusive Technology) Blob (Widgit)
Early reading and language - Speaking for Myself (Topologika) (Teaches reading to teach talking, acts as an introduction to the use of signing and symbols and acts as a bridge to the spoken and written word). ‘Jemima’ songs and rhymes (Inclusive Technology)
Mouse use /training - Foundation mouse skills (E-soft), Living books (Broderbund).

Primary/Secondary

For children with Down’s Syndrome, visual is good. Thus programmes such as ‘Animated Alphabet’, ‘Number Pics’ and ‘Alpha Pics’ are ideal in supporting learning.

Talking wordprocessor - My First words (RM) Pages (Semerc) Talk Write(Resource) Textease (Softease) Inclusive Writer(Inclusive Technology)
Reading support - Living books (Broderbund) Talking books (Sherston) Wellington Square (Semerc)
Spelling - Starspell 2000 (Fisher Mariot) Wordshark (White Space) Sounds and Rhymes (Xavier) Gamz 2 (Inclusive Technology)
Memory Training - Mastering memory (CALSC)
Numeracy - Numbershark (White Space) Number tiles (Topologika) Talking Mathsbook (Topologika)
Keyboard Training - First Keys (Widgit) Type to Learn (TAG) Speedy Keys (Semerc)