Tech Training for 100 Students with Special Needs

The “Inclusive Technology for All (IT4All)” is a technology-based learning initiative for  students with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Students participate in weekly workshops, which challenge them to create and solve technology inspired tasks. By so doing, they develop digital and creative skills and are better prepared for the 21st century information technology-centered society.

IT4ALL is a partnership of the Children’s Developmental Centre (CDC) and the Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC).
 
Objectives:
The IT4All programme seeks to:
1.      Use technology to encourage and direct the creativity of students with developmental and intellectual disabilities and improve their problem solving skills.
2.    Equip teachers and caregivers with the skills and confidence to enhance their regular classroom teaching using digital tools.
 
Participants:
Three classes of students participate in the program at the CDC in Surulere – Lagos:

1. Pre-School:  Children ages 3 – 8 years
2. School:          Children ages 9 – 17 years
3. Adolescent:  Adolescents 18 years and above

 
Programme Highlights and Impact:
    •    Numbers: 15 students participated in IT4ALL
    •    Evaluation: The evaluation commenced in October. The students are evaluated using a checklist designed to assess how well the students can demonstrate the taught principles and techniques.

The evaluation comprised of 2 aspects:
a. Classroom Assessment
b. Testimonials about selected participants (1 per class unit)

In terms of:

• The general use of the computer, i.e. using the mouse to select icons, identifying icons, identify parts of the computer, 58% could do these with no assistance, 16% could do these with some assistance, while 26% were yet to master these skills.
• Identifying special keys on the keyboard, 34.3% could complete these with no assistance, 23.7% could complete it with some assistance, 27% were yet to master this skill, while 15% had not yet been taught.
• Using Microsoft Word to create and edit documents, type letters and numbers, 33% could do it with no assistance, 12% could complete it with some assistance, 28% were yet to master these skills, while 27% had not yet been taught.

Links:

• Visit to the students of the programme by corporate volunteers