PAPER | RPIC37: The challenges with language learning for children with specific learning difficulties (SpLD)

Literacy skills are essential in school. However, language learning is a real challenge for students diagnosed with SpLDs such as Dyslexia and/or Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). A child learns language(s) from the moment h/she is born through his/her immersion into the environment h/she is brought up in. Language and vocabulary is also explicitly taught to the child by parents and when they go to school. However, not every child is able to grasp formal language learning where there are technical aspects to be noted. Hence, this may cause them to struggle with reading comprehension and writing which can lead to low interest and motivation in these tasks. As these children may not fully understand what they read or miss out on accurate grammar in writing, teachers may find it challenging to impart such skills to them. How then can we transform language learning to help these children such that they are able to use them effectively? The use of educational technology (Ed Tech) tools have been proven to level the playing ground for such students as they can support learning and/or bypass a challenging task such as reading or writing. The use of Ed Tech tools can be effective when embedded within quality instructions. Teachers can then find teaching and reviewing language skills more easily maintained with the use of various Ed Tech tools. At the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS), such students are given phonics instructions and explicit teaching of language skills to remediate literacy difficulties. Additionally, teachers are supported on how to teach students with the use of Ed Tech tools together with conventional teaching. The benefits of computer-assisted instruction have led to students' improved classroom performance as feedback given is dynamic and students are able to attempt more practice at home. This paper will highlight 2 case studies on how the use of Ed Tech tools have helped boost students' learning. Data was collected through classroom observations and interactions with teachers. Strategies and suggestions are provided to inspire educators to embrace and adopt the use of Ed Tech tools to bolster learning for such students.