Empowering Neurodiverse Learners: SMART Technologies’ Innovative Edtech Solutions

From June 23-26, over 15,000 educators attended the annual ISTELive conference in Denver Colorado.  This year, I had the privilege of speaking with Katie Novak from the SMART Technologies team to learn more about how SMART is making sure that their products and applications were created in a way that made learning available to all students. This conversation opened my eyes to the company’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). It’s not every day that you come across a team so dedicated to empowering every student, especially those who learn differently. Here’s what I learned from our discussion.

Understanding Neurodiversity in the Classroom

The Spectrum of Learning

Neurodiversity is the garden in which every type of learner blooms. It includes a rich spectrum of neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia. Traditional classrooms, with their one-size-fits-all approach, often overlook these unique flowers, leaving them without the right soil to grow. It’s time we cultivate an educational landscape that allows every student to thrive.

Pioneering Research for Inclusive Education

Breaking New Ground with Global Research

In a groundbreaking collaboration with the University of Melbourne, SMART Technologies is sowing the seeds of understanding through research. They’re not just studying textbooks; they’re learning from the lived experiences of students with autism and ADHD. This research is a beacon of hope, shining a light on the tools and techniques that can help neurodivergent learners flourish.

The Inclusive Classroom Bundle – A Game Changer for Educators

A New Era of Interactive Learning

SMART Technologies is thrilled to unveil the Inclusive Classroom Bundle at ISTE 2024, a comprehensive solution designed to support all learners and their diverse needs. This innovative Edtech bundle includes:

• A SMART Board® RX Series: The most advanced interactive display designed to enhance learning and engage students. It comes with options like a multi-colored stylus, an embedded experience to engage students and save teachers time, unique student device integration, and security. Plus, the Inclusive Classroom Bundle includes a SMART Assure Warranty for 7 years.
• Customizable Tool Explorer Stamps: Versatile stamps that can be tailored to imprint words, images, AAC symbols, and more onto the interactive display. These stamps merge the digital and physical worlds, allowing students to interact with content in a more immersive and participative way.
• Lumio Spark Plan Subscription: An engaging web-based tool that provides multimodal learning experiences, supporting various learning preferences and styles.
• Optional Height Adjustable Stand: Delivers interactive learning to the student’s level. SMART stands are fully UL-listed, meeting robust standards for safety and stability.

These tools collectively enable students to engage and participate in learning activities without relying solely on spoken or written language. With features from student pacing to instructional audio, the Inclusive Classroom Bundle offers diverse methods for students to interact with educational content.

Tool Explorer Stamps and Lumio Spark Plan – Engaging Every Learner

Bridging Digital and Tactile Learning

The Tool Explorer Stamps and Lumio Spark Plan are integral parts of the Inclusive Classroom Bundle, offering a masterpiece of engagement, understanding, and joy.

Lumio – The Award-Winning Learning Platform

Transforming Education Through Engagement

At ISTELive 2024, Lumio by SMART Technologies didn’t just capture the Best of Show award; it captured the hearts of educators. It’s a platform where learning is not just seen or heard but felt. It’s where teachers become conductors of an orchestra of curiosity, and students play the symphony of discovery.

Bringing Technology to the Forefront of Education

Elevating Every Learner

The journey of inclusivity doesn’t end with interactive displays. The height-adjustable stands from SMART Technologies ensure that every student, no matter their height, can access the magic of learning. It’s a commitment to meet every student where they are, lifting them to new heights of understanding and achievement.

Conclusion

With SMART Technologies, the future of education is not just bright; it’s brilliant. It’s a future where every student finds their place, every teacher finds their purpose, and every classroom becomes a sanctuary of exploration and growth. Let’s step into this future together, hand in hand, for the sake of every brilliant, neurodiverse mind in our care.

About SMART Technologies

For over three decades, SMART Technologies has been a pioneer in interactive technology solutions. Renowned for the iconic SMART Board® interactive displays and comprehensive software offerings, our mission has been to create connections that matter. We’re not just building products; we’re building bridges—bridges to a world where learning is engaging, collaborative, and, most importantly, inclusive.

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