Catering for individual students who find it hard to engage in a traditional school environment can be difficult for overstretched schools. There are several organisations out there designed to help with just this problem, helping to engage pupils and therefore avoid increasing disinterest which can lead to truancy and drop-outs.

For example, Pembrokeshire College’s mLearning project uses PDAs to allow pupils to communicate with the tutors in a more flexible way. Drawn in by the gadget, pupils take part but benefit from the one-to-one time that comes with this programme.

Other initiatives currently using technology to further engage pupils are Notschool.net, Edge’s Learner Forum and a number of projects from Rathbone, the voluntary youth sector organisation.

The key to all the projects mentioned here is recognising learner voice. Jean Johnson, Chief Executive of the Inclusion Trust which runs Notschool.net sums it up perfectly by saying: “We take a lot of notice of the kids and what they tell us…we really try to listen to what they say.”

For a more in-depth discussion of the support that is available to re-engage disengaged learners, and the technology that could help to do this, see the latest issue of VISION magazine.

Related handbooks:

Using digital technologies to promote inclusive practices in education

Curriculum and teaching innovation

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