Technology for the Education of Children with Special Needs
Ajmer/India
Since 1988, ASED’s partner RMKM has provided comprehensive services in the disability sector, including Inclusive Education, Therapeutic Interventions, Mobility Aids & appliances, Advocacy, and Livelihood through vocational training. Recognizing education as a potent tool for social change, RMKM emphasizes providing quality education to children with special needs (CWSN) to break the cycle of poverty and exclusion.
RMKM discovered that technology offered a diverse range of learning opportunities and approaches that engage, instruct, and support special education students effectively. Innovative ways were explored to facilitate remote learning, such as the use of smartphones to enhance classroom teaching. Integrating technology in special education emerged as a promising avenue to enhance inclusivity, engagement, and learning outcomes for all students.
It was thus decided to equip the classrooms of three locations with Smart Boards.
Three smart panels were installed at the Minu School Chachiyawas Ajmer in February and March 2024. These panels were specifically designated for use in classes 1, 3, and 8, which are all-inclusive classrooms. Extramarks, known for its expertise in providing Smart Boards and software solutions, facilitated the entire installation process. Teachers received comprehensive training in the utilization of the Boards, equipping them with the necessary skills to effectively integrate technology into their teaching methodologies. Since April 2024, two new interactive whiteboards have been installed, one at the Sanjay Inclusive School in Beawar and the other at the Adwait Early Intervention Centre in Ajmer. In addition, three laptops have been provided to teachers in these schools: two in Beawar and one in Minu School.
Teachers have observed that in classes where the Smart Boards have been installed, there have already been positive impacts on student engagement and learning. In Grade I, for example, Mr. Hardayal Singh found it easier to engage all children, including those with hearing impairments, using sign language alongside instructional content on the board. In Grade VIII, Ms. Manju Sharma highlighted the revolutionary impact of the Smart Boards on teaching patterns: she now plans to incorporate additional activities developed by RMKM into virtual versions for enhanced academic material. Advanced training sessions were led by specialists. These enabled teachers to master the functionalities of Smart Boards through hands-on practice: using multimedia content, creating interactive lessons, and strategies to improve the participation of children with special needs.
First results: Overall, the integration of Smart Boards and laptops has notably enriched the learning environment for Children With Special Needs (CWSNs), making education more interactive, engaging, and adapted to diverse needs. With five Smart Boards and three laptops now in use across three centres, teachers have reported increased student participation, better comprehension, and improved motivation. As the project progresses, RMKM continues to monitor its impact, organize ongoing training, and promote best practices among educators. Future plans include expanding the technological infrastructure and ensuring equitable access through rotation-based use—reinforcing RMKM’s commitment to inclusive, innovative, and effective education for all learners.