At a recent dyslexia fair at Bell House, Dulwich, we demonstrated our software and presented to a crowded room full with teachers, sencos and parents. Additionally, we engaged with over 400 parents during the course of the day.
It was also nice to catch up with fellow speaker, Helen Boden – CEO of the British Dyslexia Association, who have assured our typing course and to which we are members.
The day and presentation re-iterated just why KAZ is successfully addressing and meeting the challenges of individuals with SEND. Parents and individuals were overwhelmed with the variety of software and support available and were reassured that it really was possible to ‘level the playing field’ for both themselves and their children.
What impressed so much was:
1. The course builds self confidence – which many children and adults lack.
2. Sencos and teachers really liked the course layout, which allows students to learn in short sessions.
3. The course does not overload the working memory.
4. Students are not penalised for making mistakes during learning. It is understood that learning through mistakes is important, otherwise dis-interest soon follows.
5. Sencos were really pleased that the child does not need to collect bonus points, badges or attain a particular typing speed to progress. This was outlined as a major deterrent and yet another hurdle / obstacle that the child had to contend with.
6. Only real words were used in all the learning modules and their repetition developed muscle memory and engrained spelling.
7. The course was delivered in a light-hearted, friendly but non childish manner. The absence of gaming was surprisingly and specifically applauded, as it ensured that focus was on learning typing skills.
8. Price – one of the most affordable SEND technologies available, which will undoubtably provide students with a portable ‘life skill’ they can take forward with them.
9. Sub-conscious typing as opposed to two fingered ‘hunt and pecking’ was understood. The analogy of driving all day in first or second gear irrespective of town or motorway really hit home. Parents could not understand why typing is not compulsory. We have written to the Minister of Education.
10. Our ©preference screen, minimising visual disturbance, brought aaahs, wows and hand clapping’!
A tutor with an OCR Level 5 Diploma in teaching learners with Dyslexia/Specific learning difficulties said that her colleague, a dyslexia expert was currently using our course in class, with huge success and was aware that it was based on neurolinguistic learning principles. A method of learning engaging sight, sound and touch simultaenously, which is why it is so effective.
Thank you – we couldn’t have put it better ourselves!