Georgina Durrant on using EdTech to support speech, language and communication. With such a wealth of resources at our fingertips, we should use it.
When SLCN goes unsupported, the effects can ripple through every aspect of a child’s life, impacting their ability to learn, form friendships and build confidence. With upcoming SEND reforms and the focus shifting toward equipping teachers with the skills and knowledge to meet the diverse needs of children in mainstream settings, it’s essential that we rise to the challenge. Supporting children with SLCN requires a multifaceted approach, and technology offers us an incredible opportunity to enhance and transform the way we provide that support.
SLCN encompasses a broad range of difficulties related to speech, language and communication. These challenges can affect a child’s ability to understand what is being said to them (receptive language), communicate thoughts and ideas (expressive language), or interact socially. For some, this might mean difficulty forming clear speech sounds, while for others it could involve struggles with understanding complex instructions or navigating complex social situations. The impact of unsupported SLCN can be profound. Children are affected academically, because there is a strong link between speech and language skills and success in reading and writing. Socially, they may face barriers in forming and maintaining friendships or understanding social cues, leading to low self-esteem. This underscores the vital importance of early identification and timely support to help these children thrive.
For children with SLCN, technology offers tools that can enhance accessibility, boost independence and support communication in ways we never thought possible. Technology can provide visual support, such as symbols and pictorial aids, to help children understand and express themselves. Apps and software that use speech-to-text or text-to-speech features can empower students to communicate their needs more independently. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices have been transformative for non-speaking learners, enabling them to share their thoughts, feelings, needs and ideas.
Technology also fosters independence by reducing reliance on adult support, allowing children to navigate their learning journey with confidence. A teacher recording the whole-class instruction on a Talking Tin enables a learner with receptive language difficulties to play it back later to remind themselves of the instruction. Technology can also improve engagement and bring lessons to life, such as an interactive Colourful Semantics activity on the whiteboard.
Schools play a central role in supporting children with SLCN, but the need for support with speech, language and communication skills doesn’t stop at the school gates. Building strong partnerships with families and sharing good practice is key to consistent high-quality support. With more children arriving in schools with speech, language and communication needs, to put them at the heart of education, we have a responsibility to act. Technology is not just a tool—it’s a game changer, a key to independence. Let’s use it to empower children and young people.