Computing Curriculum and inclusion of SEN Pupils:

 







According to the Department for Education’s report of 2018, about 14.6% of students in mainstream schools in England are students with special educational needs (SEN). A child or young person (0-25 years old) has special educational needs (SEN) “if he or she has a learning difficulty or disability which calls for special educational provision to be made for him or her” (Department for Education, 2015:15).

 

A number of studies have revealed that, there are some challenges faced when teaching certain elements of the computing curriculum to SEN pupils.  In a 2017 study on teaching computing in special education needs settings in England, 71% of respondents mentioned ‘lack of SEND teaching resources’ as one of the main barriers to teaching computing in schools (Elliott, 2017).








Source: Elliott (2017),

Strategies for teaching Computer Science to SEND pupils:

A number of strategies to enable inclusion of SEN pupils can be used when teaching computer science lessons. Some of these strategies include using: 

• Unplugged activities. 

• Physical computing.

• Personalised, relevant context.


Unplugged activities:

Computer Science Unplugged involves a collection of activities designed to aid the teaching and learning of computer science through engaging games and puzzles using cards, string, crayons and running around. 











Using unplugged activities, makes it easier to explain concepts involved for example in programming and computational thinking through physical representation. The learner can easily view and ask questions during the activities.

Physical Computing:

Physical computing is an engaging alternative to screen-only activity and involves programming digital devices such as floor robots (Bee-Bots), to sense and interact with people.















Teaching Resources:

The following links can be used to access some resources  for computer science unplugged and physical activities.

Dance Move Algorithms (SEND)
Dance Moves Algorithms | Resources | Barefoot Computing 

physical-computing short course


Scratch:

This is a free app free programming language and online community where one can create interactive stories, games, and animations. Children progress from block-based programming (easier to understand)to the textual environment EduBlocks





















References:
Department for Education/Department for Heath. (2015) Special educational needs and disability code of practice: 0 to 25 years. [Online] [Accessed on 7th February 2022] https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/398815/SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf

Department for Education/Department for Heath. (2018) Special educational needs in England. [Online] [Accessed on 7th February 2022]
SEN_2018_Text.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Elliott, C. (2017), Computing in Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Settings: the Current Picture in England. Sheffield eLearning Service, [Online] [Accessed on 7th February 2022]
https://cerc.kcl.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/314/2018/06/SEND-Computing-CElliott.pdf 


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