Background: Distance learning and communication is crucial in maintaining continuity in education and in social-emotional processes for children who, due to medical conditions, must stay at home or in the hospital for extended periods. In such a situation ICT (Information and communication technologies) may have a significant role. However, mere use of technology in education does not ensure quality in process or outcome. Guided by educational theory, educational factors must always be taken into account and should direct technology choices. Purpose of study: To investigate how Key educational factors are addressed in hospital and home education and how ICT can help provide better opportunities for education. Method: A set of Focus Groups was held in 5 countries (Belgium, Egypt, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom). Participants where: a. doctors and medical staff; b. hospital and home tuition teachers. During the focus groups participants where asked: a. to comment on key educational factors derived from psychological and educational literature; b. to address potential problems in the implementation of those factors with children with a medical condition; c. to suggest and comment of the use of ICT as a mean to support key educational processes. Results Practical use and potential problems associated with ICT solutions for the education of children with a medical condition have been assessed. Key problems such as privacy, synchronous communication scheduling, matching school and medical therapies, emotional isolation and creating meaningful learning opportunities have been discussed. A list of recommendations for the best use of ICT for children with a medical condition have emerged. Conclusions: ICT do not always represent the best mean for the provision of education and to ensure meaningful social relationships. However, ICT offer a wide range of different solutions. Situations which can best benefit from the use of ICT have been outlined. Alternative possible communication solution are presented.
Creating meaningful learning for children with a medical condtion: Key educational factors and related ICT solutions
CAPURSO, Michele;DENNIS, JOHN LAWRENCE
2014
Abstract
Background: Distance learning and communication is crucial in maintaining continuity in education and in social-emotional processes for children who, due to medical conditions, must stay at home or in the hospital for extended periods. In such a situation ICT (Information and communication technologies) may have a significant role. However, mere use of technology in education does not ensure quality in process or outcome. Guided by educational theory, educational factors must always be taken into account and should direct technology choices. Purpose of study: To investigate how Key educational factors are addressed in hospital and home education and how ICT can help provide better opportunities for education. Method: A set of Focus Groups was held in 5 countries (Belgium, Egypt, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom). Participants where: a. doctors and medical staff; b. hospital and home tuition teachers. During the focus groups participants where asked: a. to comment on key educational factors derived from psychological and educational literature; b. to address potential problems in the implementation of those factors with children with a medical condition; c. to suggest and comment of the use of ICT as a mean to support key educational processes. Results Practical use and potential problems associated with ICT solutions for the education of children with a medical condition have been assessed. Key problems such as privacy, synchronous communication scheduling, matching school and medical therapies, emotional isolation and creating meaningful learning opportunities have been discussed. A list of recommendations for the best use of ICT for children with a medical condition have emerged. Conclusions: ICT do not always represent the best mean for the provision of education and to ensure meaningful social relationships. However, ICT offer a wide range of different solutions. Situations which can best benefit from the use of ICT have been outlined. Alternative possible communication solution are presented.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
