Development of a Mobile-Optimised Website to Support Students With Special Needs Transitioning From Primary to Secondary Settings

Abstract

With an increasing number of students with special needs being included in regular classroom environments, consideration of, and planning for, a smooth transition between different school settings is important for parents, classroom teachers and school administrators. The transition between primary and secondary school can be difficult for students with special needs, particularly in the areas of organisation and social interaction. Technology can be used to assist students to make this transition more effectively and may work to minimise any difficulties involved in the transition. In this article the authors describe transition considerations, and technology use for students with special needs and how technology may be used to address transition issues. The authors conclude by detailing the initial development process of a mobile-optimised website to support students with special needs who are transitioning from a primary to secondary environment in an Australian context. Future directions for the use of the website are explored.

Guidelines for designing middle-school transition using universal design for learning principles

“…The secondary school environment is vastly different from that of the primary school in countries such as Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom. It is these differences that make the adjustment particularly difficult for some students, including those from diverse backgrounds or who have disabilities (Chambers & Coffey, 2013). Importantly, this change occurs during the years of puberty which also present physical, emotional, social and intellectual challenges for the young adolescent.…”

Education Organization Models that Enhance the Success of Students with Special Needs

“…Researchers [5] studied the development of a mobile application that would support students with special needs in their transition from primary to secondary school. It is designed so that children with special difficulties from all backgrounds can have access to it.…”