Author: Ross Chrichton | Based on case studies by: Chaavus Nicoline J (Cameroon), Geoffrey Makau Mutungi (Kenya), Teshale Alemu Gebremeskel (Ethiopia), Oluchi Francis-Uko (Nigeria) – from Teaching and learning with technology in Sub-Saharan Africa: Case studies of practice (British Council) | Published on 9 March 2026
Question: How can technology help make lessons more accessible for learners with different needs and learning speeds?
Answer: By using different styles of input and simple tools that allow learners to access content in more than one way.
Teachers can use low-tech and digital tools to support learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Presenting content in different formats, repeating key ideas, sharing materials before class and encouraging peer support helps everyone participate fully and improves learning for the whole class.
Recommendations:
- Present content in more than one way using short videos, audio, posters, captions or written steps.
- Share slides or short recordings before or after lessons (e.g. via WhatsApp) so learners can prepare and review at their own pace.
- Repeat key points out loud and use clear written or spoken instructions to support visually impaired learners and those who need more processing time.
- Use captions, sign-supported videos or interpreters to support hearing-impaired learners in both online and in-person lessons.
- Keep routines simple and predictable, and clarify difficult ideas in the learners’ home languages when helpful.
- Use mixed-ability groups so learners can help each other with reading, writing or understanding tasks.
- Ensure SEND learners have chances to lead as well as just participate.
- Offer multiple ways for learners to respond – speaking, audio recording, writing, drawing or using braille.
Key takeaways:
- Repetition, captions and multiple modes of input increase access for all learners.
- Simple tools – digital or low-tech – make participation possible for visually and hearing-impaired learners.
- Inclusive routines help SEND learners engage confidently while also benefiting the whole class.