Alistair McNaught
My blog posts
Minimising pain, maximising gain: top tips for supporting learners affected by DSA changes
One of the key impacts of the changes will be the removal of support for readers, scribes, proofreaders, study assistants, note-takers etc. It's the government... >>
The textbook challenge: supporting literacy through technology
Podcast Listen to the accompanying podcast . Play audio Visiting Syria in 2009, a young man practicing his English on me said how appreciative he was to... >>
Take advantage of digital exam formats for print-impaired learners
When you put that in a learning context, that’s a whole lot of people who aren’t able to comfortably access educational resources in the traditional way. And... >>
Role
My role is to advise on how organisations can use technology to maximise accessibility. This involves best practice in supporting disabled learners but it also involves creating better experiences for all learners - and indeed staff.
I have a particular interest in helping join together the elements that go to create an accessible learning experience, working with a range of stakeholders from publishers to content creators, teaching staff, library staff, student support and IT teams.
Key parts of my work include supporting practice and policy in a wide range of sectors so that as organisations use technology more they maximise accessibility benefits, minimise the barriers and help develop more independent resourceful learners.
Background
I spent 20 years in the classroom as a geography teacher, four years in full time staff development and then 10 years with Jisc TechDis prior to my current role.
My interest in technology was purely functional: how could I provide increased independence for learners, more engagement and better skills development.
My prime interest is in good teaching and learning practices.
I am currently studying for MA in writing for children to tie in with a wide range of outside work interests.
My hobby interests mainly hinge around being outdoors, being creative and being curious.
Expertise
Media coverage
DSA changes - short term purgatory for long term paradise?
CILIP, February 2016