The educational assistive technologist module (AC52051)

In this module, you will learn about the Educational Assistive Technology (EduAT) competency framework. You will also see how to carry out a gap analysis, which is a way of spotting where skills or support may be missing. You will also look at why the EduAT role has been defined in its current form, and how it draws on elements from computing, health, and education.

The Educational Assistive Technologist (EduAT) is a new and developing professional role. People in these posts work alongside other professionals to make sure Assistive Technology (AT) is properly assessed, provided, and supported for those who need it.

The EduAT programme team has worked with partners in the sector, including the Natspec TechAbility team. Together they have helped define the role of the Assistive Technologist. This definition is now published on the ESCO (European Standards Competencies and Occupations) database.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn the origins of EduAT and how it has evolved to the present day
• evaluate the AT competency framework
• understand the key cross-disciplinary skills required of someone in the EduAT role

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• evidence which structures work and do not work in terms of the assessment, provisioning and ongoing support of AT in educational organisations
• discuss the key role tasks and responsibilities of the EduAT in a number of working scenarios

Assignments / assessment

• Essay (50%)
  • Reflecting on the Educational Assistive Technologist role
• Essay (50%)
  • Description of Assistive Technology practice in context
• This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

You will learn by taking a hands-on approach. This will involve taking part in lectures and tutorials.

• Lectures
  • Presentations and discussions of various assistive technologist role contexts
• Tutorials
  • Opportunities for you to explore your own working context and to learn from the context of others

Support during these sessions is provided by Dundee academic staff, guest lecturers active in the field, and PhD tutors.

Example weekly outline

• Week 1: EduAT skills assessment mapping
• Week 2: Defining the EduAT
• Week 3: Background to EduAT MSc development
• Week 4: National AT Policy Context / DfE AT literature review
• Week 5: The EduAT competency framework
• Week 6: Locating the AT role in an organisational structure
• Week 7: Examination of peers working context and differential analysis
• Week 8: Students presentations week 1
• Week 9: Students presentations week 2
• Week 10: Assessment prep seminar (optional session)