Promoting Universal Design for Learning Through Digital Assistive Tools in GamesHUB

Abstract

The topic of inclusive education for underrepresented groups in the mainstream education system has long been an issue, mainly because of questions about the modalities and resources used. Today, this matter is much more affordable, thanks to digital technology. Indeed, in an education system that is becoming blended, and in which the computer plays an essential role in the presentation of information, the means are now more varied and the issue of heterogeneity of student profiles can be better addressed. These perspectives relate closely to Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

This article presents a full Web inclusive platform for gamified learning, named GamesHUB. The platform offers special assistance to students with special needs (dyslexic students, L2 speakers, students with language disorders…) through Digital Assistive Tools (DAT) such as text-to-speech, spaced text for dyslexics, high-contrasted display, real-time translation in their native language… The choice of these DAT and their functions will be explained through didactic and psycholinguistic arguments.

GamesHUB platform is developed by the “anonymized laboratory” (Switzerland). It is mainly aimed at primary learning in ordinary classes in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.