Technology makes things possible: Improving the abilities of children with special needs

Speaker

• Sigal Eden, Bar-Ilan University (Israel)

Scientific Coordinator: Massimo Zancanaro

Abstract

Children with special needs encounter both strengths and obstacles across various aspects of their life. Educators and therapists strive to foster development in cognitive, linguistic, social-emotional, and academic domains through diverse methods. This presentation highlights one potential way for supporting this population: assistive technology.
The presentation will focus on two studies, that will demonstrate the unique added value of technology in enhancing specific abilities within two distinct populations. The first study investigates whether metacognitive skills, incorporated into a technological intervention, can enhance eye contact among children with autism. The second study explores the impact of robot programming on an intervention designed to promote spatial language and skills among preschool children who are at risk for specific learning disabilities.

Short Bio

Sigal Eden, PhD. is an Associate Professor and the Head of the Special Education Program at the Faculty of Education in Bar Ilan University. Her BA is in Education for Hearing-Impaired, and MA and PhD in Communication and Technology in Education. Until recently, she served 4 years as Vice Dean at the Faculty of Education. She is also the R&D manager of the Technological Center for Children with Special Needs in Bar-Ilan, and the President of IACEP (International Association for Cognitive Education and Psychology).Prof. Eden specialized in educational technology, and her areas of interest include cognitive and lingual enhancement of children with special needs via technology; learning environments integrating advanced technology; and cyberbullying.