Occupation: Co-Founder
Company: The Dyscalculia Network
Location: London
About business: The Dyscalculia Network helps parents and educators find support for those struggling with all aspects of numeracy. The network was founded because there wasn't the information and resources available online for those dealing with Dyscalculia or maths difficulties.
About expert: Rob has been teaching for 10 years. He has a diploma in Special Educational Needs (OCR 5). He is Head of Maths at Emerson House learning centre and is an experienced Educational Assessor.
1. What's the biggest benefit of online learning vs a traditional classroom setting?
You can reach those pupils in far flung places who need specialist support. The provision of specialist support is not evenly distributed geographically, so online allows access to the most experienced specialist educators from around the country.
2. Should schools and the government pilot a hybrid / remote learning model to allow children to be homeschooled?
A lot of schools have had to provide this flexibility due to the pandemic, which is still ongoing. It's essential that pupils who, for whatever reason, are not accessing school can be taught and continue to keep up with the teaching of the syllabus.
3. How do you think remote schooling could work best / be managed?
We need to make this as simple as possible. In schools there needs to be a single point of contact.
There also needs to be pre-lessons in how to use and access the software online. This should be for parents, pupils and the teachers too. This will ensure that we obtain the maximum benefit from the delivery of these lessons.
4. How do you think digital learning will change the future of education?
It already has! Approximately 20% of our lessons are still delivered online.
5. How can the government help improve digital learning?
Better funding across the board. Also, we need to improve the training about accessing the systems being used from school. The mobile content on sites such as BBC Bitesize help a lot of pupils in mainstream school, but there is a lack of content focused on special educational needs.
6. What advice would you give to your younger self while at school?
Don't be afraid to ask for help if you are struggling with a topic.
7. What was your biggest struggle in school, and how did you overcome it?
At school, I was a very slow reader and didn't enjoy reading books. I was very fortunate to have an experienced, kind and patient English teacher who taught me how to read more quickly and for meaning too. It took a while, with lots of practice reading graduated texts and answering lots of comprehension questions about the text. I now love to read and it helps me to relax after a hard day teaching.
