On an equal footing

Technology can be integrated with education to ensure that those with learning disabilities are not left behind

Kshama (name changed), 11, isn’t fond of reading. Not even the most well-crafted stories, with intriguing plot-twists can hold her attention for more than a few minutes. Her writing is riddled with spelling and grammatical errors, her vocabulary isn’t up to the mark, and her teachers dismissed her as lazy and unfocused. But the actual problem was dyslexia, a learning disorder that affects around 15% school-goers, according to the Dyslexia Association of India.

This was one of the reasons that Andy Butler helped found Square Panda. “My interest in education stemmed from the challenges I faced while finding the right learning resources for my dyslexic daughter. So, I explored not just dyslexia, but also expert literature on the neurology of reading, early learning, and language skill acquisition. Technology is a powerful lever. By providing customised learning curriculum that addresses learners’ individual needs and styles, it can assist learners realise their full potential,” says the co-founder and CEO of Square Panda, an English learning system.

Often, slow learners and those with learning disabilities are left behind in the learning process. Butler believes that this can be overcome by utilising technology, “The 21st century classroom is decentralised and democratised, and people are witness to its benefits. Undeniably, the biggest beneficiaries are students who require additional support.”