Dyslexic students in english language classes

Porject specificiations

Project title: Provision and Use of Information Technology with Adult Dyslexic Students in University in Europe
Reference number: 101100-CP-1-2002-1-UK-MINERVA-M
Name of Coordinator: Dr Ian Smythe
Partner countries: Hungary, Greece, Romania, Sweden, UK and Wales. Contributors: Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, France, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Japan, Poland, Romania, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, United States, Wales.
Internet site of project: www.welshdyslexia.info/minerva/

Objectives of project

The objectives of the project are 1) to find out what assistive technology is being used by the dyslexic individuals at university or other higher education institution, 2) to evaluate the effectiveness of assistive technology, and 3) identify what is not available in the languages under review. Furthermore, policies which allow students to fully utilise the technology and financial assistance will be scrutinised for effectiveness, comparisons, and response to EU and national legislation and directives. This report is a summary of the findings. Specific recommendations are outlined in a separate report.

Types of activities

The methods include sampling policies (e.g. government legislation, institution policies and tutor guidelines where available), interviews and questionnaires with all relevant parties. Software will also be reviewed in terms of availability and usefulness. The information and materials gathered will be evaluated by an international panel including user groups.

Target groups

The principle target group is the dyslexic individual, who constitute up to ten percent of the university population, but the project will also help those whose first language is not the language of tuition.

Evaluation/ dissemination strategies

The principal evaluation strategy involves implementation of a pilot study based on the finding of the project, verifying that the recommendations can be implemented across diverse European environments.
Internal and external reviews have been solicited from outside the project’s user groups, including appropriate professionals and end users, to provide additional input, recommendations and outcomes. Their feedback will be noted, and modifications to the report made prior to final release.
Dissemination of the information will be in the form of publications, conferences and workshops aimed at decision makers in universities and
government, as well as end users, the students. Ongoing dissemination during the project will be through the dedicated web-site.