Engineering Students at Productivity East, UEA

Specific Learning Differences and Technology Enhanced Learning

Our project aims to enhance and promote digital inclusivity in higher education institutions in the UK HE Sector.

As Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) becomes more prevalent in higher education accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, robust research is becoming necessary to examine its effects on student experiences, particularly those of students with specific learning differences (SpLDs) like dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This highlights the significance of understanding how the evolving landscape of teaching and learning in higher education impacts diverse learners.

Aims and objectives

The project's overall objective is to enhance and promote the development of digital inclusivityWorking in partnership with other higher education institutions, we aim to: 

  • investigate what TEL practices students and their lecturers currently use, and their opinions of them
  • understand how TEL practices impact students’ learning and lecturers’ teaching, both positively and negatively
  • provide recommendations to improve the provision of TEL for all students in Higher Education Institutions.

News and Update

The research team has successfully concluded the initial phase of the project, which involved conducting interviews with both staff and students at a higher education institution. This phase also encompassed thorough data analysis and the production of a comprehensive report focusing on the nature of technology-enhanced learning (TEL) practices by students and staff at the university.


Moving forward, the team has commenced the second phase of the project, which entails collaboration with other institutions in the UK. This phase aims to expand the scope of the research and gather insights from a broader range of higher educational settings. If you are interested in learning more about this project and potentially getting involved, please see the 'Partner with us' section for further information.

Research team and partners

  • Professor Fabio Arico

    Professor Fabio Arico

    Principal Investigator

    Professor of Higher Education and Economics, School of Economics, University of East Anglia

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  • Dr Jeremy Schildt

    Dr Jeremy Schildt

    Principal Investigator

    Head of Learning Enhancement, Library and Learning Enhancement, University of East Anglia

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  • Dr Alexia Achtypi

    Dr Alexia Achtypi

    Honorary Fellow

    Centre for Higher Education Research Practice Policy and Scholarship, University of East Anglia.

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    Dr Abass Isiaka

    Research Associate

    Responsible for identifying and conducting the research with partner institutions

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  • Dr Astrid Coxon

    Dr Astrid Coxon

    Partner

    Psychologist & person-centred counsellor - external advisor of the project

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Specific Learning Differences and Technology Enhanced Learning