Innovative Learning Technologies for Children With Autism and Special Educational Needs During COVID-19

Abstract

The internet and the latest technological developments promise new and innovative work and learning environments and capabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed the way people work, communicate, and learn. Many traditional infrastructures, such as the internet, have been tested to the fullest extent. Education has faced the most significant challenge as it had to serve people with different needs and backgrounds. Cheap technology solutions combined with increased computing and storage capabilities enable the education system to cope on time. Nevertheless, the need to adequately serve special population groups remains a challenge. The chapter presents an example of a methodological approach to designing an effective solution employing game-based learning techniques for children with autism or other learning difficulties. The latest pedagogical approaches are combined with appropriate gamification techniques to produce the desired outcome. It concludes by presenting critical issues in designing game-based learning applications for children with special educational needs.