Hello!

I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Craig Mill and I recently started working for CALL Scotland as an Assistive Technology Officer. I’ve always admired and respected the work of CALL so having the opportunity to work alongside knowledgeable, skilled and experienced colleagues is a real privilege and a great pleasure.

For those of you who don’t know me I’m probably better known for developing the free and open source portable programs such as AccessApps, MyStudyBar and Create&Convert which make up the EduApps suite of software.

Breaking down barriers

Like my colleagues at CALL I have a love and passion for technology. It still amazes me how technology can break down barriers to learning and provide real opportunities for learners with additional support needs to learn and live as full and independent lives as possible. And the good news is that technology is ever-changing constantly improving and helping to break down barriers for those who embrace it.

As everyday technology such as mobile phones, tablets and e-books become more powerful, affordable, and increasingly ubiquitous with integrated accessibility features as standard, inclusive and universal design are set to become the standard. What was once seen as ‘assistive’ or ‘accessible’ technology is gradually converging into mainstream. 

These are undoubtedly exciting times for all who work in education and technology. Set against a backdrop of economic cuts they are also challenging. While I’m a fan of commercial software I’m also acutely aware of the role that open source and free alternatives can play. Working at CALL will provide an opportunity to explore and develop the role and benefits that open source and free alternatives can offer to schools on tight budgets. You can see an exmaple of how schools are already using open source and free alternatives on the Education Scotland website.  

Apps, Apps and away...

Another area of change is the multitude of cheap and affordable ‘apps’ for both the iPad and Android platforms. Apps, iPads and Android tablets also offer both opportunities and challenges; particularly in the way devices and apps are managed, integrated and used within the curriculum. This is an area which still requires a great deal of research.

As you can see, there is much to do but ultimately my role is to support you in any way I can. If you’d like to discuss any of the issues I’ve highlighted or would like to find out how CALL can offer a range of support – then don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Craig