Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that consists of difficulty maintaining attention, impulsivity, and problems organizing daily activities.

Students with ADHD have difficulty adapting in traditional school settings, which tend to demand a uniform pace and methodology for all students. This disorder is more than an occasional distraction, it is a clinical condition that can significantly interfere with the daily life and social functioning of those who have it. Its symptoms include not only difficulty in paying attention to specific tasks but also impulsivity in decision-making.

In this context, it is important that schools should consider two aspects: being flexible and adjusting to the needs of students. That is to say, to leave behind the traditional educational model, where students are the ones who must adjust to the criteria of the institutions.

In some virtual schools, they make digital education platforms available to students with ADHD, such as a personal assistant that helps them organize their daily activities. According to psychologist Santiago Montaña Ramírez, Genuine’s comprehensive training leader, these platforms help students know the contents of their next classes, keep track of their assignments, check in what order they should do them, and remind them of their pending assignments.

However, it is not only the implementation of technology that is important, but also teacher training and support that must thoroughly understand the disorder and its implications to provide efficient care for students with ADHD.

ADHD is a challenge for teachers in the classroom

Teachers have difficulty supporting children in managing ADHD symptoms. Most students with this diagnosis are not part of special education programs, even though they need extra assistance on an ongoing basis.

Tips for teachers to implement in the classroom:

• Provide constant feedback and be aware of positive behaviors.
• Take into consideration the influence of ADHD on emotions.
• Give advance notice several times before making transitions and changes in classroom routines.
• Understand that children with ADHD may be better able to focus on activities that interest them and may need extra help to redirect their attention.
• Make assignments clear and check with students to see if they understand what they are supposed to do.
• Try not to make the tasks extensive and repetitive.
• Active breaks
• Reduce distractions in the classroom.

In summary, curricular flexibility, the use of technology, teacher training, support from psychologists, therapists, and activities to strengthen socioemotional skills are some of the strategies that virtual schools are implementing to facilitate the schooling of students with ADHD.

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Source: Formación docente y tecnología, las claves para educar a niños que sufren déficit de atención