Students learn in different ways, have different learning needs, and have unique ways of processing information. Better understanding *how* students learn helps us create a more effective learning environment and equal opportunities for all students. Understanding some basic principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can set the stage for success for the greatest number of students. In addition, approaches for differentiating instruction in an online classroom are often similar to approaches in face-to-face classrooms, as many accommodations for students are easily adapted for online delivery.
While this course touches upon accommodating students with education plans as part of the focus on meeting the varied needs of online learners, the course is designed to share best practices in supporting any students who experience challenges in learning in an online environment. The course will be most helpful for teacher supporting students who have demonstrated success in their face-to-face classes with or without accommodations and is not intended as professional development in the area of special education. Certain barriers are more challenging to overcome; those situations require the expertise of local special education staff and careful planning and communication with families.
This 10-hour module focuses on meeting the needs of a diverse classroom. Teachers will differentiate between the variety of learner needs likely to present themselves in their online classroom, determine appropriate accommodations based on their population of students, create make-up plans or support documents tailored to a specific student’s needs, identify essential stakeholders necessary to support student success in online classrooms, anticipate common barriers to online learning, and generate a bank of accommodations based on predicted student needs.
Important Notes: This module does not provide instruction for meeting the needs of students that require PT, OT, ABA, or services from an SLP, as there are a variety of tele-health options available for districts to review and evaluate.
This module does not focus on technology devices to support student learning for students with audio, visual, or physical limitations. For information about technology solutions to support students, we recommend you review guidance from your local department of education or office of special education.
This module is intended for classroom-based educators with limited experience in online teaching who are making a transition to online or blended learning in preparation for potential school closures in the 2020/2021 academic year.
This module is part of a series of professional learning opportunities focused on critical skills online teachers must develop.
The series of modules will run throughout the summer months and include these topics:
Module 1: Communication Strategies for Online Classrooms
Module 2: Meaningful Discussions in Online Classrooms
Module 3: Feedback and Assessment in Online Classrooms
Module 4: Meeting Varied Learner Needs in Online Classrooms
Participants who complete all activities will receive a certificate of completion for 10 hours of professional learning in the area of digital learning and online instruction.
VHS Learning is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide professional development in the areas of Instructional Technology/Digital Learning. Massachusetts teachers who complete this module will receive a certificate indicating they have earned 10 PDPs in the area of digital learning.
The cost for this module is $225 per participant. Participants who enroll in all 4 modules are eligible for a reduced enrollment cost of $200 per module.