Introduction
Have you shifted your traditional classroom to online class studios? The epidemic has had a detrimental impact on the entire planet rather than a beneficial impact. Education garnered as much, if not more, attention across the world.
Everything switched online as the infection spread at an alarming rate. Nothing was spared, from companies to classrooms. The latter did so through online learning, commonly known as distant learning.
Though online learning is beneficial for a variety of reasons, it may be challenging for many people to manage. Students who require special education are one of them.
What is special education?
SPED, or special needs education, is another term for special education. It typically serves children with special needs, impairments, or who require one-on-one attention.
SPED is gaining popularity because of the inclusion and diversity it provides. It not only accommodates every child, but it also values their individuality and encourages them to attain their greatest potential.
Teaching Strategies for Online Class Studios for Special Education
Special education teachers have used education technology and innovative techniques to help their students with disabilities through online learning. They work with parents and caretakers to offer a home environment, teaching, and services that engage students.
Make home learning activities that resemble a regular school day in a real classroom.
Provide regular pauses and emphasize structure and regularity. Incorporate the student's treatment sessions, physical exercise, sensory activities, and life skills as much as possible. During the coronavirus epidemic, several practitioners have provided teletherapy sessions.
Create an ideal home-based learning environment.
Ensure that each student has access to the essential tools, and work with their parents or other family members to achieve this. The teacher's role in remote special education involves coaching. Explain the aims, expectations, and objectives of the school. Offer textual instructions or instructional videos. Show them how to create an effective learning environment and how to help their children in their various activities.
Activities and tasks for team building
Team building exercises and collaborative work in a virtual classroom will assist students not only get to know one other better, but will also develop their collaboration abilities. You may also offer individual projects to the students with precise instructions as a teacher.
ClassDojo Groups was created specifically for this reason. It encourages collaboration among its members by allowing the instructor to divide the classroom into smaller groups. ClassDojo allows students to submit photos or videos and establish a portfolio, as well as encourage positive reinforcement by rewarding them.
Use cutting-edge technologies to improve the virtual classroom experience.
There are several digital technologies available to aid in the creation of a dynamic multimedia online learning environment. Zoom, a feature-rich video conferencing platform, is the most popular of them.
Determine which IEP goals may be met in the remote setting.
Refer to the student's IEP for any necessary supports, sensory activities, or adjustments to aid in the learning process. Create at-home tools for parents to employ in order to assist their child in releasing stress and energy. Adapt your teaching approaches to fit unique learning styles by mapping the student's IEP to the available resources.
Record your classes
They may not constantly have a connection, but they do during breaks. Simply record your classes. Teachers may implement this during their normal classes as well! All you have to do is press the record button and then transmit or upload the footage to a shared platform that all students may access.
Students can access the clips on their own time because they would ideally be available at all times. Zoom is an excellent tool for this.Make use of visual signals such as a scheduling board.
This may be done offline and tactilely rather than on a computer. Consider what you utilize in the classroom and try to emulate it in their home life. Use brightly colored activity visuals that students may use as prompts.
Maintain frequent contact with relatives.
Involve them in lesson preparation, inform them of how the child's IEP is being fulfilled, and update them on their development. To accommodate families in difficult situations, use many channels of contact (email, phone, video chat, text). Consider hiring an interpreter on-demand for caretakers whose first language is not English.
Conclusion
Overall, online education raises several problems. Motivation, attention span, organization, and other factors are all important. Unfortunately, kids with special needs already struggle to navigate these things. On the bright side, with the right resources and assistance, these children will not be alone for long!
