Practice with assistive tools and learn strategies to support students with learning differences.
Course Description
Technology can help struggling students leverage their learning strengths and bypass weaknesses to improve performance, independence, and self-confidence. In this online course aimed at teachers, learning specialists, educational therapists, and parents, you will learn about a wide range of tools to support students with learning disabilities, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), executive functioning deficits, and issues with processing information and memory. Through readings, lectures, video demonstrations, and hands-on activities, you will learn:
- How various tools address specific learning needs.
- How to match students with appropriate tools.
- Practical methods and strategies to implement technology solutions and integrate with curricula.
- How technology can facilitate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) practices in the classroom.
Topics
- Components of an effective AT solution
- Basics of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Accessible Educational Materials (AEM)
- Tools and associated strategies for various academic tasks
- Applying a process for tool selection, implementation, and evaluating effectiveness
Prerequisites / Skills Needed
Working knowledge of:
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Students should have a basic understanding of the academic challenges faced by individuals who have learning disabilities, ADHD, and executive function issues. This can be satisfied in various ways, including (but not limited to):
- Professional experience addressing the needs of students with learning differences.
- Completion of "Understanding Learning Differences" (EDTH.X309) or equivalent coursework.
- Prior review of material on learning differences (provided by the instructor).
- Other requisites may be approved in advance by the instructor.
- Online Self-Paced Work online at your own pace.
Online Self-Paced courses have a structured learning environment where students are allowed to complete the work at their own pace. Students may complete the coursework early or use the entire duration of the course. This course is largely self-study with instructor guidance and includes online learning modules, assignments, and/or quizzes. All course materials and assignments will be available at the beginning of the course on Canvas, our learning management system.
Note the instructor may offer a few sessions via an online synchronous format (Zoom). Students may be expected to log into this course via Canvas at the start time of pre-scheduled meetings, for the duration of each scheduled class meeting.
For this section, student access begins on January 6, but you may still enroll until February 10. All course work must be completed by 11:59 pm on April 7, 2026.
You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.
