#diverse learning

“In the world of education, diversity is not a challenge to be overcome but a strength to be celebrated"—by"Loris Malaguzzi

Remember Ishan Awasthi? He was a little eight-year-old boy from Tare Zameen Par who loved painting and drawing. He had a neurological condition called dyslexia, which caused him trouble recognising letters, unable to follow multiple instructions, and having poor motor skills. People, including his parents and teachers, considered him lazy and ignorant. 

Ishan’s life took a turn when a substitute art teacher, Ram Shankar Nikumbh, joined his boarding school and recognised his special needs. Ram helped Ishan by inculcating inclusive learning methods, like constant practice and drills. This was followed by a rewards and punishment system for his actions. Ram accepted his differences and tried new techniques. After some time Ishan regained his confidence and motivation.

We cannot generalise the learning style by fitting each child in the same box. Each learner has their own learning style, strengths, and weaknesses. Educators must recognise these needs and apply diverse and inclusive learning techniques. It is crucial to accommodate the needs of each child rather than following a common approach. 

Online Education and Special Needs Students

Since the beginning, online education has been crucial in spreading education. Students get the opportunity to access education according to their interests and comfort. This alternative education has become essential in the lives of students with needs. Online learning has opened before closed doors for special needs students. The inflexible traditional classroom setup no longer limits them.

Also read: Building Positive and Inclusive Classrooms: A Guide to Success

What are Diverse Learning Needs?

The term ‘diverse learning needs’ is used when it becomes harder for children to learn. Underlying learning problems or disabilities cause this. It is pertinent to understand that each child has his capabilities and capacities.  Learning must happen according to the special needs. Teachers must be sensitive, and responsive when dealing with students with special needs. 

What are some of the challenges students might face?

Cognitive

Physical Disabilities

Sensory disabilities 

The above are some types of disabilities students might face. Courses must be designed to be accessible for special needs students.

Also read: 5 Strategies for Fostering Diversity, Equity and Belonging in Classrooms

What Can We Do? One Step at a Time

Structured Flexibility: Ed-tech platforms should follow a consistent structure. Incorporating a flexible approach to accommodate diverse learners.

Bite-Sized Content: Content must be delivered in small, digestible formats. This shall enhance learning and retention.

Interactive Elements: Interactive features should be integrated into the platform. This would engage learners and improve their understanding.

Accessibility Options:

Provide audio content or screen reader options for easier access.

Ensure the platform is accessible to all, including students with special needs.

Inclusivity in Online Education: Online education has created new opportunities for students. Embracing diverse learning needs has changed the education industry. 

A Work in Progress: Improvements are ongoing, and the world is gradually changing.  As it is opening up to accepting and accommodating differences in learning.

Challenges in Online Education for Special Needs Students

Although online education has helped students with special needs, several challenges remain. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring equal opportunities for all learners. Some key challenges include:

Limited Teacher Training:

Teachers are often the first point of contact for students.

With limited knowledge of special needs, educators need assistance to create inclusive environments.

Teachers need specialised training and resources. It can help them better understand and support students with special needs.

This training is vital for the holistic development of these students.

Lack of Technical Support:

Online education can be a valuable tool, but technical issues may arise.

Students with special needs must have access to 24/7 technical support. This is to avoid barriers to learning materials and content.

Accessibility Issues:

Online platforms are not always designed with accessibility in mind.

To make education inclusive, materials should be offered in multiple formats.

The solution can include: 

Text alternatives for images

Speech alternatives for text

Closed captions for videos

Such steps ensure that all students can access the learning materials they need.

Also read: The Role of Online Education in Lifelong Learning and Professional Development

Embracing Diversity in Online Learning

For quite some time, online education has explored creative pedagogical styles. This is to make space for diverse learning needs. By embracing the differences, ed-tech platforms have fostered a sense of acceptance among students. This has improved their learning needs and keeps them engaged in learning daily. Flexibility, accessibility, technical help, and support are some ways to accommodate their needs. 

Flexible Learning Options

Flexibility is the biggest benefit, especially for students with special needs. Flexibility has allowed them to learn in a safe space. Educators have become more accommodating. This allows students to take their time while completing assignments. By reducing workload and alternative assignments, ed-tech platforms and educators are celebrating differences.

Also read: Why Online Education is Here to Stay: A Look at Its Growth  

Improved Accessibility

Accessing education has been a challenge for students with disabilities. Online education, now available with a few clicks, has changed the scenario. The technology used in online platforms creates an inclusive and accessible learning environment. Educators encourage students to use various forms of expression and engagement. Study material is available in alternative formats such as audio, digital, and more. This allows students with special needs to learn comfortably. 

One-on-One Support

Students with special needs require personalised support and tutoring. That is why providing one-on-one support can benefit them. Sometimes, pairing peers with one another can offer the required assistance and support. It helps them overcome isolation, which can sometimes be a by-product of online education. This can create a supportive environment amongst the students. It shall also ensure that they have equal opportunity to achieve their goals. 

Open Feedback and Communication Channel

Consistent feedback can be constructive when checking the progress of students. But, as important as feedback is, we must remember an open communication channel. This has to be open from both sides: educators and students. An open channel brings out the scope for improvement and improved understanding. Regular feedback sessions and one-on-one sessions must be held. This may create a safe and familiar space for students with special needs.

Also read: Why is Mental Health Important and How to Improve it?

Initiatives Government for Children with Special Needs

The government has taken a few initiatives to cater to the needs of students with disabilities. 

Visually Impaired Learners

The National Institute of Open Schooling has implemented different features. This would make the website user-friendly. To improve accessibility, they have incorporated alternate descriptions for images and audio/video. They have also provided keyboard support and improved the content readability. There is a Digitally Accessible Information System (DAISY) where all the study material is available for the students.  

Hearing Impaired Learners

NIOS has also initiated 270 videos in sign language for seven subjects. This improves accessibility for hearing-impaired learners. These videos are available on the NIOS website, YouTube, and DVD format. 

Usage of Innovative Material 

Training (NCERT) has made study material for the students. All the textbooks are available as digital books, which can be downloaded for free. Most books have text-to-speech features. The students can also easily access them through the e-Pathshaala mobile application. 

These are some ways the government promotes inclusive learning for all. While these steps may not be enough, they are in the right direction. There is always scope for improvement. 

Takeaway

Inclusive education is the only way forward, be it online or traditional. By fostering diverse learning needs we can promote education for all. It would help students achieve their dreams. Online education has become a beacon of hope for students with special needs. They can take courses and programmes that align with their desired career goals. 

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion begins with our hiring practices. We believe in providing equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or background. Our recruitment process is merit-based, ensuring that the best candidates are selected for each role. Moreover, we actively seek out talent from diverse backgrounds, recognizing the value of different experiences and perspectives in driving creativity and innovation. 

Once onboard, we prioritize work-life balance and flexibility to accommodate the diverse needs of our team members. Whether it’s offering flexible shifts, remote work options, or providing leaves on festivals of every religion, we strive to create a supportive environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally. We understand that life doesn’t fit neatly into a nine-to-five schedule, and we’re committed to ensuring that our team members have the flexibility they need to succeed. 

In addition to promoting work-life balance, we are also committed to gender equality across all levels of the organization. From robotics trainers to sales managers to social media specialists, we believe in providing equal opportunities for both men and women to excel in their careers. Our leadership team is diverse and inclusive, reflecting our commitment to breaking down barriers and creating a more equitable workplace for all. 

At Makers Muse, we recognize that diversity and inclusion are not just nice-to-haves; they’re essential for driving success in today’s globalized world. That’s why we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. By embracing diversity and inclusion, we’re not just shaping the future of education; we’re building a brighter future for all. 

Do you have questions regarding our STEM program?

Contact us anytime.

In today's day and age, there are very few ways to avoid technology. Technology has revolutionized the way we live, work, learn, and operate. The use and integration of online learning platforms has really opened up a whole world of possibilities for students and educators. While these tools open so many doors and experiences, I feel that they often get a bad wrap. Whether parents and teachers find it to be a distraction or crutch, I feel that with purposeful and thoughtful use, we can utilize this powerful tool to enhance learning. This blog post will look more at the use of social media, online learning and how smart devices can be these enhancements in the educational experience. 

Social Media 

We are undeniably in the age of social media, where students and kids are using various platforms for entertainment, communication, and other reasons. Platforms such as twitter, instagram and snapchat have become integral parts of our daily lives. If we can strategically incorporate the use of it in class, we can foster an engaged and collaborative classroom. We know that kids are using these platforms, so why not include them and create fun ways to appeal to what they are already into. Using these platforms to create private groups and threads where students can post and read on a shared discussion post helps create that community beyond the school walls. Peers can ask and answer questions, outside sources can be linked, and instructors can monitor and interact with students as well. I am a big fan of including the use of social media in an age appropriate manner because it really does help prepare students on how to navigate these platforms in a safe and responsible way. This is something that they will inevitably come into contact with in the workforce and is a skill that can be taught. 

Final thoughts from Ms.D regarding Life online

Learning ecosystems – how to build these

By | Abhijit Bhaduri |Keynote speaker, Author and Columnist

Learning ecosystems improve learning outcomes

You probably use one or more of these open source learning systems: TED talks, General Assembly, EdX, Big Think … and then you have many formats of content – videos, podcasts, blogs, websites, newsletters. I use a number of whitepapers and reports published by various organizations. Your…

Are Schools Clinics? Support Services are Using the Wrong Model

Listening to The Current on CBC this morning, I was very appreciative of the increased awareness of the diversity of learning needs in Canadian classrooms due to the airing of the programme on education.

 However, while listening, I found that there were two issues that I did not hear about – A - Research clearly shows that the teacher is the most important variable in education. Over the past number of years, due to funding cuts at the UNIVERSITY level, most courses addressing the diverse learning needs of students have been eliminated. In most provinces, there are not specialties in inclusion at the Bachelor’s level and it is not even compulsory in most provinces for teachers to have taken even one course addressing how to teach diverse learning needs to obtain their degree!  The same is true for reading specialists. Teachers do their best, but are lacking exposure and professional development about the many and varied ways that diverse learning needs can be met in the classroom.

 B-  The model for implementation of support is WRONG. It is a diagnostic medical model; schools are not clinics; teachers are not doctors; learning differences are not diseases! The labelling and identification process is used to obtain dollars, not necessarily to design a comprehensive intervention approach. For example, medical doctors diagnosing 'dyslexia' knows little about teaching and learning - dyslexia is simply a Latin term for 'difficulty with reading! What is needed is a 'level of service' model that is non-diagnostic; one that allows for the identification of areas and level of support required for students. There is much that then can be done at the classroom and individual level if the teacher is skilled and has been taught a wide variety of instructional approaches and strategies.  As an example, many children have social skills issues; those with autism are identified with social issues and may receive support. A better approach would be for ALL students with social skills issues to receive appropriate support. How to support the teaching of social skills is crystal clear, but many teachers have not learned how to do this. A further example: Many students have difficulty learning to read for a multiplicity of reasons; should only those diagnosed as 'dyslexic' received support? - of course not! In short, teachers need to be empowered with knowledge and practice so that they can be mobilized to teach a wide diversity of students. We have 100 years of literature about how to teach children with diverse needs --- this knowledge needs to be deeply embedded in teacher preparation and on-going, continuous professional development.

 Actually, there is a third issue. Why are those with the greatest needs (e.g., those with a combination of social/emotional, intellectual and academic needs) served by those with the LOWEST level of education (i.e. teacher's assistants)? They are doing their best, but the intervention model is WRONG. Those with the most complex needs should be served by those with the greatest degree of knowledge and experience as to how to meet their needs.

Efficiency of classroom discipline has the help of earnings classroom learning fun and easy. Students do not feel that they have to mug up a lot of textbooks and papers, the instructors are besides gracious ceteris paribus they don't have on route to do lot of explaining.<\p>

Examples re classroom technology include powerpoint presentations, proximas, interactive DVDs, MySpace and scavenger hunts on others. With classroom learning inner man get one-to-one interaction sessions with your group sahib seeing as how any further clarifications on the lesson anytime, during or after the class gets up. It is also important for students over against have access en route to computers and internet to diverse learning on choppy subjects.<\p>

* Microsoft Powerpoint as a form of classroom technology: Including PowerPoint presentations, students settle into more focused to learn the subjects and along enjoy learning the mannerism subject is presented in order to them. It is the easiest form of learning in lock-step with conveying information step-by-step. Thus batch she easy and soft for children to understand.<\p>

* Proximas work by displaying information from a computer hardware on a whole wide shade and are therefore a good form anent classroom learning. Higher-ups also make the ply of instructors easy and alter are more proficient of explaining to folks the elixir of the chapter or subject.<\p>

Using such classroom technologies make children stay focused on the subject and catch turnout in a more interesting way. Instructors may be beset about the sextuple time and fait accompli they need to put respect making these presentations and doing everything in a way that would keep children interested in the lesson. But they should not forget that teaching children in this way concupiscence grant them domination things easily and since everything would be composed in an easy imago, teachers won't have to do a lot of explaining too.<\p>

One more important benefit of the classroom accustoming is that children don't hope to disperse home and mug-up their textbooks and other resources for exams. Linked to presentations and DVD sessions, quite a lot of things are in their mind through which they can quickly emend their lessons and provide against for the exams. Instructors lady-killer also help children by use of conducting gross audition sessions on every topic taught to them so that superego don't forget what was taught in animal kingdom. Interaction with children is very necessary for the teacher to know where they lack and need help. A good teacher will always interact with students to get there the power elite feel golden and never be scared to ask doubts modish front referring to the class.<\p>