Online learning is nothing new to the Instructional Technology team at Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Communication and Technology Services (CaTS). What is new are the evolving ways that online learning can be used to benefit students. This year, with the team’s expert help, teachers in the BOCES 2 Department for Exceptional Children are bringing diverse and challenging courses like AP English Language and Composition, Physics, Media Literacy and Geometry to their classrooms.
Students performing at grade level in BOCES 2 programs like the Therapeutic Day Program (TDP), Communication and Social Skills (CaSS), Alternative High School and Ridgecrest Academy often have academic interests that go beyond traditional classroom offerings, or may need to attain extra elective credits. Online courses give them new options.
“Teachers who work with exceptional children can’t be specialists in every subject and topic,” said Distance Learning Specialist Donna Farren. “These courses give them the specialized curriculum they need to open doors for their students. We think this can make a difference for both high school and middle school students who might not respond to traditional learning tools, with classes on topics they normally would not have the opportunity to explore.”
BOCES 2 Communication and Social Skills (CaSS) teacher Mark Straub has been successfully using online courses in his high school summer program for several years. This summer’s group of students enjoyed taking the courses online for credit attainment. Each was focused on a different coursework, including classes on Psychology and Health.
The courses can be personalized and students have the opportunity to work independently. Straub and his teaching assistant have access to real-time knowledge of where students are in their courses and when they might need assistance.
“I like being able to take things at my own speed,” said Connor Carlin, a CaSS student who was working on the Writing Skills and Strategies class. “Everything I need is right here, so if I need to go back to review something, it’s easy to find and I can.”
“Art is not my favorite and the Art Appreciation course was really challenging,” said student Dylan Renehan proudly. “But I did it, and I got an 89 on the final test.”
“There are different types of learners,” said Straub. “When schools put them all in one classroom with one content delivery model, the students with different learning styles often don’t succeed to the best of their ability. It’s like trying to force a square peg into a round hole. This online model is self-directed and self-paced. Many of our kids respond very well to learning this way.”