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Course Format

This format for this course is unique.  It uses the DISCUSS model in which participants are invited to share (post and respond) information or experiences based upon a child they know. 

Some of the course learning activities will take place within the discussion format of the course inside a password protected Virtual computer Conference Center (VCC) using software from "Caucus". 

At times, participants may need further information to continue with the course assignments. Resources may be suggested or participants will be invited to locate information needed by using online resources. Given the online format of the course, it is expected that participants may easily locate information needed and report this information on the VCC.

Participants who are working together with one child may choose to work as a team. However, each person will be expected to complete all on and off-line assignments while including his or her professional, personal, or unique perspective in the child's educational program. Posting findings and responding to others will encourage the flow of the discussion on the VCC. Three course instructors will be on line at least once a day to facilitate this discussion as well. 

It is estimated that participants will spend approximately 2-3 hours on line per week, similar to that which a student would spend in a lecture. The unique feature of an on-line format is that participants may spend that time in any way they choose; perhaps spending 30 minutes one day; 20 minutes the next and 60 minutes at another time. 

All participants will pace themselves; it will be important, however, to begin and end assignments according to the posted schedule. This will allow all participants to contribute to the discussion.

Following completion of the course, we will request your evaluation feedback about format, cases, discussions and participants’ satisfaction with this course. This will assist us in making necessary changes to the course for future offerings.

Assignments

The basic requirement for participation in this course is just that, participation. Participants will be asked to read, research reports, post findings, and respond or comment to others while sharing his or her own knowledge and expertise with all virtual class members. Four weeks before the end of the course, a video will either be made available on-line or mailed (via snail mail) to all course participants. This video will contain a sample of a communicative intent. A written description and analysis will be provide on-line. 

A final project is planned. This project (the final) will consist of video taping your child, then describing and analyzing a communicative intent. Individuals working together as a team may submit one video tape for the group, however, each member must identify and analyze an isolated communicative intent (On one 15 minute video there should be at least 5 communicative intents.) 

For course participants who are not currently working with a child who is identified as deafblind, the course instructors will provide a video with a variety of communicative intents. 

THE FINAL VIDEO AND DESCRIPTION/ANALYSIS MUST REACH THE INSTRUCTORS BY May 2004.

It is anticipated that participants will gain much knowledge in this process. In general, participants will be involved in the development of a community of learners that will develop local and statewide capacity of individuals and teams who are involved in intervention and education of children and youth who are deafblind.

Enter the Virtual Conference Center and discussions here.