This course will focus on creating an equitable learning environment that sensitively approaches differences.  Emphasis will be on considering decisions about curriculum, instructional materials, learning activities, and student groupings in the multicultural, multilingual classroom.  The use of adaptive technology, learning analytics and personalized learning, compensatory and remedial methods, and inquiry-based procedures to teach content to students with academic and/or behavioral difficulties will be discussed.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this program,

1. Utilize and apply cultural theory concepts to educational institutions to ensure equitable access to learning environments and inclusive practices.
2. Design and adapt curriculum components and instructional settings in the multicultural, multilingual learning environment to promote and enhance cultural awareness and sensitivity.
3. Develop and implement technology-enhanced learning opportunities, in consideration of the individual needs of each student, to include adaptive and assistive technologies.
4. Assess and analyze learner needs in diverse and inclusive settings through inquiry-based procedures to teach content and optimize learning.
5. Apply research of differentiated instructional theories to facilitate inclusive education and support of cultural differences and academic and/or behavioral needs.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week.

Week 1: Unit 1 – Components of Diverse and Inclusive Classrooms

Week 2: Unit 2 – Organizing Instruction of Diverse Students

Week 3: Unit 3 – Curriculum for Diverse and Inclusive Settings

Week 4: Unit 4 – Instructional Approaches for Diverse and Inclusive Settings

Week 5: Unit 5 – Creating Lesson Plans for Diverse and Inclusive Settings

Week 6: Unit 6 – Adaptations and Groupings for Diverse Learners

Week 7: Unit 7 – Adaptive/Assistive Technology & Compensatory/Remediated Instruction

Week 8: Unit 8 – Learner Analytics for Personalized Learning

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.  The Learning Guides for all units open on the first day of class.  Please review all Learning Guides to access the readings, review assignments, etc.

Unit 1: Components of Diverse and Inclusive Classrooms

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Portfolio Activity

Unit 2: Organizing Instruction of Diverse Students

• Peer assess Unit 1 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Portfolio Activity

Unit 3: Curriculum for Diverse and Inclusive Settings

• Peer assess Unit 2 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Begin and participate in the Group Activity (Due Unit 6)
• Complete the Portfolio Activity

Unit 4: Instructional Approaches for Diverse and Inclusive Settings

• Peer assess Unit 3 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Continue to participate in the Group Activity

Unit 5: Creating Lesson Plans for Diverse and Inclusive Settings

• Peer assess Unit 4 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Continue to participate in the Group Activity
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Portfolio Activity

Unit 6: Adaptations and Groupings for Diverse Learners

• Peer assess Unit 5 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Post finalized Group Activity
• Complete the Portfolio Activity

Unit 7: Adaptive/Assistive Technology & Compensatory/Remediated Instruction

• Peer assess Unit 6 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Portfolio Activity

Unit 8: Learner Analytics for Personalized Learning

• Peer assess Unit 7 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete the Portfolio Activity
• Complete and submit the anonymous Course Evaluation