Virtual Learning for Students with Disabilities Certificate Online

This six-credit certificate program includes:

• SPED 680 – Virtual Learning for Students with Disabilities: This course is designed for educators who are interested in understanding how to use technology as a seamless part of their teaching practice in order to maximize the learning experiences of students, including those with disabilities, across a range of education settings. Using Universal Design for Learning principles as a framework for curriculum design, teachers will learn how to leverage online technology to support the success of all learners. Teachers will learn how to utilize technology to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities with the goal of supporting students’ academic independence and full academic and social participation in both physical and online classroom environments. The goal of this course is to support educators in identifying how technology can be used to deliver dynamic instruction, engage learners, modify instruction, assess learning, and support individualized education goals.

• SPED 680 – Virtual Assessment and Evaluation for Students with Disabilities

The certificate will teach you to:

• Understand technology as an effective tool for achieving educational goals, including those outlined in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs);
• Understand the legislative and policy mandates for utilization of technology for students with disabilities;
• Apply principles of Universal Design for Learning to virtual curriculum design and assessment;
• Implement various hardware and software tools to increase student learning, including disability-specific assistive technology applications;
• Make informed instructional decisions regarding technology to develop technology-rich lesson plans and assessments based on NJCCS/CCCS.

Educators who have completed our graduate certificate program have learned strategies and resources that are useful far beyond a remote or virtual setting.

When I first decided to take this course, I was under the assumption that the materials taught in this class would assist me in the remote learning setting. But after taking this course, I have learned about different strategies and resources that I can use inside and outside of my classroom to help my students learn to the best of their abilities. Technology continues to grow and I have learned just how beneficial it can be to use in the classroom.

• Steps to apply
• The Graduate School requires the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree in order to be eligible to apply for a graduate program. Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the U.S. degree equivalency information.
• Ideal candidates would hold a degree/certification in P-12 teaching (elementary, content area or special education) or 1-3 years teaching experience.
• Graduates of MEd in Special Education and Teacher of Students with Disabilities endorsement programs
• Current students in BMAT, MEd, and Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TSD) programs
• Teachers (general or special education) within P-12 schools who teach students with disabilities in inclusive or other settings (public, private, and charter)
• Teacher leaders or instructional coaches
• P-12 supervisors and directors of special education

Students who successfully complete the program may have the option to apply 6 credits to Montclair State University’s NJ Teacher of Students with Disabilities Endorsement or MEd in Special Education upon consultation with the department’s program advisor.