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    Special Education Courses Online

    Study special education for supporting students with disabilities. Learn about instructional strategies, individualized education plans, and inclusive practices.

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    Explore the Special Education Course Catalog

    • U

      University of Pennsylvania

      Positive Psychology: Martin E. P. Seligman’s Visionary Science

      Skills you'll gain: Optimism, Personal Development, Resilience, Positive Behavior Support, Psychology, Growth Mindedness, Working With Children, Education and Training, Research, Human Development, Creativity

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6.2K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of California, Irvine

      Éxito Profesional

      Skills you'll gain: Work Breakdown Structure, Business Writing, Cash Management, Critical Thinking, Team Leadership, Negotiation, Time Management, Entrepreneurship, Financial Statements, Financial Analysis, Project Schedules, Feasibility Studies, Verbal Communication Skills, Scheduling, Concision, Team Building, Problem Solving, Business Management, People Management, Leadership

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      8.3K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      C

      Commonwealth Education Trust

      Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Planning for Teaching and Learning

      Skills you'll gain: Growth Mindedness, Lesson Planning, Pedagogy, Trustworthiness, Student Engagement, Instructional Strategies, Learning Theory, Curriculum Planning, Adult Learning Principles, Instructional and Curriculum Design, Goal Setting, Relationship Building, Professional Development, Cultural Diversity, Collaboration

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      289 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • A

      Arizona State University

      TESOL Certificate, Part 1: Teach English Now!

      Skills you'll gain: Oral Comprehension, Language Competency, Pedagogy, English Language, Learning Strategies, Instructional Strategies, Enthusiasm, Motivational Skills, Oral Expression, Learning Styles, Language Learning, Education Software and Technology, Vocabulary, Design Elements And Principles, Learning Theory, Design Strategies, Grammar, Self-Awareness, Stress Management, Goal Setting

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      19K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • A

      Arizona State University

      Teach English Now! Theories of Second Language Acquisition

      Skills you'll gain: Oral Comprehension, Language Competency, Pedagogy, English Language, Instructional Strategies, Language Learning, Vocabulary, Learning Theory, Grammar

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      7.4K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: New
      New
      I

      IBM

      Generative AI for Educators

      Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Generative AI, AI Personalization, Education Software and Technology, OpenAI, Data Ethics, Large Language Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, Program Development, Image Analysis, Content Creation, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Virtual Environment, Information Privacy, Diversity Awareness, Data Security

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6.3K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • M

      Macquarie University

      Online Learning Design for Educators

      Skills you'll gain: Video Production, Infographics, Course Development, Multimedia, Peer Review, Discussion Facilitation, Content Creation, Constructive Feedback, Instructional Design, Education Software and Technology, Design Thinking, Media Production, Learning Management Systems, Design, Storytelling, Community Development, Virtual Environment, Collaboration, System Configuration, Safety and Security

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      382 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • N

      Northwestern University

      Social Media Marketing

      Skills you'll gain: Blogs, Social Media Marketing, Integrated Marketing Communications, Peer Review, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Social Media Strategy, Social Media, Business Marketing, Real Time Data, Marketing Effectiveness, Content Marketing, Strategic Marketing, Marketing Strategies, Marketing, Target Audience, Marketing Operations, Social Media Campaigns, Budgeting, Digital Transformation, Big Data

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      5.5K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • T

      Tsinghua University

      Learn English

      Skills you'll gain: Intercultural Competence, Cultural Diversity, Mental Health, Learning Strategies, Culture, Stress Management, Liberal Arts, English Language, Social Sciences, Literacy, Language Learning, Economics, Interpersonal Communications, Psychology, Writing, Research, Business Management, Grammar, Higher Education, Oral Comprehension

      4.3
      Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
      ·
      926 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: New
      New
      U

      University of Pennsylvania

      AI in Education: Leveraging ChatGPT for Teaching

      Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Data Ethics, ChatGPT, AI Personalization, Generative AI Agents, Generative AI, Education Software and Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Information Privacy

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      140 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Geneva

      Troubles du spectre de l'autisme : diagnostic

      Skills you'll gain: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Patient Evaluation, Patient Education And Counseling, Parent Communication, Child Development, Psychological Evaluations, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Working With Children, Psychosocial Assessments, Child Health, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Psychiatric And Mental Health Nursing, Health Assessment, Clinical Psychology, Disabilities, Interpersonal Communications

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      799 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • A

      Arizona State University

      Teach English Now! Foundational Principles

      Skills you'll gain: Learning Strategies, Enthusiasm, Motivational Skills, Learning Styles, Language Learning, Education Software and Technology, Stress Management, Communication Strategies, Self-Awareness, Cultural Diversity, General Networking

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      16K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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    1…8910…158

    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular special education courses

    • Positive Psychology: Martin E. P. Seligman’s Visionary Science: University of Pennsylvania
    • Éxito Profesional: University of California, Irvine
    • Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Planning for Teaching and Learning: Commonwealth Education Trust
    • TESOL Certificate, Part 1: Teach English Now!: Arizona State University
    • Teach English Now! Theories of Second Language Acquisition: Arizona State University
    • Generative AI for Educators: IBM
    • Online Learning Design for Educators: Macquarie University
    • Social Media Marketing: Northwestern University
    • Learn English: Tsinghua University
    • AI in Education: Leveraging ChatGPT for Teaching: University of Pennsylvania

    Frequently Asked Questions about Special Education

    Special Education is the practice of teaching students in a way that addresses their individual differences and special needs. It’s often applied to teaching those with intellectual, mental, emotional, behavioral, cognitive, physical, and learning disabilities. It also applies to teaching students with special talents or abilities.

    In an education climate where just 17 percent of general-education teachers feel “very well prepared” to teach children with issues like ADHD and dyslexia, the need for quality Special Education skills and knowledge is very important. Teachers who focus on Special Education play an important role in advancing the confidence and success of special-needs students.‎

    There are a wide variety of opportunities available for learners interested in Special Education, from teaching to jobs in healthcare and government. Some roles include Special Education Teachers, Special Education Teacher’s Assistant, Special Education Program Coordinator, Speech Pathologist, Audiologist, Early Intervention Special Educator, Lobbyist, and related specializations.‎

    Courses on Special Education offered through Coursera provide learners with fundamental information on how various common disabilities affect areas of learning, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD); hearing, visual, and intellectual disabilities; ADHD and other learning disabilities; and more.

    Lessons in these courses are administered via lectures, readings, quizzes, reflections, and discussions.‎

    An interest in people with physical, emotional, or mental disabilities is the main prerequisite to starting to learn special education. Many people who want to work in special education already have some experience in the field of education, whether they've worked as a teacher, teaching assistant, or daycare worker. You can also gain some experience by volunteering to work with children, particularly children who have special needs. Special education teachers and specialists typically work with children of all ages, ranging from preschool through high school.‎

    People who work in special education need to be patient and even-tempered. Because you'll be working with children or adults with special needs, they may be slower or quicker than average to accomplish tasks. Creativity is also important. Children with special needs may not do well with traditional teaching methods, so you'll need to find unique ways to deliver information. You'll also need to be compassionate and accepting since you'll be working with people who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. Like any type of teacher or person who works with children, you'll need to be organized, intuitive, and able to adapt to any situation. It's also important to have a calming presence. Many children, including those with special needs, are overwhelmed by the classroom environment and being away from home. Those who work in a school environment need to be willing to collaborate with a team as well. You'll be working with other teachers, teaching assistants, administrators, and parents to make sure all children receive the best possible education.‎

    Anyone who wants to work with people with special needs and is interested in working in a school setting may be suited to learn about special education. Even if you have a child in your own family with special needs, learning about special education may help you better understand them and even help them advance despite any disabilities. If you've ever thought about becoming an advocate for people with special needs, learning special education and applying it to your career or volunteer work can help you go further. If you're already a teacher or teaching assistant, and you're looking for a way to specialize or advance your career, learning special education can help add new skills to your resume and potentially find more advanced jobs in your field.‎

    Online Special Education courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Special Education skills. Choose from a wide range of Special Education courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.‎

    When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Special Education, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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