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    • Special Education

    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

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Michigan

      Hearing Loss in Children

      Skills you'll gain: Speech Language Pathology, Pediatrics, Speech Therapy, Patient Evaluation, Child Health, Parent Communication, Disabilities, Neurology, Working With Children, Public Health, Child Development, Patient Treatment, Special Education, Physical Therapy, Surgery, General Medical Tests and Procedures, Medical Equipment and Technology, Anatomy

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      234 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: New
      New
      D

      Duke University

      Art of the MOOC: Art, Culture, and Society

      Skills you'll gain: Color Theory, World Music, Disabilities, Art History, Diversity Awareness, Culture, Music History, Social Justice, Performing Arts, Music, Community Organizing, Liberal Arts, Peer Review, Musical Composition, Cultural Diversity, Music Theory, Pedagogy, International Relations, Social Sciences, Advocacy

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      321 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      T

      The University of Hong Kong

      Materials in Oral Health

      Skills you'll gain: Medical Imaging, Dentistry, Dental Procedures, Laboratory Testing, X-Ray Computed Tomography, Oral and Dental Care, Radiography, Oral Health, Computer-Aided Design, 3D Modeling, Chemistry

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      509 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of California San Diego

      Teaching Impacts of Technology in K-12 Education

      Skills you'll gain: Data Ethics, Big Data, Cybersecurity, Student Engagement, Pedagogy, Blockchain, Algorithms, Data Security, Teaching, Cryptography, Education and Training, Technical Communication, Education Software and Technology, Diversity Awareness, Information Privacy, Emerging Technologies, Digital Transformation, Computer Science, Information Technology, Computational Thinking

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      58 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of Colorado System

      Electric Utilities Fundamentals and Future

      Skills you'll gain: Electrical Power, Energy and Utilities, Electric Power Systems, Electrical Equipment, Customer experience strategy (CX), Regulatory Compliance, Capacity Management, Emerging Technologies, Technology Strategies, Environmental Issue

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      713 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • S

      Stanford University

      Cooking for Busy Healthy People

      Skills you'll gain: Cooking, Nutrition and Diet, Resourcefulness, Food and Beverage, Food Safety and Sanitation, Adaptability, Creativity, Planning, Innovation

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      146 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      E

      EIT Digital

      Cybersecurity Awareness and Innovation

      Skills you'll gain: Email Security, Computer Security Awareness Training, Cybersecurity, Security Awareness, Cyber Attacks, Identity and Access Management, Threat Management, Threat Detection, Data Security, User Accounts, Entrepreneurship

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      741 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Animals and Society

      Skills you'll gain: Social Sciences, Sociology, Anthropology, Social Justice, Healthcare Ethics, Culture, Psychology, Laboratory Research, Behavioral Health, Social Work, Research, Media and Communications, Cultural Diversity, Mental and Behavioral Health, Food and Beverage, Biology, Non-Verbal Communication, Nutrition and Diet, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Environmental Science

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      194 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Introducción a las Simulaciones PhET para la Educación STEM

      Skills you'll gain: Interactive Learning, Pedagogy, Education Software and Technology, Mathematics Education, Simulations, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      530 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Michigan

      Generative AI as a Learning Design Partner

      Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, ChatGPT, Prompt Engineering, Brainstorming, Course Development, Generative AI Agents, Ideation, Education Software and Technology, Educational Materials, Instructional Design, Artificial Intelligence, Design Strategies, Design, Persona Development, Data Ethics, Creative Design, Information Privacy

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      43 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Compassionate Leadership Through Service Learning with Jane Goodall and Roots & Shoots

      Skills you'll gain: Community Organizing, Compassion, Community Development, Community Outreach, Needs Assessment, Program Evaluation, Empathy, Data Mapping, Teaching, Initiative and Leadership, Empowerment, Curriculum Planning, Working With Children, Collaboration, Student Engagement, Planning, Environmental Issue

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      150 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Teacher SEL: Programs, Possibilities, and Contexts

      Skills you'll gain: Mindfulness, Teaching, School Psychology, Self-Awareness, Social Studies, Storytelling, Adult Education, Parent Communication, Stress Management, Cultural Sensitivity, Community Development, Collaboration, Liberal Arts

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      149 reviews

      Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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    1…353637…158

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

    • Hearing Loss in Children: University of Michigan
    • Art of the MOOC: Art, Culture, and Society: Duke University
    • Materials in Oral Health: The University of Hong Kong
    • Teaching Impacts of Technology in K-12 Education: University of California San Diego
    • Electric Utilities Fundamentals and Future: University of Colorado System
    • Cooking for Busy Healthy People: Stanford University
    • Cybersecurity Awareness and Innovation: EIT Digital
    • Animals and Society: University of Colorado Boulder
    • Introducción a las Simulaciones PhET para la Educación STEM: University of Colorado Boulder
    • Generative AI as a Learning Design Partner: University of Michigan

    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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