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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: New
      New
      V

      Vanderbilt University

      The Future of Education with AI: Exploring Perspectives

      Skills you'll gain: Education and Training, Artificial Intelligence, AI Personalization, Innovation, Emerging Technologies, Digital Transformation

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      C

      Commonwealth Education Trust

      Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Introduction

      Skills you'll gain: Creative Thinking, Classroom Management, Teaching, Adaptability, Education and Training, Pedagogy, Instructional Strategies, Professionalism, Instructing, Curriculum Planning, Student Engagement, Professional Development, Learning Theory, Collaboration

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      826 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      C

      Commonwealth Education Trust

      Writing for Young Readers: Opening the Treasure Chest

      Skills you'll gain: Editing, Proofreading, Storytelling, Writing, Grammar, Content Creation, Peer Review, Digital Publishing, Creativity, Vocabulary

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.3K 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

    • M

      Macquarie University

      Online Learning Design for Educators

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

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      382 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • K

      Kennesaw State University

      AI for Education (Basic)

      Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI Agents, Generative AI, Data Ethics, Education Software and Technology, ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence, End User Training and Support, Natural Language Processing

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      10 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

      Evaluación educativa

      Skills you'll gain: Peer Review, Program Evaluation, Patient Evaluation, Curriculum Planning, Qualitative Research, Health Assessment, Pedagogy, Psychological Evaluations, Curriculum Development, Education and Training, Simulations, Instructional and Curriculum Design, Survey Creation, Instructional Strategies, Data Analysis Software, Student-Centred Learning, Higher Education, Statistical Analysis, Systems Thinking, Ethical Standards And Conduct

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      816 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of California, Davis

      Professional Skills for the Workplace

      Skills you'll gain: Problem Solving, Active Listening, Growth Mindedness, Adaptability, Emotional Intelligence, Relationship Management, Empathy, Brainstorming, Critical Thinking, Resilience, Communication Strategies, Social Skills, Creative Thinking, Professional Development, Personal Development, Constructive Feedback, Lifelong Learning, Positivity, Overcoming Obstacles, Self-Awareness

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.9K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • T

      Tecnológico de Monterrey

      Diseño Instruccional: Aprendizaje activo y Pedagogía digital

      Skills you'll gain: Education Software and Technology, Instructional Design, Course Development, Learning Management Systems, Instructional Strategies, Educational Materials, Emerging Technologies, Innovation, Quality Assurance, Planning, Systems Analysis, Solution Design, Design Strategies, Digital Transformation, Technical Documentation, Virtual Environment, Virtual Reality, Continuous Monitoring

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.2K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • G

      Georgia Institute of Technology

      Write Professional Emails in English

      Skills you'll gain: Business Writing, Business Correspondence, Business Communication, Writing, Writing and Editing, Grammar, Proofreading, Editing, Communication, Cultural Diversity, Language Competency, Cultural Sensitivity, Intercultural Competence

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      17K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      Università Bocconi

      Private Equity and Venture Capital

      Skills you'll gain: Private Equity, Business Valuation, Entrepreneurial Finance, Capital Markets, Mergers & Acquisitions, Investments, Financial Management, Legal Risk, Tax Laws, Entrepreneurship, Due Diligence, Negotiation, Cash Flows

      Build toward a degree

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      8.7K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • A

      Arizona State University

      TESOL Certificate, Part 2: Teach English Now!

      Skills you'll gain: Oral Comprehension, Learning Management Systems, Education Software and Technology, Literacy, Grammar, Technology Strategies, English Language, Language Competency, End User Training and Support, Language Learning, Emerging Technologies, Vocabulary, Innovation, Digital Transformation, Organizational Skills

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.3K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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

    • The Future of Education with AI: Exploring Perspectives: Vanderbilt University
    • Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Introduction: Commonwealth Education Trust
    • Writing for Young Readers: Opening the Treasure Chest: Commonwealth Education Trust
    • TESOL Certificate, Part 1: Teach English Now!: Arizona State University
    • Online Learning Design for Educators: Macquarie University
    • AI for Education (Basic): Kennesaw State University
    • Evaluación educativa: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
    • Professional Skills for the Workplace: University of California, Davis
    • Diseño Instruccional: Aprendizaje activo y Pedagogía digital: Tecnológico de Monterrey
    • Write Professional Emails in English: Georgia Institute of Technology

    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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