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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

    • H

      High Tech High Graduate School of Education

      How to Make a Comic Book (Project-Centered Course)

      Skills you'll gain: Storyboarding, Storytelling, Content Creation, Writing, Graphic and Visual Design, Typography, Creativity

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      282 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      N

      National Academy of Sports Medicine

      NASM Personal Fitness Trainer

      Skills you'll gain: Goal Setting, Kinesiology, Nutrition and Diet, Health Assessment, Nutrition Education, Preventative Care, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Patient Education And Counseling, Respiration, Train The Trainer, Chronic Diseases, Patient Evaluation, Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation, Neurology, Injury Prevention, Automated External Defibrillator, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Overcoming Obstacles, Coaching

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      143 reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of Rochester

      Introduction to Self-Determination Theory: An approach to motivation, development and wellness

      Skills you'll gain: Self-Motivation, Self-Awareness, Motivational Skills, Social Sciences, Mindfulness, Personal Development, Learning Theory, Culture, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Human Development, Psychology, Employee Engagement, Cultural Diversity, School Psychology, Goal Setting, Coaching, Psychotherapy, Relationship Building

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      511 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • T

      Tsinghua University

      MOOC and Blended Learning

      Skills you'll gain: Blended Learning, Education Software and Technology, Learning Management Systems, Emerging Technologies, Digital Transformation, Innovation, Virtual Environment

      4.3
      Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
      ·
      33 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • E

      Erasmus University Rotterdam

      Assessment in Higher Education: Professional Development for Teachers

      Skills you'll gain: Constructive Feedback, Higher Education, Instructional Design, Program Standards, Planning, Reliability, Analytical Skills, Decision Making

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      410 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      L

      Lund University

      European Business Law: Understanding the Fundamentals

      Skills you'll gain: Legal Research, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, International Relations, European History, Regulatory Compliance, Business Economics, Compliance Management, Environmental Laws, E-Commerce, Public Policies, Case Law, Labor Law, Commercial Laws, Governance

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.3K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Pennsylvania

      Entrepreneurship 4: Financing and Profitability

      Skills you'll gain: Entrepreneurial Finance, Business Valuation, Entrepreneurship, Private Equity, Business Modeling, Financial Modeling, Finance, Sales Presentations, Investments, Financial Analysis, Mergers & Acquisitions, Fundraising and Crowdsourcing, Presentations, Business Development, Business Strategies, Cash Flows, Customer Retention, Innovation

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.1K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      T

      Tecnológico de Monterrey

      Diseño instruccional para el aprendizaje activo

      Skills you'll gain: Instructional Strategies, Instructional Design, Educational Materials, Emerging Technologies, Learning Management Systems, Innovation, Digital Transformation, Virtual Reality

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      844 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • D

      Deep Teaching Solutions

      Apprendre comment apprendre (ACA) : Des outils mentaux puissants qui vous aideront à maîtriser des sujets difficiles

      Skills you'll gain: Learning Strategies, Lifelong Learning, Willingness To Learn, Problem Solving, Self-Awareness, Overcoming Obstacles, Growth Mindedness, Cognitive flexibility, Curiosity, Creativity, Stress Management, Time Management

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      700 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

      Diálisis peritoneal

      Skills you'll gain: Nephrology, Dialysis, Patient Education And Counseling, Chronic Diseases, Home Health Care, Care Management, Nursing Care, Nutrition and Diet, Cleanliness, Patient Safety, Anatomy

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.1K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • K

      Kennesaw State University

      Business Model Canvas: A Tool for Entrepreneurs and Innovators (Project-Centered Course)

      Skills you'll gain: Value Propositions, Business Modeling, Presentations, Customer Analysis, Innovation, Business Process, Customer Relationship Management, Entrepreneurship, Target Market, Marketing Channel, Business Strategy, Strategic Partnership, Cost Management, Revenue Management, Resource Management

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      654 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      I

      ISC2

      Security Principles

      Skills you'll gain: Security Controls, Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, Risk Management Framework, Cyber Security Policies, Cyber Governance, Data Ethics, Cyber Risk, Security Awareness, Data Integrity

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      553 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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

    • How to Make a Comic Book (Project-Centered Course): High Tech High Graduate School of Education
    • NASM Personal Fitness Trainer: National Academy of Sports Medicine
    • Introduction to Self-Determination Theory: An approach to motivation, development and wellness: University of Rochester
    • MOOC and Blended Learning: Tsinghua University
    • Assessment in Higher Education: Professional Development for Teachers: Erasmus University Rotterdam
    • European Business Law: Understanding the Fundamentals: Lund University
    • Entrepreneurship 4: Financing and Profitability: University of Pennsylvania
    • Diseño instruccional para el aprendizaje activo : Tecnológico de Monterrey
    • Apprendre comment apprendre (ACA) : Des outils mentaux puissants qui vous aideront à maîtriser des sujets difficiles: Deep Teaching Solutions
    • Diálisis peritoneal: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

    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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