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The Certificate Program Curriculum

Program Description

A new understanding of the ways in which students learn and teachers guide the learning process is shaping education in the 21st century. It is students at the margins, particularly those who learn differently, who are informing contemporary pedagogical practices. At Landmark College, experienced faculty work closely with researchers at the Landmark College Institute for Research and Training (LCIRT) to identify creative instructional practices and to test their effectiveness.

One approach that is integral to teaching and learning at Landmark College is Universal Design. Universal Design proposes the proactive creation of instructional materials and environments that anticipate and embrace diversity among student learners. For over 25 years, Landmark College has informed the field on instructional practices and self-efficacy for students who learn differently. Nine out of 10 students at Landmark go on to higher education after graduation. This certificate program embodies many of Landmark College’s faculty and researchers’ unique insight. 

The Universal Design and Assistive Technology certificate program is designed to provide in-depth understanding of the paradigm of Universal Design and its application to education and educational environments. The program also promotes the dynamic role of assistive technology in creating accessible instruction within the Universal Design context.

Courses Offered

The certificate program consists of 15 credits delivered through five courses. Each course will be offered over an eight week period. The courses include:

MPDL615: Introduction to Supporting Students Who Learn Differently- Course begins September 21, 2013

This foundational course lays the groundwork for subsequent certificate coursework. In this course, participants will gain core understanding of learning theories, frameworks, and best practices for working effectively with students who learn differently.  Discussion of current definitions, trends, reauthorizations and amendments to legal mandates, and research on Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorders, will set the stage for understanding innovative practices as guided by Universal Design and emerging Assistive Technologies. The course will include an overview of Assistive Technologies (AT) and Universal Design (UD), and the application of UD/AT in providing optimal learning opportunities for all students, including students who learn differently.

Preview the Syllabus
Number of credits: 3
Delivery Method: Hybrid (requires a weekend, Saturday - Sunday residency at Landmark College)

MPDL616: Contemporary Assistive and Learning Technologies

This course will address the varying ways that assistive technologies and learning technologies can enrich and enhance the education of students who learn differently. The course will include instruction in specific learning strategies, such as developing reading comprehension with text-to-speech software, note-taking strategies with technology assistance, writing and the technologies that support writing skills, and technology-based tools for time management and organization. Highlighted technologies will include: traditional assistive technology software (e.g.; Kurzweil, Dragaon-Naturally Speaking); imbedded features of high use software (e.g.; Microsoft, Apple); web-based applications (e.g.; Google); and mobile apps for phones and tablets.

Preview the Syllabus
Number of credits: 3
Delivery Method: Hybrid (requires a weekend, Saturday - Sunday residency at Landmark College)

MPDL617: Universal Design: Guiding Principles, Research, and Practice

The third course will deepen participants’ understanding of Universal Design and its principles, including the evolution of the concept of universal design from architecture to its multiple applications in education. Participants will gain understanding of the ways universal design is shaping our understanding of traditional classroom instruction, accommodations and student support, both at the secondary and postsecondary levels. Course discussions will include research on universal design and its application in creating inclusive and accessible learning products and environments.

Preview the Syllabus
Number of credits: 3
Delivery Method: Online

MPDL618: Applying Universal Design to Online and Blended Instruction

This course will address ways to infuse the principles of Universal Design in the planning and delivering of instruction and assessing student learning. Case studies and simulations will provide opportunities to discuss physical, cognitive, and communication access issues for students. Participants will be introduced to current and emerging technologies for engaging students in online and blended environments. Approaches to applying differentiated instruction guided by Universal Design and Assistive Technologies will be addressed.

Preview the Syllabus
Number of credits: 3
Delivery Method: Online

MPDL620: Capstone Project: Applying UD and AT in Varying Educational Contexts

The final course is a culmination of information gained throughout the program. Participants will select a topic area that is relevant to their current vocational needs and professional interest in order to create a capstone project. When feasible, projects will be implemented at the participant’s institution to provide immediate educational impact.

Preview the Syllabus
Number of credits: 3
Prerequisites: MPDL615-MPDL618
Delivery Method: Hybrid (requires a three to five day summer residency at Landmark College)

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Landmark College – Marlboro College Graduate School Partnership

Landmark College’s Certificate Program in Universal Design and Assistive Technologies offers students unique opportunities to enhance their professional qualifications as special educators andprofessionals working with students with learning disabilities, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The certificate program is a multi-level partnership with Marlboro College Graduate School. Students enrolled in this certificate program can opt to receive:

• Graduate credits for courses taken (3 credits per course) through Marlboro College Graduate School masters degree, certificate or Educational Technology Specialist endorsement (provided by the State of VT through transcript review).
   
• Use one or more of the certificate courses as electives towards Marlboro’s Master of Arts in Teaching with Technology degree.

Landmark College is proud to partner with the Marlboro College Graduate School in offering these opportunities to professionals/educators and would-be professionals in special education and postsecondary disability services.

For more information, contact Joe Heslin, at (888) 258-5665 x209 or jheslin@gradschool.marlboro.edu or visit Marlboro's Teaching with Technology program site.