Web-Based Strategies SNED

I think Cognitivism and Communal constructivism theoretical frameworks are highly applicable to web-based learning of students with special needs. It’s important for students to have a solid foundation of skills needed to ensure their participation. Not all learners, whether typically developing or with special needs, are on the same pace. We have to assess and be careful with what the students know and are able to perform independently when preparing the instruction. It is also important for children to have first-hand experiences in constructing their own knowledge. One of the best ways for students to understand and retain information is to experience it in real life.

Based on the theories discussed today, the theory that I think is highly applicable to web-based learning of students with special needs is the Socio-constructivism theory. This theory is a helpful medium for learning because it assists teachers or lecturers in having several interactions quickly, such as one-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many. This feature cannot be easy for a face-to-face setup. This method is much more effortless for learning because students quickly see and hear lectures directly rather than being in a physical room with many students who may cause a distraction to their learning.

From the theories we have discussed today, the theories behaviorism and cognitivism offer a lot of potential for use in special education especial in web-based learning. Since students with exceptionalities often needs a lot of modeling and motivation in terms of engaging students, these theories will be able to help them learn as these theories place premium on teaching students in a series of progression and scaffolding.

Cognitivism Theory in web-based learning can also benefit students with special needs whereas knowledgeable others like parents and teachers can collaborate in giving support and interaction to create a meaningful and enriched learning environment for students with special needs. Since some children with special needs have difficulties in understanding the subject, scaffolding or breaking concepts into chunks plus the developmentally appropriate resources would help them gain knowledge and develop skills.

I also agree that the best theory to be applied is John Dewey's theory. Children with special needs need various opportunities to exercise other areas of their development. Through first hand experience, children with special needs will better learn what they have explored in a web-based learning. They will get to enjoy different animations and different virtual experiences, and learn tech skills.

Theory of John Dewey wherein he states that children learning by doing or hands on experience. Children should be actively learning and not just receiving mere information from the teacher. There should be activities or opportunities that will let them apply their knowledge directly.

Based on the theories discussed today, what do you think are highly applicable to web-based learning of students with special needs?