Engaging Students With Disabilities in Virtual CS Learning

Purpose & objective

This session supports participants in designing and implementing inclusive computer science (CS) learning activities by addressing the intersectionality of engaging students with disabilities (SWD) in CS and facilitating learning in virtual environments. Participants will first explore considerations addressed in the 2021 National Autism student summer camp, a virtual experience engaging students in CS learning with drone technology. Participants will then discuss strategies for confronting deficit-thinking approaches, leveraging students’ identities and culture, and utilizing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in their instructional practice. Participants will leave the session with reference materials, sample resources, and new ideas for supporting all learners in virtual CS learning activities.

Outline

1. Introduction: Telling the Story ( 5 mins. )
Presenters will share stories about the 2021 National Autism Conference student camp, held virtually. During the camp, students socialized with their peers, and received support from camp facilitators while they assembled and programmed drones. They also discussed real-world uses of drones, and met with a guest speaker from NASA.

2. Considerations and Strategies ( 20 mins. )
Presenters will discuss the design process in facilitating CS learning activities in a virtual learning environment that addresses the learner variability and empower every student with the support of UDL guidelines.

Presenters will lead an activity where participants will:
Describe considerations and strategies for engaging students with disabilities by leveraging students’ identities and culture
Identify anticipated needs and challenges in virtual or hybrid environments
Explore how to utilize UDL guidelines for planning and facilitating CS learning activities to support all learners.

3. Evidence-Based Practices and Resources ( 5 mins. )
Presenters will provide additional resources to participants for continuing their expansion of their CS program. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and/or share their experiences about teaching CS to underserved populations.

Supporting research

To view this list with hyperlinks, visit: https://tinyurl.com/iste2022pattan

Organizations
Access CSforAll: (University of Washington)
Research-Practitioner Partnership working to increase the participation of students with disabilities in K-12 CS education. Site includes an online community of practice, resource bank of accessible curricula, webinars for educators, and more

Access Computing (University of Washington)
Initiative working to increase the participation of people with disabilities in CS higher-education programs and CS careers.Site includes collections of resources for educators, employers, and students, covering topics such as making online courses accessible, finding scholarships and internships, and more.

Universal Design for Learning (CAST)
UDL research, news, and resources created and curated by CAST, including a detailed explanation of the UDL Guidelines

Creative Technology Research Lab ( University of Florida)
CTRL investigates how to meaningfully engage all learners in technology-mediated learning with a focus on K-12 computer science and computational thinking.

Articles
Computer Science Principles for Teachers of Blind and Visually Impaired Students
Experience report about teachers of Blind and Visually Impaired students teaching AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) content.

Computer Science Principles for Teachers of Deaf Students
This experience report explores how well code.org's version of AP CSP meets the needs of Deaf students.

Accessible K-12 Computer Science
Initiatives and methods for increasing CS access for all students.