The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

The Ohio Centre for Autism and Low Incidence has developed Autism Internet Modules (AIM) in partnership with ASA, Geneva Centre for Autism and the Nebraska ASD Network. Geneva Centre for Autism has developed E-learning Modules for the Education and Childcare sector. This session will introduce the use of e-learning as a viable training tool, to enhance face to face training or expand training options for users less able to attend training opportunities. The presenters will provide a brief history of internet-based learning before specifically previewing the products developed by OCALI and Geneva Centre for Autism.

Workshop participants will gain an understanding of how e-learning can enhance face to face training and provide training for users who otherwise would be unable to access this opportunity.  By becoming familiar with the e-learning platforms presented, participants will be able to utilize these as resources in the future.

The Ohio Centre for Autism and Low Incidence has developed Autism Internet Modules (AIM) as online lessons designed to provide educational information and supports for educational professionals, families, and individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The modules, developed by staff of the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence Disabilities (OCALI), are accessible free of charge on the World Wide Web. They contain written and oral presentation modes with capabilities to download into a pod cast. In addition, AIM is fully accessible with close-captioning options. Finally, to meet the needs of our global society, the modules will be available in five languages of the United Nations (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, and Chinese). This project has the support of the Autism Society of America.

AIM content addresses (a) the characteristics of ASD; (b) assessment; and (c) interventions for academic, behavioral, social, sensory, functional skills, as well as communication. Each module will consist of (a) introduction, (b) overview, (c) lecture, (d) quiz, (e) video demonstration of the characteristic or application of the instructional strategy, (f) case studies, (g) frequently asked questions (FAQ), (h) downloadable PowerPoint slides, (i) pre- and post-test, and (j) references.The impact of this project is far-reaching, including the potential to obliterate distance as a barrier to skill development. For example, individuals in Nebraska or Wyoming who live more than 200 miles from the nearest university can access training in ASD by merely having a computer or gaining access to the technology at a public library. Thus, AIM has the ability to help educators and parents nationwide.
Geneva Centre for Autism has developed E-learning platforms currently targeted for professionals in Education and Childcare sectors. E-Learning is meant to offer a baseline of information on ASD for those who are new to this area. It allows Geneva Centre for Autism to post content that training participants can download at their convenience.  The E-learning site is a source of introductory information that allows individuals to acquire a general level of understanding of ASD prior to coming into the first day of a training session.  Similarly, it allows the training participants to test their knowledge after the training with an assortment of online quizzes.   
Geneva Centre for Autism’s E-Learning site has contributed to the success of its training initiatives.  It enables training facilitators to maximize training days by focusing on core issues while referencing E-Learning as the site to go to for supplemental training materials and related resources such as tip sheets, visual materials, audio-visual presentations, and recommended websites.  It also provides participants an option to revisit and review topics they have learned and access new online resources at their convenience. Follow up support has been made available through the use of discussion forums and simultaneous web casts. Additional enhanced learning modules are being developed to further enhance the training available to these sectors.

Geneva Centre for Autism and Ohio Centre of Autism and Low Incidence formed a partnership in the fall of 2007 to work together to further develop information which will have an unprecedented impact on educational professionals and parents by changing the nature of personnel preparation, para-professional training, and parent education. The following are examples of how constituents could benefit from e-learning:

·        Speech/language pathologists, after completing a module, could attend a professional conference that highlights advanced information because the presenters are assured that each attendee has the same baseline of information.

·        Para-professionals in schools districts could complete a module before attending training. Instead of learning basic information in the workshop, paraprofessionals could focus on application of the information directly to the students they support.

·        Parent support group members could preview a module and spend time during their meetings discussing how to use a specific strategy in their home or community.

In summary e-learning has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals with ASD, those who teach them, and their families.

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