Creating Opportunities for All Students
GSN curriculum uses the flexibility of technology to make the educational experience more inclusive and effective for everyone. Exceptional learners range from students with disabilities or other hardships that prevent them from participating in the traditional classroom, to students who do not speak English as their first language, to gifted learners who can move at an accelerated pace. Such a diverse range of needs means that each student requires individualized instruction to achieve academic success. With Global Student Network, all students can work effectively to reach their educational goals.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
GSN’s courses are based on the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework that aims to reach the greatest number of students at their individual learning level. GSN has implemented UDL recommendations incorporating three types of flexible instruction.
- Multiple methods of content presentation – GSN’s courses utilize audio, video, illustrations, graphic organizers, and a varied level of complexity in instruction.
- Multiple modes of student expression – GSN’s students complete organizer-based and media-based assignments and have access to support tools.
- Multiple ways to engage students – Our courses include discussions, online activities, games, and brainstorming.
More Ways to Engage the Exceptional Learner
In addition to UDL, all GSN courses include a variety of tools and features to help students at all levels customize the learning experience to their own needs.
- Ability to self-pace – Students work at their own pace, which means a struggling reader has enough time to read for comprehension, while a gifted learner can work more quickly.
- Audio assistance – Students have the option to listen along as they read. This is highly beneficial to struggling readers and students with attention deficits.
- Formative feedback – Meaningful praise for correct answers and encouraging feedback for incorrect answers reinforce student achievement. Feedback accompanies un-scored embedded self-checks as well as computer-scored assessments.
- Stepping out – Directions for complex tasks such as solving a proof or writing an essay are broken into smaller steps with explanation and guidance. This helps students understand what is expected of them and aids in the development of problem-solving skills.
- Study assistance. Printable Study Sheets guide students through course content. Study sheets include graphic organizers, note-taking guides, and practice questions to aid students as they learn new material and review for tests.
