Online Learning and Community

Major considerations in the design of our online learning and community support program revolve around the issues of internet safety and protocol. We recognize that safeguards must be put into place to protect our users. Additionally, users themselves need to have an appreciation of appropriate protocols and language especially in regards to respecting and understanding the sensitivities of others.

What level of security/monitoring do you feel would be appropriate?

What key subjects should be addressed?

Our initial focus is to develop modules or learning tools for adults with developmental disabilities. Thus clients, for example, will be able to share photos and music with friends, place journals in a public gallery, create a “digital profile”, take a course in food safety, learn how to prepare a CV, etc.

What “tools” and modules would you see as being the most important and which should be given the highest priority?

What are you feelings about the general use of the word “disability” — for example, do you feel that the term “special needs” should be substituted whenever possible?

Our long term goal is to make this program available to the entire special needs community and their caregivers — not just in terms of online learning but also with respect to community building, networking and information sharing.

What do you see as the biggest contribution we can make? Where would you like us to direct our efforts?

We’d love to hear your thoughts regarding these questions — you can respond by clicking the “comment on this” button below this entry.