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Session Description
Asperger Syndrome is one of the most common developmental disabilities and is characterized in three developmental areas; communication, socialization and emotional/behavior difficulties (Dillon, 2007). Students with learning disabilities caused from Asperger Syndrome face many challenges in reaching educational and career goals. These challenges can derive from difficulties pertaining to social interaction in the classroom and collaboration when working in a group environment. Despite demonstrated capabilities and gifts, idiosyncratic communication, socialization, and behavior can lead to significant problems and failure for students (Dillon, 2007). Technology is available to aid instructors in creating a learning environment that provides opportunities for students with Asperger Syndrome. Instructors can incorporate this technology so that students with Asperger’s disorder can utilize their skills and interact in the classroom with peers as they work to reach their potential. By creating a community of acceptance for students with Asperger Syndrome, classmates can also demonstrate their ability to work with someone that has a learning disability. The presentation will provide a strategy as to what technology can be used and what indicators may signal the need for additional instructor intervention. The technology that will be addressed during the presentation can provide a positive learning environment for all students and enable the instructor to encourage communication and collaboration similar to what can be expected in their career field.
Dillon, M. (2007). Creating supports for college students with Asperger Syndrome through collaboration. College Student Journal, 41 (2), 499-504
Dillon, M. (2007). Creating supports for college students with Asperger Syndrome through collaboration. College Student Journal, 41 (2), 499-504
Interactivity
The presentation will include PowerPoint slides that identify a strategic approach for faculty when considering technology in the classroom in order to create a collaborative learning environment that involves all students. Participation by the audience will be promoted though activities that include polling the audience and discussions in the text messaging area. The audience will have the opportunity to submit questions during and after the presentation in addition to offering insight as to their own practices.
Presenter(s)
Henry Roehrich, Park University, Parkville, Missouri
Dr. Henry Roehrich is an Assistant Professor of Marketing and Management at Park University. He also serves as an Online Instructor Evaluator for Park Distance Learning. Dr. Roehrich has developed and instructed courses in management, marketing, retailing, international business, entrepreneurship and economics. The courses that he has developed and delivered as an instructor include online delivery, classroom delivery and blended courses. He has twenty years of management experience and seven years of administrative experience in higher education. He received his Ph.D. from the University of North Dakota and an MSA from Central Michigan University.Julie Grabanski, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
Julie Grabanski is an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at the University of North Dakota. Ms. Grabanski has over 20 years of experience working in acute care, rehabilitation hospitals, long term care, and outpatient pediatrics as an occupational therapist. She is working on her Ph.D. in occupational and adult education from North Dakota State University and has a Master of Science and Administration from Central Michigan University.Donald Fischer, Northland Community and Technical College, East Grand Forks, Minnesota, USA
Donald Fischer is an Instructor in the Computer Networking and Unmanned Aerial Systems Maintenance Technician programs at Northland Community and Technical College, East Grand Forks and Thief River Falls, Minnesota. He received his AAS from NCTC in Computer Service Networking and his BS from Bemidji State University in Career and Technical Education. He has a 22 year old son with Asperger’s. He has been researching, advising and lecturing locally on Asperger’s since his son’s initial diagnosis 16 years ago. He currently resides in Grand Forks, North Dakota with his wife Debra and his exceptional creative son Justin.A recording of this presentation is available.
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Cheri Toledo, a PhD Coordinator at Walden University, specializes in eLearning and social media in education. An educator for over 30 years, she has taught and coached on the K-12 and university levels and served as a 7-12 academic counselor and academic dean. Her research interests and publications revolve around strategic uses of current and emerging technologies to increase effective teaching and learning and issues and practices of blended and online teaching and learning environments. Cheri is active in educational networks through Twitter, LinkedIn, and her blog, Ed Tech Spin (
