CANCELLED - 27. Teaching Robotics and Coding to Students with Low Incidence Disabilities

Speaker: Vicki F. Knight, Ph.D., BCBA

*This speaker will be presenting virtually.
**This session is available for in person attendance only.

This presentation will begin by outlining a brief rationale for teaching robotics and coding to all students, including those with low incidence disabilities. Next, the presenter will discuss some connections to the common core and Next Generation Science skills. Additionally, the presenter will illustrate the findings from a series of projects in which hand-held robots were used to teach computer coding and other academic and collateral skills (e.g., social, communication skills) to students with low incidence disabilities. Using video and student outcomes from these studies as a backdrop, the presenter will detail the step by step instructional methods used to teach coding and robotics; provide recommendations for selecting technology to teach coding and robotics, depending on grade level, purpose of instruction, and other considerations; and deliver additional resources, practical lesson plans and task analyses, and examples teachers can use in the classroom.

Credits: Act 48, ASHA

Audience: Special Education Teachers; Teachers/other professionals who work with students who have sustained traumatic brain injury; Speech Therapists; General Education Teachers; Supervisors/Administrators; Assistive Technology Specialists; Parents, Guardians, Family Members; Paraprofessionals

Speaker's Bio:

Victoria (Vicki) Knight is an Associate. Professor in Special Education at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Knight has more than 25 years of experience working with students who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Her research interests include: (a) promoting learning of academic content, especially in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); (b) evaluation of the collateral benefits of inclusion in STEM for students with ASD, and (b) evaluation and dissemination of evidence-based practices for students with ASD. She has published, presented, and trained educators in these areas internationally. Dr. Knight was recently presented with a Research Award by the Council for Exceptional Children, Division of Autism and Developmental Disabilities for her impact and innovation in the field of ASD. She has published 45 peer reviewed articles and presents internationally on these topics. Dr. Knight serves on the editorial boards of three journals, including the Journal of Special Education, Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, and Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities. She works closely with undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students across several research projects.
Email: vicki.knight@ubc.ca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CIRCA.UBC/community/?ref=page_internal
Website: https://ecps.educ.ubc.ca/person/vicki-knight/