Integrating communication core competency skills in the distance learning environment for students with Autism

The world is changing every day and teachers and parents want to see their children equipped for success in the 21st Century. After three years of research, consultation, design, trial, and feedback, in 2016 the B.C. Ministry of Education rolled out a redesign of curriculum and assessment meant to meet the needs of students today. At the center of the new B.C. Curriculum are three essential Core Competencies: Communication, Thinking, and Personal & Social. Becoming emotionally proficient with these competencies will help students become deeply engaged life-long learners in today’s world. These Core Competencies have changed how we support learners, including those with special needs. As educators strive to meet the diverse needs of all their students, some require special consideration and planning. The BC Ministry of Education (2016) defines special needs as, “a student who has a disability of an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional or behavioural nature, has a learning disability, or has special gifts or talents” (p.9). The Ministry of Education has designated these children with the hope that extra support can be put in place so educational success can be achieved. The flexibility and adaptability of the Distributed Learning (DL) environment can be a wonderful fit for these learners. The critical challenge question, “How can BC teachers integrate Core Competency Communication skills in the distance learning environment for students with Autism?” is explored in the findings of this Process Paper and Major Project. The creation of the Connection Thru Communication website is intended to provide support and resources for DL teachers working with students with Autism in the DL environment.