For someone who once dreamed of being on stage performing for large audiences, you’d think I’d relish the chance to be in front of the camera. Though I’m certain my theatrical training had some impact regarding pronunciation and delivery, it didn’t squash the nerves that were certainly bubbling over in preparation for the upcoming videos to be recorded. In collaboration with the Open University and my host professor at JYU, we decided upon a four-part lecture series. Our outline allowed for both separate lectures that can be connected for continuity or utilized as individual lessons. The intent of the lectures is to use them for undergraduate and graduate teacher training programs, professional development, and for research projects being conducted throughout Finland. Each topic taught was based on the foundations of inclusive practices in special education. This cross cultural exchange of sharing best practices to meet the needs of all of our educators in Finland and the US is evidence of how incredible global collaboration can be.
Lecture one emphasized Universal Design for Learning which led to the second lecture of Inclusion, answering the question of where one conducts UDL. Lecture three dives into pedagogical strategies implemented during inclusive settings leading us to the use of evidence based practice. One such Evidence Based Practice is Social Skills Training, which was the 4th lecture.
The university had reserved a recording studio complete with cameraman and tech support. After a few test runs to ensure my vocal volume was satisfactory (us Americans are known to be far too loud for these sessions) and that my slides were up and working we were good to go. Keep in mind that the entire time, I am lecturing to an audience of none! (Well actually the lovely cameraman, but I don’t think he was my target audience.) I had become somewhat accustomed to a quieter lecture environment as many of the other presentations recently given at the university have been to Finnish graduate students who culturally don’t interact during class time the same way we do at home, so I had been prepared for the silences. Yet talking straight into the camera for a period of time with no interaction was definitely a bit odd. I had been working on these lectures and slides extensively for weeks making adjustments to ensure both my Finnish colleagues and educators back home would be able to connect. Considering simple changes in words such as recess to breaks, paraprofessionals to assistants. Even removing specific grade levels, opting to use age groups instead to ensure that both cultures would be able to benefit from what was being shared.
I value the collaboration across thousands of miles to pinpoint the same areas of need to improve the quality of supports that are provided for our students who require special education services. Grateful for having this opportunity and who knows maybe the next time you google special education, these videos will pop up.