Online Courses

Kansas State School for the Blind is offering an Introduction to Python Computer Science Course tailored for students who have a visual impairment in partnership with Microsoft Philanthropies TEALS (Technology Education and Literacy in Schools). The TEALS Program has a ten-year proven track record of bringing CS Programs to High Schools by partnering technology industry professionals with classroom educators to team-teach CS.

KSSB is one of two School’s for the Blind offering this course in the nation.

TIME:  7:45am – 8:30 am  M – Th (Central Time Zone) 

COST: FREE
CONTACT:  Christian Puett or Dr. Deb Howser

Click here to register!

This is a foundational course. Students use music symbols, rhythms, and other basic elements of music. Recognizing and recalling musical notation will be included, as well as an exploration of reading, writing, and playing basic music. In-person, teacher/para support is recommended. 

• Schedule: Will be established after registration is completed 
• Location: Zoom with email and phone support
• Instructor: Jenny Eichner (contact for books and supplies)
• Registration: Braille Music 1 by September 15th

The Intermediate Braille Music Course provides a continuation of learning in music braille. Students use music symbols, rhythms, and other elements of music. Recognizing and recalling musical notation will be included, as well as an exploration of reading, writing, and playing music. In-person, teacher/para support is recommended. 

• Schedule: Will be established after registration is completed 
• Location: Zoom with email and phone support
• Instructor: Jenny Eichner (contact for books and supplies)
• Registration: Braille Music 2 by September 15th

The Advanced Braille Music Course provides increased experience in music braille. Advanced music symbols and rhythms will be introduced, as well as other essential elements of music. Recognizing and recalling music notation (in braille and print as needed) is included as well as an exploration of reading, writing, and playing music.

• Schedule: Varies and established after registration is completed
• Location: Zoom with email and phone support
• Contact: Jenny Eichner (contact for books and supplies)
• Registration: Braille Music 3 by September 15th

Computer Applications Using Screen Readers or Magnification (Trainingware)
This is an online screen reader course for students in grades 3 to 12. A KSSB TSVI will provide instruction to a student and either his/her TSVI or paraprofessional. The team will choose their preferred screen reader (JAWS or NVDA) or magnification program (ZoomText/Fusion) and the programs within Windows or Google Suite. For a list of the possible options, contact the coordinator listed below. Dates and times for this course are arranged between the instructor and the TSVI/student team.

• Instructor:
• Age Group: KS students in grades 3rd through 12th
• Start Date: Rolling enrollment (register anytime!)
• When: TBD via Zoom  (*date/time subject to change)
• Register: Computer Applications – Trainingware

Intermediate Level Online UEB Braille Course  (limited to 8 participants)
Description: This engaging online UEB braille course will enhance your skills while reading and writing.  This course is taught fully online by certified teacher of students with a visual impairment (TSVI).

The Intermediate Online Braille course can serve as IEP minutes for braille instruction or as a supplement to already existing braille instruction.  The Texas Braille Skills Checklist & other instructional materials, such as the Braille Too The Next Generation Series will be mailed or sent electronically for the student to use during targeted reading instruction.  The targeted age of students in this program is 13-18 or grades 7-12.  This course will cater to students’ needs based on their current level of braille knowledge and skills.

Intro to Podcasting  (limited to 10 participants)
Description: This online class will provide students with opportunities to learn the basics of Podcasting.  Students will learn about appropriate technology used, chat language, developing meaningful questions, and how to research current events. This is a required course if the student would like to participate in the live broadcasting.

• Instructor: Lydia Knopp, Makerspace Coordinator
• Age Group: KS middle and/or high school students
• Start Date: August 23
• When: Tuesdays,  3:30-4:30 via Zoom  (*date/time subject to change)
• Registration: Intro to Podcasting

Live Podcasting  (limited to 6 participants)
Prerequisites: Intro to Podcasting and must be a high school student

Description: Students learn how to conduct live interviews of guests. Students are required to practice journalism-type skills. Conduct research and know the guest’s work. Know your audience in order to create a balance between quality questions  that align with your audience’s interest. Students must be prepared for each live interview and have the ability to think quickly in response to the guest’s answers. Students must be willing to work outside of class hours to prepare for podcasts.  An interview with the instructor is required before acceptance into the course.

• Instructors: Lydia Knopp, MakerSpace Coordinator and Christian Puett, TSVI
• Age Group: KS high school students who have completed the intro course
• Start Date: August 22, 2023
• When: Thursdays 3:45-4:45  via Zoom  (*date/time subject to change)
• Registration: Live Podcasting

Paraprofessional & Family Braille Course
Description: This new online offering allows parents and family members or paraprofessionals to learn the Unified English Braille Code. This course will cover both uncontracted or contracted braille.  Lessons begin with the basics, uncontracted braille. Once finished with the uncontracted braille course, the participants can move onto contracted braille signs. Each participant can work at their own pace and decide how quickly they move through the lessons. The lessons are paired with videos and hands-on activities to implement braille into your environment/daily use.

• Instructor: Jeanne Goodin, TSVI
• Age Group: Kansas Residents
• Start Date: Week of August 22
• When: This is a self-paced course via Zoom
• Registration: Paraprofessional and Family Braille Course

SPEECH & DEBATE  (limited to 10 participants)
Description: Public speaking allows participants to become more comfortable when speaking in small or large groups.  Participants will enjoy learning how to be informative or persuasive, speak on their feet, use clear emotions, and explore many forms of materials such as song lyrics, poetry, humorous prose, serious prose, skits, or mini-debates. Speaking activities allow participants to work collaboratively with a variety of people as well as strengthen friendships.  Proficient reading, writing, & access technology skills preferred.

• Instructor: Christian Puett, TSVI
• Age Group: KS middle school and high school students
• Start Date: August 29
• When: Mondays and/or Wednesdays 3:45-4:30 via Zoom  (*date/time subject to change)
• Registration: Speech and Debate