Students Create SU 'Virtual Field Trip' for Special Education Students

SALISBURY, MD---As Wicomico County Public Schools continues its efforts to ensure student inclusiveness, Dr. Andrea Suk’s Inclusive Instruction for Secondary Teachers class in Salisbury University’s Samuel W. and Marilyn C. Seidel School of Education is helping to ensure no student is left behind.

When contacted with a request to create a guide geared toward high school students in special education and with disabilities who may want to know more about SU, Suk’s students jumped at the opportunity.

They developed a “virtual field trip,” allowing those high school students to “see” campus with information about accommodations they may need, like opportunities through SU’s Disability Resource Center and the accessibility of the campus shuttle.

Those using the tool see a map of campus, with informational videos on what being an SU student is like, from classroom design, to what a residence hall looks like, to recreational activities.

The SU students – Doug DeLost of Annapolis; Hailey Lagimoniere of Huntingtown, MD; Tayah Rendina of Gambrills, MD; Elizabeth Robles of Lothian, MD; Logan Smith of Salisbury; Allan Hall of Pittsville, MD; and McKinsey Zepp of Milton, DE - took the lead on the project. They wrote the content, appeared in the videos to “show” students around and edited the final version. 

“Allan, Doug, Logan, Hailey, Tayah, Elizabeth and McKinsey embody not only the inclusion mindset, but also demonstrate qualities of being an advocate for individuals with disabilities through their actions,” said Suk. “These character traits exemplify the diversity efforts at SU. These students are active agents of change by promoting and supporting campus inclusion.”    

Not only did the students complete the project, which is already being used by Wicomico County Public Schools administrators, but they received a President’s Diversity Champion Award for their dedication to inclusiveness.

Students in the course routinely participate in a final research project, Suk said. This opportunity fit the requirement perfectly, not only providing hands-on experience for the current students, but helping to pave the way for the next generation of SU students, as well.

“The full impact of these students' work is yet to be seen,” Suk said. “Word has spread to other schools in Maryland, and special education teachers are anxious to get access to the virtual field trip.”

The “virtual field trip” is available online.

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU website.