Our Learning Approach

Let’s explore together!

Imagine your student is going to school, but they get to choose the curriculum. They get to decide what they are going to learn. Instead of saying “Learn this,” IOB says “Let’s explore together.” And it is magic! We have learned that autistic students learn better and engage more when they are encouraged to learn and share through the exploration of their special interests – what we call their SpIn. We use creative projects, specifically digital graphic software, as our playground.

The IOB environment is built on mutual learning. Students are paired with a mentor – someone who is an expert in creative software. We trust that the students are the experts in their areas of interest, and above all, we believe in their capabilities. Together, mentors and students share what they each know in order to learn and create a project together with the understanding that they both can learn from the experience.

Collaboration and creation lead to communication. By fostering their inspiration, their SpIn, we begin to see kids who might not engage verbally begin to engage through their art. Together with their mentor, they create an environment that leads to authentic expression versus expecting students to adapt to a predetermined environment.

Finding the right fit.

IOB’s student-centered solutions provide a mix of opportunities spanning different skill sets, needs, and objectives. From our Daily Sandbox programming (daily creative connections) to our Foundation Workshops (collaborative exploration of digital software) to Digital Academy programs (our most advanced options), our programs start with the student and their interests to cultivate growth.

The graphic provides a quick summary of how our four program areas –  Sandbox, Foundation, Academy, and Community – interact with the different skill sets, needs, and objectives of our students. At the core, all of IOB’s programs offer social and emotional learning components. Many of our programs are aimed at providing skills – both technical and “soft” skills – that will help our students find fulfilling employment.  We have programs that provide one-on-one support as well as programs that encourage individual growth within a group. IOB’s Concierge Approach aims to find the right program match for each student’s needs!