I would probably use the Speaker Notes in the PPT area, as this would capture the transcript for any slide given and thus give the disabled student the material in a different form.
Andrew,
Like the idea of extra time and you giving them the detailed information early. Be sure to have a transcript or something similar for all of those visuals.
Renee Shaffer
Cyndy,
Bravo! Too often instructors forget about using the phone to communicate and bring that sense of familiarity back into the class. It can make a big difference for the student.
Renee Shaffer
I try to make my class in computer forensics extremely visual and also audio sufficient. FOr those that have visual impairments I have visual presentations that provide detailed information and procedures they can absorb without audio. I also provide detaild information early in the week so those with impairments can have extra time to respond and ask me questions thus clearing up issues that may come as a result of disabilities.
Claire,
Good work using different formats. Any transcribes being used? How do you do the weekly office hours?
Renee Shaffer
Students who are participating in online instruction are doing so to accommodate their life, as an instructor, sometimes a communication through the email structure is not as personal as one might want, I have tried to be accessible by phone and often. Now for my family this can be worrisome, but I feel that failing to assist those who really are trying might prevent success on the part of the student. I have learned that I may be the only conversation that these folks have during a week. This does bring a socialization for which I am willing to do for these students who would otherwise struggle.
I try to provide the weekly material in a variety of formats to support that variety of learners too. PDF files can be downloaded or placed on a kindle device for reading. These walk through the weekly tutorials. Video tutorials are provided. Weekly office hours are held so students can get one on one help.
Virginia,
Are these required supplemental assignments that everyone should do? Are they graded? Just curious as they sound like really good ideas.
Renee Shaffer
In all of my online classes I add supplemental assignments, discussion starters and "mini-lessons" to make sure the class content is accessible in several different deliverables. I have found that students with special accommodations appreciate this.
Michael,
You are ahead of the game. Thanks for accomodating all learners!
Renee Shaffer
In my online courses I make sure the content is available using a multi-modal design--the content is available in audio format, text, and enhanced visual (power point) in order to accommodate all disabilities. Thank you.
Darcel,
Yes, it sounds like you are doing a good job letting people know how they can access materials. Keep up the good work.
Renee Shaffer
Good points! Keep up the good work giving students directions.
Renee, in my online course, I post announcements twice a week about downloading material. I also include library reserve material, and links from specific websites for the class. PDF’s are great because they have screen reading software embedded now so that helps. If I choose to scan software I try to make it larger and legible before uploading so that students can read it without difficulty.
Parrish,
Excellent! Breaking the course content into modules in a progressive fashion can help both the student and the instructor.
Renee Shaffer
Hi Renee,
I am not an online instructor, but I do ensure compliance with courses and school policies overall.
One thing we have done is to break the course down in modules. While this model is for all students, we are careful to not to make quiz questions in Module 2 require the student to have to go back to Module 1 to get the answer, for example. In other words, each progressive module will build upon the prior module, but we try to keep the topics compartmentalized so that students do not get confused.
