Learning Management Systems
As an online instructor, discuss two basic steps you would take to ensure your course on an LMS is accessible to all students.
Sodang,These are very good ideas. keep up the good work.
Renee Shaffer
To ensure that all LMS tools are accessible to all students, I do a scavenger hunt on the Blackboard classes. The scavenger hunt directs them to navigate all functions and site of the LMS Blackboard. Another tool that I incorporate into the class is you-tube videos of "how to do" instructional videos.
Amos,
Testing is so important. I attended a presentation last week where the presenter hadn't practiced and the presentation didn't work. Embarrassing.
Renee Shaffer
I would make sure for the students know that they can use and/or access the software and also be sure that we take time to test their equipment before class time.
Lakithia,
The idea of universal design can help everyone in the course not just those with the disability.
Renee Shaffer
To make the classroom accessible I feel that online instructions should provide audio, visual, and written word text of the material. That should cover all learners in the course. The audio version of the material could be used for the students that are unable to see or understand pictures. The visual component such as pictures, graphs and PowerPoint are gear more towards those visual learners and student who may be hearing impaired. The text version would help those learners that may have a hearing disability but have the ability to read and understand material.
I will make sure that I understand the guidelines and make sure the student is able to view or listen to the assignments. Also I will determine if they have the correct software and hardware to complete the assignments.
Stephanie,
Thanks for thinking about providing a text transcript!
Renee Shaffer
With the university I teach with, we provide live chats each week of the class. After going through these modules, I would really like to provide a text transcript of the chat to assist those with hearing disabilities.
We do not have timed tests, which is good for students that need extra time. We just have assignments that are due each week. We also offer extra time to complete assignments for those with disabilities.
Dr. Christopher,
Good points. Remember all of this takes additional time so plan on that.
Renee Shaffer
I would suggest staying away from live chats as the student with a disability cold possibly be left out of the conversation due to timing. I would also put captions on the videos and provide text transcripts for both audio and video presentations.
-Chris
Jocelyn,
Transcripts are such a key though they do take extra time on the part of the instructor.
Renee Shaffer
Hi -
Providing transcripts with audio is one basic step.
Also providing audio files to help with written items can help accessibility.
Thanks!
Jocelyn
As an online instructor I like to make sure that my students have access to both audio and visual representations of what is being covered in class. I feel that a PowerPoint and a live chat that covers the PowerPoint allows for ADA students the ability to understand the course content.
Michelle,
Boy it is difficult to get this donw after the fact, so instructors should do it from the very beginning.
Renee Shaffer
As an instructional designer all videos need to have either closed captioning or a text based transcript.
All graphics need to have text based captions as well.
Any images used need to have a descriptive 'alt' tag.
Lanny,
Oh yes, feedback from the students can be most helpful. Good work!
Renee Shaffer
I review the material as if I were a student
- open,print out, and review all of the handouts
- make sure my videos have captioning
I also send all of my materials to the Disability Services Department and get their feedback to see if any potential issues could arise.
Additionally, I ask my students to let me know either by e-mail or phone call if there is anything that that cannot be opened, read, or properly understood. I find that the feedback from the students is most helpful in identifying potential problems.
I would make sure all students had access to the by providing links and instructional aids. I would also do a welcome call with each student and walk them through accessing the course. I actually had a student who was deaf a couple of semesters ago and we communicated by phone through an operator who type what I was say to her and rely the message back to the student. I found this experience very enlightening because had I not made the phone call I would not have known about the student's disability because all of work was completed and turned in on time
