Accommodating learning in an on-line learning environment
Accommodating students with learning disabilities is one thing but in the field of online learning, it becomes a more difficult task. The issue that many online instructors often face is the online universities enrollment policies. Enrollment and acceptance policies into private online universities require no minimum basic skills. The majority of online universities used what they call “open enrollment” and in many cases the students have limited knowledge of a high education learning environments, how to use the computer accompanied with multiple learning disabilities. The identified issues tend to make it extremely hard to accommodate this group of students.
However, it forces you to find ways to be creative and innovative in the classroom. I often see my job as an opportunity to help students learn by comprehending the course content as well as teaching them the basics of computing and writing skills.
In an online environment with adult learners, I make it clear at the outset that the students need to contact me and let me know if they need accomodation for a disability... while some online schools will have already screened new students, there are some learners who do not fit the traditional mold of "learning disabled" who need to tell me what accomodations they may need in order to succeed...
The use of online learning depends on the individual student and possibly the program offered.
They are going to be some successful interventions as well as those that will need a one-on-one tutoring program. Students with disabilities may find that by using a combination of the options and their effort they will find a plan that works for him(or her).
This is especially important in programs that require both theory and practical laboratory sessions.
However, I have found that most of the accommodations provided to students with learning disabilities also help other learners. Providnign more space on an exam separates the questions and helps everyone identify questions clearly.
Leeta,
I am glad you brought this up. As the availability of online learning becomes increasingly accessible, more students -- including those with learning disabilities -- will be in the course populations.
I see communication as key to helping resolve barriers to learning, and as you know, the communication in online courses is vastly different than in a traditional classroom.
While I can think of ways to try to accomodate and assist students with learning disabilities, a bigger challenge may be IDENTIFYING those students with issues in the first place. Without disclosure, the online instructor may just think a student has lost interest or is not investing the time necessary to keep up.
In the online environment, I see the student's disclosure essential in bridging the barriers. Perhaps in the syllabus, instructors should make a point to solicit such information from students and ensure confidentiality.
Regards,
Christopher
With online teaching, I have discovered emails are a great way to give out "extra" information to ESL students or students with learning disabilities. Privacy is provided this way.
It is important to help learners with disabilitites to feel comfortable in the online learning environment.
Jay
You are correct. The great thing about online learning is that the students have all of the information readily available. However, it is up to the instructors to reinforce all aspect of a inclusive learning environment.
Hi Leeta! You raise some excellent points about the challenges of addressing learning disabilities in an open, online course. I have found, and this is no surprise, that ongoing and significant communication with online students is a must, given the variance of learning styles, characteristics and possible learning disabilities. Also, crystal clear learning objectives, guides and outlines, and a definitive course schedule tend to help as well.
Thanks for all of your observations.
Jay
ED106 Facilitator
