Visual Impairments
As an online instructor, what assignments might you avoid if you have students with visual impairments?
Hello Ms. Schaffer and Colleagues, ïŠ
As visually impaired students have difficulty with visually presented material, I would avoid those types of assignments that call for acute visual ability. For example, I would avoid assignments that are color dependent - those where emphasis is dictated by color. I would also avoid assignments that utilize PowerPoints with fades, transitions, etc. as these may be difficult for students with visual impairments.
Sara Fine
Instructor
My answer depends of the nature of the visual impairment. Not all people are completely blind, and see nothing. Most visually impaired individuals see something, even it if is just a blur. What i would do with assignments is make sure that the test in a PowerPoint presentation is not so small that it is unreadable. This is may standard strategy.
Donald L. Buresh
Sodang,
yes students can be visually oriented but always remember to add ALt text for those who cannot see the photos.
Renee Shaffer
As an online instructor, I add pictures to help student understand the topics. I use many pictures ,graphs and charts to help guide the students.
BRIGITTE ,
So glad that you brought it to the attention of our dean. Thanks for being in the class and Happy Holidays.
Renee Shaffer
Hello Renee
I have facilitated courses with all walks of life and students who are visually impaired. I would like to note that this can prove to be a challenge as assignments evolve around analyzing primary source documents. I mentioned this to my dean and was able to integrate audio describing the documents and assign students, visually impaired, to content tutors who continue to work with students until success is reached.
Brigitte Powell
Sabrina,
Excellent points. It is especially useful to ask the students what has worked for them in the past as they may be more up to date with all of the new technology.
Renee Shaffer
I would keep the presentation clean and simple. Too many stimuli can prove problematic and frustrating for visually impaired students. It would also be a good idea to ask them what works for them in the hopes of fostering ownership and trust.
Kristina,
Good ideas. Keep up the good work in helping all learners!
Renee Shaffer
In the past, when creating PPT lectures, I have avoided using colored text (especially light colors instead I stick with black on white or white on black), too many words on a slide, font that is small or has a shadow to it, and unclear/fuzzy images.
Jocelyn,
Though it might look nice to some, moving images and multiple colors can be problematic for some students.
Renee Shaffer
Hi - I would avoid putting moving images with assignments. Multiple colors that would be distracting should be used. I would avoid just explaining it in a lecture, but would also include a transcript for clarification.
Thanks!
Jocelyn Williamson
Christopher,
good points. It would also be a good idea to ask the student what works best for them.
Renee Shaffer
I think what I would do is give multiple delivery options for instruction. Because I know that timing may be an issue, I could record the chat sessions and also list them in Powerpoint presentation format. I would then email out the content to give the student an opportunity to digest the material and ask questions.
I think you would normally avoid assignments which require careful scrutiny... Like what is wrong with this picture? How many differences can you find between these two pictures? and the like...
BUT also anything that is too monochrome or tends toward something difficult for the red green color blind...
Choose pictures and diagrams that are simple, clear, uncluttered and well defined.
Audio is best with visual disabilities
Karen,
Good points. It really is a great idea to ask the student what would work better for them. Many times they have never been asked.
Renee Shaffer
Even though I use PowerPoints I make sure that I discuss each slide fully. I make sure that pertinent information is printed boldly. I learned to simply suggest that the students need to reference a page in the textbook does not work as well as me discussing the page.
Visual impairments can vary (from low vision to complete blindness), so I don't know that I would completely avoid showing video or PPT, however, if I did incorporate in a lesson, I would be sure that:
1) it was of high quality visually and not on a small screen, etc.
2) a transcript would be available
3) if video, it would be introduced (what is the purpose of the class watching it, in the video 'this and that' happens', etc.)
4) explain what the class was seeing (i.e., describe the visual aid. 'you are seeing a picture of a man walking his dog on a trail...the man looks relaxed and happy, etc. etc.)
These are just a few suggestions.
I think that instructors can sometimes be wary of just asking the person what might work best for them. For example, if I am given a roster and I see I have a student with a disability, I can ask the student (privately) what are some things I might be able to do in the course that will help them to have a better all around learning experience. I've found most students are very happy to let me know what works best for them.
I've enjoyed reading this DB as it has given me a fresh perspective on the topic...thanks everyone!!
Karen Bisset
