Assistive Technology (AT) Tools | Origin: EL111
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Assistive Technologies for the Online Learner --> Assistive Technology (AT) Tools
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
Assistive technology allows students to remain in community with other students. This relief from isolation will help enhance their anonymity and independence.
Something as simple as using color to convey meaning can cause severe accessibility issues for students that are visually impaired, color blind, etc. So, making sure our material is truly accessible and using various techniques to make this happen is critical to student learning. I also learned about the vast number of resources available to students with various disabilities.
it is important for each student to use all their resources to stay on top of their education
I learned that accessibility isn’t an add-on, it’s core to quality, safety, and equity. Posting files isn’t the same as making them usable; captions, alt text, clear headings, and keyboard-only paths turn content into access. Going forward, I’ll audit each module (WAVE/WCAG), replace mouse-only tasks with equivalents, caption/transcribe all media, and coordinate with Disability Services and I’ll actively monitor that approved accommodations work throughout the term. I’ll also offer asynchronous options and milestone-based projects to reduce cognitive load, carrying the same UDL mindset into patient education so inclusion is routine in both my course and my nursing practice.
I learned about importance of time and timing and about plethora of resources available to assist.
I learned that there are a variety of assistive technology tools, such as screen readers, speech-to-text software, and captioning tools, that support students with different types of disabilities in online learning. I intend to apply this by exploring and incorporating AT-friendly formats and tools into my course design, making sure my materials are compatible and accessible to all students from the start.
Learning Management Systems (LMS) in the United States have improved as developers have become more informed and attentive to the needs of learners with disabilities, but these platforms still present challenges for students with disabilities in online learning environments. Assistive technology is a key component in supporting students with disabilities. It is designed to promote independence and can be used to help build confidence in these students.
I appreciated learning about AT tools. The Job Access With Speech (JAWS) screen reading (text-to-speech) software for those who can't see would be especially helpful in an English comp. class like mine.
By simply posting information or materials through an LMS does not ensure accessibility.
ASTs need to be available for students with disabilities.
I learned about AT tools available to students and the surprising pitfalls of mainstream LMS.
Barriers to utilizing part of LMS and other online systems for individuals with visual disabilities.
Though LMS have made significant improvments, they can still pose problems to the online learner with a disabiity
Though many improvements have been made by Learning Management Systems in the United States as their designers have become more knowledgeable, understanding and aware of the needs of learners with disabilities, they still present prblems to to students with disabilities who are learning online.
What makes your course accessible. Very interesting.
This module includes great reminders about making course content accessible online, such as including captions and transcripts for multimedia. I'd like to watch the Washington Post video for further info/ideas, too.
I have used Wave for website accessibility, but never thought about using it for classes.
It's important to know that some traditional online learning techniques are not assessable for learners with disabilities.
I learned that wikis and chats are not recommended for students with disabilities. Text boxes are not recommended for students with disabilities.
