I learned there are 3 types of assistive technology aviailable to students with disabilities. Assistive Technology software, equipment and hardware. I will remember students with disabilites may not have access to asistive technology 24/7.
This section has taught me how many different types of assistive tools are available. The abundance of tools can help close the gap for many students with disabilities and provide them with the accessibility needed for their individual situation.
That many of the resources these students need for online classes are expensive.
Gloria I like the available websutes that are available to use for my students.
I learned about the different types of products like Jaw and Dragon Speech software.
I learned that there is a vast feild of students that have learning disabilitys that I didn't know existed and that as an instructor this has made me more aware of what I have to provide for these students.
There ae so many different tools that can used for ease of leaning and navigating for the disabled student.
You need to have a plan for students that have vision, hearing or mobility impairments. Typical LMS's do not mesh well with Assistive Tech tools if you're just trying to take what you have already and apply it through the AT tools. Some forethought must be used in how to address and transfer the material so that it is accessable to the student through one of the many AT Tools.
This module was quite interesting. I didn't realize that LMS wasn't as reliable to every student. I'm much more aware of this situation now. I will stay informed by making sure student's have what they need to proceed on and complete their online course.
I learned that where technology has gotten very sophisticated it has its flaws. Yet there is much to choose from and orgazize in a class to help the diabled. Great session of information.
I learned that online instructors are responsible for making sure that all course materials are in compliance with federal regulations. I will take notice to make sure I have the documents accessible in the beginning of my course.
I learned that with doing extra research and double checking things online, it helps me know I have the correct information to help students. But with that, there also has to be accesability to all students as well. Giving all students the chance to take the class and for us to help them through it.
I learned that online instructors should become aware of the different Assistive Technology devices available so that they can then advise their students of the type of equipment or software that the student may need, but is not necessarily aware of.
I am very glad to learn that there are many assistive devices for persons with disabilities and hope that all LMS will ensure that content is available to all students, including those with disabilities.
The following data is interesting:
"In a recent study, nearly one-third of blind respondents reported that their experiences were not successful or unreliable when using Learning Management Systems in general. The study found almost all of the features that good online instructors use, namely, assignments, discussion boards, whiteboards, graphics, timed exams, email, real-time chats and recordings were problematic. In particular, assessments which used matching and synchronous chats were the worst offenders. "
and
".... a 2008 study released by the American Foundation for the Blind found that nearly one third of those students with disabilities who used assistive technology reported that their experience with Learning Management Systems was unreliable/inconsistent or not successful. "
With this type of data is intuitively obvious to me that more educational technology in this field.
When teaching online, LMS sometimes CC can be problematic. I have learned that most LMS need an continuous updating for better access.
I learned that WAVE is a free tool to check images and web pages, accessibility.
SETH SORONNADI
THAT "Simply posting information or materials through an LMS does not ensure accessibility."
I have learned that Just because something is posted in LMS does not ensure the accessiblity for all students with ADA.
If LMS's are so problematic with the disabled community, then why are they so popular with online teaching? Why are the software companies that produce these formats not correcting their mistakes? I think that it would make the online instructor job much easier and more compliant.
