The purpose of this blog is to address the issues involved for students and instructors with disabilities in the area of distance learning. Many of us take for granted that we can see and hear. What would it be like if we wanted to browse the Internet without being able to see or to hear? Would we be banned from taking or teaching online classes if we could not see or hear or had other disabilities?
I came across this topic while doing some research this summer. My awareness and amazement was increased this fall when I was attending a conference on distance learning in another state. One of the presenters on web accessibility was blind. However, I did not know that he was blind until half way through the presentation when he made the announcement himself. I nearly fell out of my chair. He had been using his laptop and speaking to us all during his presentation. After his announcement, he demonstrated a screen reader and discussed ways to make documents that could be used by screen readers. Many other tips were given during the presentation that would help students with disabilities. I would not have known that he was blind without him telling us. I was determined I would get to know more about this topic.
When we speak of distance learning, most of us have heard or have used the phrase, "anywhere, anytime, and for anyone". How can we claim distance education "for anyone" if we do not include students with disabilities?
"The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect." -- Tim Berners-Lee, W3C Director and inventor of the World Wide Web.
There are many issues facing students and instructors with disabilities in higher education. There are many types of disabilities. We will be exploring these issues on this blog and how others have faced them. We will be discussing adaptive technologies and pedagogies that allow those with disabilites to overcome the obstacles given them when seeking higher education.
To get started, please check out the article below for an in depth discussion of this topic. I would like to invite you back to follow along as we explore this important subject.
Online Distance Education - "Anytime, Anywhere" But Not for Everyone
http://people.rit.edu/easi/itd/itdv07n2/axel.htm
--Thank you, Kathy
A Distance Learning Community Addressing Disabilities
About Me
- Kathy
- Current Position: Distance Learning Coordinator
Hello Kathy,
ReplyDeletejust testing before I post..
Diane
Kathy,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great topic for your blog! And your personal story regarding the presenter who does not have vision is quite extraordinary indeed!
I too became very interested in technology and disabilities while working on my Masters in Instructional Technology at the University of West Georgia the past 2 years. In almost every one of my classes, we had a focus on infusing and integrating technology for diverse learners into the K-12 curriculum.
One of our very own professors, Dr. Marty Bray (other authors are Abbie Brown & Timothy Green) has a published book entitled “Technology and the Diverse Learner: A Guide to Classroom Practice. (2004). Corwin Press.
It is truly amazing what now exists for adaptive devices and aids for those with disabilities. I’m looking forward to following your blog!
Great job! Diane
We are having an all-day DL Conference for our faculty/staff in May. Hourly sessions will be offered and I think that this would be a great subject to discuss. I'll pass this suggestion on to the Sessions Committee chair.
ReplyDeleteHi, Kathy!
ReplyDeleteI was Very surprised to read the article you posted as I had "assumed" that distance learning would be very disability-friendly.
I have created some training programs for healthcare professionals on disability etiquette, and assisting persons with disabilities during disasters, and in public shelters. This topic interests me very much so I hope you will continue to provide information on distance learning and disabilities.