Enabling all Computer Users with Adaptive Technologies

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Enabling all Computer Users with Adaptive
Technologies

• By
• Valerie Claire Haven

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The Changing View of Learning

• Students with disabilities have traditionally
  been seen as disadvantaged learners requiring
  accommodations in the classroom.
• The ADAs emphasis on the level playing field
  caused many students to check their disabilities
  at the classroom door.
• The changing view of disability values all human
  life experience.
• 26 of the elements on the Periodic Table were
  discovered by people with disabilities.

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Shift in Education from Level Playing Field to
Inclusive Learning Environments

• The shift toward inclusive learning environments
  recognizes the uniqueness and diversity of all
  learners.
• It presents a new paradigm for education which is
  complimented by Universal Course Design.
• Universal Design for Education grew from the
  initial work done in the architecture field to
  create greater public access in buildings.
• Installing sidewalk curb cuts opened the door to
  the view that when limitations are addressed for
  people with disabilities access for everyone
  increases exponentially

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Definition of Universal Course Design

• Universal Course Design (UCD) is constructing
  college courses including course curriculum,
  instruction, assessment and the environment to be
  usable by all students, to the greatest extent
  possible, without the need for accommodations.
  (Equity and Excellence Project)

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Learning Styles and Learners with Disabilities

• The Universal Design for learning movement
  recognizes diverse learning styles as the
  framework for developing inclusive learning
  environments.
• One pathway for evaluating student learning
  styles is Howard Gardners Multiple Intelligences
  Theory.
• Gardner asserts that all learners apprehend
  information through numerous sensory pathways.
• Gardners theory is useful for learners with
  disabilities because it allows for the
  possibility that they can learn easily even if
  one major sensory ability is compromised.

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Categories of Multiple Intelligences Theory

• Verbal-Linguistic
• Logical/Mathematical
• Visual/Spatial
• Bodily/Kinesthetic
• Musical/Rhythmic
• Intrapersonal
• Interpersonal
• Naturalist
• Existentialist

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Resources for Multiple Intelligences Theory

• Web Site Technology and Multiple Intelligences
  Annette Lamb
• Includes resources on using multiple
  intelligences theory in the classroom.
• Resources for using MI Theory with technology are
  here as well eduscapes.com/tap/topic68.htm

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Incorporating Universal Design Low-Tech
Tools

• Present all educational materials in at least
  three different formats. Spoken lectures can be
  paired with a written transcript or outline.
• Use multimedia when possible. Use photographs
  and wooden models or video clips to illustrate
  lecture points.
• Provide written materials both in print and
  electronic formats.
• Create a version of your syllabus in a universal
  course design format (handout in packet).
• Four examples of UCD syllabi design at
  http//www.eeonline.org/course

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Incorporating Universal Design Mid-tech tools

• Put up web site for students use. Post
  electronic readings, and other relevant course
  materials.
• Post electronic copies of articles and other
  readings with internal links to section headers.
• Create MP3 files for all lectures and other class
  presentations.
• Develop video presentations as lecture
  illustrations.
• Put assignments into different delivery formats
  to match students learning styles.
• Use Inspiration to create course materials in
  mind mapping formats

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Incorporating Universal Design High-tech tools

• Create full course web site and post all
  resources and materials\
• Utilize web-based tools such as wikis and blogs
• Use multimedia such as Flash and Breeze for
  presentations
• Utilize web 2.0 tools such as Google Maps and RSS
  feeds

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A comment About Using Macromedia and Web 2.0
Tools

• If you choose to use these tools be sure you know
  your audience. They are powerful compliments for
  education, but they are not accessible to all
  your students.
• Macromedia is working to make Flash accessible,
  but it is a very visual tool and therefore will
  not relay your information to learners who have
  visual impairments effectively. You can use
  these tools if you present the information in
  several different formats at once.
• Many Web 2.0 tools require AJAX to operate. AJAX
  can be made accessible using widgets, but it
  requires a lot of knowledge on how to work with
  AJAX in order to ensure the accessibility of many
  of the 2.0 tools.
• These tools are fairly new and they are being
  evaluated for their access, so please stay tuned

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What about WEBCT and WIMBA Live Classroom?

• WEBCT has a high learning curve and the curve is
  even higher for learners with disabilities. Some
  aspects of the LMS are not accessible at all to
  either students or faculty with disabilities.
• One recommendation for working with WEBCT is to
  use the content module format when building a
  course. This format helps to streamline
  navigation within WEBCT and reduces the cognitive
  load a bit.
• Building an external web page and linking it into
  WEBCT is another way to enhance its overall
  accessibility.
• The next upgrade of WEBCT is much more accessible
  than our current version.
• WIMBA Horizon Live has increased its
  accessibility features in the upgrade being
  installed at the University this week. There
  will be more information on it after usability
  testing has been done.

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IPODs, Second Life, and Gaming The New
Educational Access Frontier

• IPODS, PDAs, and cell phones are the newest study
  aides. Downloadable course materials in
  accessible formats will be here any day.
• Second Life and social networking sites such as
  My Space are being looked at for educational use.
  Second Life is not accessible, but has an access
  blog going already.
• Educating learners with disabilities through the
  use of accessible gaming is coming up fast.
• Game Over looks at the Universal Design
  principles for gaming access.
• Game Over!http//ua-games.gr/game-over/

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Campus Resources

• BATEC course beginning this July - Designing for
  Inclusion Principles of Accessible Web Design
  for Education and Industry www.batec.org
• A new Graduate Certificate Program on Accessible
  Distance Education is being developed by the
  Division of Corporate and Continuing Distance
  Education
• Consulting Services Valerie Haven

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Conclusion

• Access is about opening the flow system of
  education and experience. Designing an inclusive
  learning environment is creative.
• Enhancing accessibility is a moment to moment
  event.
• Accessibility isnt about including those who are
  excluded, but opening up an experience to as many
  people as possible.

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Contact Information

• Valerie Claire Haven
• Access Technology Specialist
• The Institute for community Inclusion/UMass
• 617-287-4329
• Valerie.haven_at_umb.edu